Dr. James Shepherd

Associate Professor

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Biography

James Shepherd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University. His research interests revolve around developing advanced computational methods to study electron-electron interactions in metals and high-temperature chemistry. This includes bond breaking in small molecules, low-gap material in semiconductors, and reactions on surfaces with heterogeneous catalysts. He focuses on improving existing quantum methods for materials design and aims to enhance accuracy while making algorithms more accessible for routine use. His work also explores the modeling of complex electronic structures in novel materials and seeks to provide reliable computational tools for the scientific community. Additionally, Shepherd has been involved in high-temperature electron research and has made significant contributions to the understanding of finite-temperature behaviors in strongly interacting systems. His dedication to advancing electronic structure methods is evidenced by his collaborations and publications, which contribute to the field of high-accuracy computations in chemistry and materials science.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

Michigan State University • East Lansing, MI

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Chemistry.

Associate Professor

2023-01-01 — 2024-01-01

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

Conducting advanced research and teaching in Chemistry.

Assistant Professor

2017-01-01 — 2023-01-01

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

Initiated research projects and taught courses in Chemistry.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2015-01-01 — 2017-01-01

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Worked on research projects under Professor Troy Van Voorhis.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2013-01-01 — 2015-01-01

Rice University • Houston, TX

Conducted research under Professor Gustavo Scuseria.

Awards

#

CAREER Award

2021-01-01
#

Early Career Research Program

2020-01-01

Requirements for Michigan State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:17
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field At least 15 credits in psychology courses
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Psychology