David Ceperley

David Ceperley is a Research Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Grainger College of Engineering. He holds the title of Founder Professor in Physics and has been a faculty member since 1987. Ceperley's research focuses on quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods and quantum many-body systems, particularly in condensed matter physics and high-pressure phenomena. His work includes groundbreaking studies on electron gas energy, superfluid helium, and hydrogen under extreme conditions.

Education: BS in Physics from the University of Michigan (1971), PhD in Theoretical Physics from Cornell University (1976). Postdoctoral positions at the University of Paris and Rutgers University, followed by roles as a staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. He also served at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) until 2012.

Research interests span computational methods for condensed matter, quantum simulations, and applications to diverse materials. His recent articles explore Compton profiles of lithium, hydrogen phase transitions under pressure, and planetary interior modeling of hydrogen-helium mixtures. Awards include the B. J. Alder CECAM Prize (2016) and Fellowship in the American Physical Society (1990).

Advising and grants: While no student list is provided, Ceperley leads a research group advancing QMC techniques. His work is supported by DOE and other agencies. Ongoing projects include studies on electron fluids, metalization of hydrogen, and cold atom systems.