AMS Early Career Profile: Justin Abbott

Justin Abbott Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Davis Position: Modeling Scientist Company: Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) Industry Sector: Research and Development

What he does:

• As a modeling scientist in the Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at SAIC Justin develops mathematical descriptions of electronic and optical properties of materials at the nanoscale. The insights gained from these models help to guide development of new materials for applications such as inexpensive, flexible, and highly efficient solar cells.

Math on the job:

• Justin uses mathematics every day. At the nanoscale the physical behavior of systems is sometimes quantum mechanical in nature, sometimes classical, and sometimes a surprising mixture of the two. "In order to understand these systems mathematically one must use a wide range of mathematical techniques from fields such as linear algebra, differential equations, and stochastic processes. Analysis of models generally involves a large amount of computer simulation. In these cases numerical and statistical analysis are employed. There is pretty much something for everyone."

Justin's background:

• Justin received his Ph.D. and Bachelors of Science from UC Davis. "While there isn't a single course that I can pick out as the most important, I find that a strong command of linear algebra and probability theory is absolutely invaluable."

Advice for students:

• "Although many students do not like the introductory linear algebra course, it is perhaps the most useful class in a standard mathematical or physical sciences undergraduate curriculum."