Dr. Julia Chan, Professor, Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science at Baylor University will give a seminar titled "Stacking Building Blocks of Subunits: A Platform for Quantum Materials" to the interested faculty and students at Discovery Park.

Abstract

The growth, characterization, and physical properties of new systems and architectures of novel classes of materials are essential for advancing the field of highly correlated systems. Solid-state synthesis remains challenging due to the unpredictability of phase formation, temperature profiles, and reaction ratios. However, solid-state chemists have developed chemical heuristics, such as periodic trends, the Zintl-Klemm concept, Pauling’s rules, valence electron concentration, and geometrical constraints, to predict outcomes.

Our goal is to study the growth of materials to understand the interplay between itinerant electrons and localized magnetic moments in “bulk heterostructures” of intermetallics, which is crucial for comprehending magnetism and emergent behavior. I will introduce a new platform aimed at discovering a new class of heavy electron systems within the context of topological metals with strong correlations. Although selecting new phases and their corresponding growth and synthesis is complex, our extensive experience with diverse materials and careful candidate selection make our efforts an ideal starting point for studying the interplay of magnetism and correlations. Here, I will outline our strategy to discover and grow the most promising intermetallic candidates.

Bio

Prof. Julia Chan is the Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science at Baylor University. She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Davis and B.S. in Chemistry from Baylor University. After NRC postdoctoral research at NIST, she had faculty appointments at Louisiana State University (2000-2013) and UT Dallas (2013-2021) before returning to Baylor University. Her current research is focused on synthesis, crystal growth, and characterization of novel quantum materials. Prof. Chan has published over 235 peer-reviewed journal articles and given over 150 invited talks. Her selected awards include the NSF Career Award, American Crystallographic Association Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award, Baylor University Outstanding Alumni Award, Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, Iota Sigma Pi Agnes Fay Morgan Award, American Chemical Society Exxon Mobil Faculty Fellowship in Solid State Chemistry. Prof. Chan is Deputy Editor for Science Advances (AAAS) and was Editor of the Journal of Alloys and Compounds. She is an elected Fellow of AAAS and the American Chemical Society.