Dr. Micah Prange specializes in the development and use of theoretical electronic structure methods in the fields of physics, chemistry, and materials science by addressing especially difficult problems involving the response of materials to radiation and other external stimuli. He received a PhD in 2009 from the University of Washington where he studied theoretical X-ray absorption methods with John Rehr. Subsequently, he served as a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University before moving to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 2011. His varied research interests include such disparate topics as the relaxation of solid materials from excitation by radiation, the energetics and electronic structure of abundant oxide minerals, and the vibrational dynamics of amorphous and hydrogen bonded materials. Spectroscopic predictions from ab initio molecular dynamics and lattice dynamics simulations feature prominently in his work.
Workshop / Seminar
February 2026
SPEAKER: Dr. Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, WSU
BIOGRAPHY:
Kaiyan Qiu is currently a Berry Family Assistant Professor in School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. Dr. Qiu received his Ph.D. in Fiber Science from Cornell University and completed his postdoc…
Title: Machine Learning to Evaluate Governance, Risk, and Compliance Associated with Large Language Models
Speaker: Dr. Upakar Bhatta
Abstract: In today’s AI-driven digital world, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) has become vital for organizations as they leverage AI technologies to drive business success and resilience. GRC represents a strategic approach that helps…
Introducing Helion Energy and the HERCULES Program
Presented by Dr. Michael Hua, Director of Nuclear Science, Helion Energy
Abstract:
Helion Energy is a private fusion energy company…
Dr. Yingge Du is a senior materials scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he has spent 18 years advancing research on complex oxide thin films. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of Virginia and has authored over 150 publications and delivered 50 invited talks. His expertise includes epitaxial growth, atomic-resolution characterization, and metastable phase stabilization, with research spanning microelectronics, quantum materials, and energy storage.
SPEAKER: Dr. Bernard Van Wie, Professor, WSU Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Bernard Van Wie is a full Professor in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at Washington State University. Dr. Van Wie received his BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from…
PhD student Md. Wahad Uz Zaman, a member of Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present his latest work in a talk titled “Spin Hamiltonian perspectives on Cr‑Doped Srₙ₊₁TiₙO₃ₙ₊₁: understanding electronic structure, zero‑field splitting, and their impact on photocatalytic performance.”
Neural Operators Beyond Data: Physics, Generalization, and Trustworthy Predictions
Presented by Dr. Somdatta Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Systems Engineering, John Hopkins University
Abstract:
High-fidelity simulations of complex physical systems – from atmospheric flows and plasma instabilities to fracture and reactive transport – are essential…
Title: Securing Machine Learning: Evolving Threats, Attacks, and Defenses
Speaker: Dr. Yong (Steve) Wang
Abstract: Machine learning (ML) has gained increasing attention in recent years, with applications spanning nearly every industry. However, its widespread adoption has also led to a rise in security threats. This presentation explores evolving threats, attacks, and defense…
Arthur Wiesender, from Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present on “Cation Exchange in II-VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals.”
Egyptian Blue: Ancient Materials Engineering, Modern Functional Properties, and the Science of Color
Presented by Dr. John McCloy, Director and Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University
Abstract:
Egyptian blue (EB) is humanity’s first synthetic pigment, developed over 5,000 years ago…
As a PhD student in the Peterson Group, Brooke Bonar investigates the energetic properties of heavy‑element molecules with a focus on actinide halides. Her project, “Dissociation Energies of the Actinide Halides AnX, An = Ac–Lr and X = F–I, Utilizing Relativistic Composite Coupled Cluster Approaches,” centers on applying advanced relativistic computational methods to better understand bonding trends and dissociation behavior across the actinide series.
Dr. Sebastian Stoian is currently a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Idaho. Dr. Stoian explores iron and cobalt complexes using Mössbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques to reveal their unique magnetic and electronic properties.
SPEAKER: Dr. Shulin Chen, Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Shulin Chen is a Professor of Biological Systems Engineering at Washington State University, a registered Professional Engineer, and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in…
Tyler Dabritz, from Dr. Bernd Lange’s research group, will present on “Pools of Hidden Conjugates Underlie Prenylated Sulfur Volatile Emission from Cannabis.”
Kami Christensen, from Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present a literature review on Dopant Stabilization of Hafnia Polymorphs for Thin Film Applications.
United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries: The Story of Human-Based Radiation Research
Presented by Dr. Sergey Y. Tolmachev, Research professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University; Director of the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries, Richland, WA
Caleb Swain, from Dr. Xiaofeng Guo’s research group, will present on modern methods of recycling neodymium and other rare earth elements from spent magnet scrap and electrical components. In this talk, Caleb will discuss three research articles, each of which addresses neodymium and/or dysprosium recycling from different approaches. Methods and merits of each approach will be discussed. This relates to one of Caleb’s current research projects which analyzes the thermodynamics of Nd leaching into molten salt from magnet scrap.