Atomistic Theory and Optimization of Materials
Pant Research Group at the University of California, Davis
What we study
Computational materials science
We seek to understand and engineer the properties of electronic and quantum materials, starting from the atoms that make up those materials and the fundamental laws of the universe.
Connection to devices
We strive to bridge the gap between materials theory and device physics by connecting the properties of materials to how devices work and how they can be engineered.
Why it matters
Understanding and engineering materials opens possibilities for technologies such as:
- Materials for next-generation quantum and AI hardware
- Ultraviolet LEDs for disinfection and manufacturing
- Power electronics for efficient renewable-energy conversion and electrified transportation
Shared priorities with UC Davis Grand Challenges on climate and Next Level Engineering on energy.
Join Us
Undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students in materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering are welcome.
Research
Electronic-structure theory · Computational materials science · Device physics
Training
AI/ML · High-performance computing · Semiconductor engineering
Skills that transfer to industry or prepare you for an academic career.
Find Us
Kemper Hall
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of California, Davis
- Integrated with Materials Science and Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering in Kemper Hall, next door to cutting-edge experimental groups
- About two hours from the Bay Area tech ecosystem, opening opportunities for industry collaboration. Our PI’s past collaborations include Lumileds in San Jose, CA.
- About two hours from the Bay Area academic and national-lab ecosystem: Stanford, UC Berkeley, LBNL, and LLNL
We aim for a group where different backgrounds are welcomed, opportunities are equitable, and everyone is accountable for respectful, inclusive conduct.
Curiosity-driven science · Shared expectations · Inclusivity · Professional development
NEWS
Scroll for earlier updates ↓2026 · Invited talk
2026 Berkeley Excited States Conference
Nick presents at the 2026 Berkeley Excited States Conference (BESC) at UC Berkeley. Thanks to Steven Louie and Zhenglu Li for the invitation.
2025 · Invited talk
Condensed Matter Physics Seminar at the University of Kansas
Nick presents at the Condensed Matter Physics Seminar in the Department of Physics at the University of Kansas. Thanks to Qunfei Zhou for the invitation.
2024 · Invited talk
Disorder in semiconductor physics workshop at UCSB
Nick presents at the workshop on disorder in semiconductor physics at UC Santa Barbara. Thanks to Jim Speck for the invitation.
2024 · In the press
A red revolution with quantum machine learning
Nick discusses LED modeling, quantum machine learning, and future directions for the field in Compound Semiconductor.
Read the feature ↗2024 · Conference
Two talks at the International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors
In Hawaii, Nick presented work on energy-loss mechanisms in ultraviolet LEDs and on whether alloy fluctuations localize holes in InGaN LEDs.
Conference website ↗2024 · Award
Best Oral Presentation at the MRS Spring Meeting
Nick received the Best Oral Presentation award in symposium EL04 for work on Auger–Meitner recombination in AlGaN ultraviolet LEDs.
2024 · Invited talk
LED materials at Photonics West
Nick presents an invited talk on the simulation of LED materials at SPIE Photonics West OPTO. Thanks to Bernd Witzigmann for the invitation.
Talk details ↗2022 · Conference
Nitride semiconductor research in Berlin
At the International Workshop on Nitride Semiconductors, Nick presented a talk on carrier localization and defect tolerance in InGaN LEDs, and a poster on modeling LED optical spectra.
Conference website ↗