Placement Information

Year you started your placement
2012

Placement period
May – August, September – December

Supervisor’s name
Sergey Levchenko

Project Details

Overview
A system, with a given temperature, pressure and environment will have varying effects on atomic structures. I am implementing a massively parallel Genetic Algorithm to find the most suitable stoichiometry and configurational formation the most suitable stoichiometry will take in these conditions.

Project objectives
The goal is to write a program which uses the powerful Genetic Algorithm method, as well as one that can be heavily parallelized – that is, each job sent to the cluster works independently of others, aside from sharing knowledge of the currently created structures. There is also a heavy emphasis on user accessibility so that they may not have to dig into the code when working with varying systems.

Project status
Completed

My Co-op Experience at MPI

Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I wanted to get a taste for the research life, thinking about my post-graduation life and studies. Also, as someone who was born in Vancouver and goes to UBC, it would be important for self-learning and growing to visit a different culture and living independently.

What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
Make sure you have a working knowledge of Linux, and a few of the more popular languages under your belt. Physics 309 was very helpful in this regard. Also, try to find a group of people who share a hobby, as it’s then easier to learn of their culture and ways.

Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
I joined an Ultimate Frisbee team here in Berlin and we’ve traveled to many places for tournaments. It was a great way to connect with people.