Mathematica Masterclass: Visualising Materials Science

As we warmed up for Hermes 2016, the TSM-CDT hosted a Mathematica masterclass delivered by Prof. W. Craig Carter, Dr Kyle Keane and George Varnavides.

As we warmed up for Hermes 2016, the TSM-CDT hosted a Mathematica masterclass delivered by Prof. W. Craig Carter, Dr Kyle Keane and George Varnavides from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA). The masterclass ran from 25-27th July in the Whitely Suite. Of course, Prof. Carter is no stranger to our humble home in the Whitely Suite; he is a fierce advocate of the founding philosophy of the TSM-CDT and has remained an enthusiastic contributor throughout its development. Teaming up with Dr Keane, who has worked as a researcher at Wolfram, this Mathematica masterclass was the much improved version of a similar course that Prof. Carter organised a few years ago.

Across the best part of two-and-a-half days, Prof. Carter, Dr Keane and George led various mini-workshops to showcase the effectiveness of Mathematica as a tool for rapid visualisation of problems in materials science. The first day consisted of an intense course on the Mathematica software and programming language. On the second day, the participants embarked on short projects of their own choosing as they aimed to bring scientific phenomena to life. The impressive breadth of project titles was matched only by Prof. Carter's scope of materials science. Even as we wrapped up on the third day, it was clear that participants were still really focused on their projects. (Visuals from the projects will be available on the website in due course.) The freshly forged Mathematica tools would come in very handy against the visualisation-based 'Science Communication Challenge' at Hermes 2016, which commenced later that day.

 Of course, this masterclass was about more than just materials science. The first day concluded with a memorable dinner on Gloucester Road and some sophisticated conversation. Prof. Carter shared his experience, knowledge, wisdom and advice about life in academia. The message was clear: amongst the challenges of research, it is always worth remembering yourself, where you are and where you are going. For moments like this which give the TSM-CDT its uniquely intimate atmosphere, opportune for personal growth, it is always nice to remind ourselves just how privileged we are to be a part of this wonderful research community.

So, on behalf the TSM-CDT, I would like to thank for Prof. Carter, Dr Keane and George for their efforts and time in organising an enriching course. I would also like to thank Carol Cronin from Wolfram who arranged Mathematica licenses for all participants of the masterclass as well as for Hermes 2016. It was truly a special week for the TSM-CDT.