Alejandro Strachan

Alejandro Strachan is an Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on molecular modeling of advanced materials, with specific emphasis on atomistic and mesoscale simulations of condensed-phase chemistry, active materials, nanotechnology, and mechanical properties of structural materials.

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of Buenos Aires (1998)
• Postdoctoral Research, Caltech's Materials Process Simulation Center (1999-2002)

Strachan's work integrates computational methods with machine learning to study material behavior under extreme conditions, including shock waves and high-pressure environments. His research spans energetic materials, phase transitions, and multiscale modeling frameworks.

Recent publications highlight trends in combining quantum-accurate simulations with deep learning for non-equilibrium systems, FAIR data infrastructure for materials discovery, and multiscale reactive models for energetic composites. He also explores mechanochemistry, defect dynamics, and microstructure-property relationships.

His computational simulations often address practical challenges in material stabilization, polymer interactions, and hotspot formation mechanisms. Strachan actively contributes to open science initiatives through platforms like nanoHUB and HUBzero.