Dr. Volker Blum

Associate Professor

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Biography

Volker Blum heads the 'Ab initio materials simulations' group at Duke University, where his research emphasizes first-principles computational materials science. His work employs the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to predict the properties of real materials from the atomic scale upwards. Specific areas of focus include the interface of nanoscale systems and their applications in electronic energy. Blum actively investigates novel semiconductor materials, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, and complex chalcogenide materials, which are promising for photovoltaics, spin-based electronics, and optoelectronics. He is the coordinator of a major computational materials science software package based on electronic structure theory, known as FHI-aims. His research group is interdisciplinary, spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science, fostering opportunities for international collaboration and exchange.

Research Interests

Awards

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August-Wilhelm-Scheer Visiting Professorship

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Outstanding Referee

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Staedtler Foundation Prize

Courses

MSEG 591: Independent Study ME 591: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering Material Science 560S: Materials Science Engineering Seminar 511: Computational Materials Science 492: Special Projects Mechanical Engineering 491: Special Projects Mechanical Engineering 221L: Structure Properties of Solids

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)