Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2013
Placement period
January – April, May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Christian Ast
Project Details
Overview
Over the last 6 months, I’ve been working on a computer simulation that simulates graphene (a carbon-based 2D lattice). The simulation was done via implementing MATLAB scripts. Over my time here, we’ve focused both on computer science work, such as optimizing the simulation for time and memory sake, and also theoretical physics work, where we’ve calculated important features of graphene, such as it’s band structure and self energy. Almost all of this theory was foreign to me when I started, but with the help of my supervisor, Christian Ast, and other coworkers, I soon came to grasp the concepts. I’m continuing to work on this project by furthering what the simulation can do until December (a total of 8 months). Due to the unique opportunities here at Max Planck, I’m then staying for another 8 months, but working on a new self-created project, where I’ll work to create a series of online educational videos for the institute.
Project objectives
Improve and build on MATLAB scripts that calculate the band structure and self energy of different lattices. Implement code that simulates defects and disorder within graphene, producing results that can be compared to experimental data, as well as other simulations we’ve run.
Research outcomes
We’ve produced a wide variety of results. Some show to be very interesting, with comparisons to unexplained phenomena observed in experiment. The research will continue with another Co-op student who may take the project in several different directions, depending on the results we find.
Project status
Completed
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
The largest factor for me was going to another country. The name Max Planck is pretty big too, so I imagined it’d be pretty cool work-experience regardless.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
Getting the job:
In terms of getting hired, read up about the jobs and the projects, be genuinely interested in them. Keen to learn, keen to work hard, keen to travel and be in another culture, keen for life, really. All the typical stuff you hear about resumes, cover letters and interviews. The fact that you’re reading this is probably a good sign.
The job itself:
Ask questions. My (and potentially your) supervisor is super friendly and nice and you’ll quickly feel comfortable if you don’t understand something.
Social Life:
If you’re in Stuttgart, I recommend joining the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/StuttgartExpatMeetups/. I’ve befriended lots of people at work, as most of them are 24-26 PhD students and such. However, this group is another great way to meet more people from all over the world. They normally create a new event about once a week, and you can go and make instant friends.
Travelling:
Black Forest is at your doorstep. Berlin is abstractly perfect. Mountains in Switzerland will blow you away. Get lost, live the dream.
When it comes to travelling, cost might be a problem. I recommend http://www.carpooling.co.uk and http://www.couchsurfing.org. These take a bit of travel confidence, and if you’d prefer something a little more comfortable, then buses, trains & planes getting increasingly comfier but increasingly more expensive 🙂
As I referred to in my project, I’ll be staying in Stuttgart until August 2014. I would really really be up for answering any questions, picking you up from Stuttgart Airport, and helping you with anything you need. Send me a message at http://www.facebook.com/jonparnell.jp
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
Once in a lifetime. From a decaliter of Oktoberfest beer, to an upwards kilometer of mountainous Norwegian views. I’ve had a blast hitchhiking to Rome and befriending the guy at my local donair shop. I won’t bore you with all the adventures, you can make your own.
