John Kieffer

John Kieffer is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. His research focuses on simulation-based predictive design of materials for energy applications, combining computational methods with experimental validation.

• M.S. in Metallurgy from Clausthal Technical University (1980)
• Ph.D. in Materials Science from Clausthal Technical University (1985)

His research integrates first-principles quantum mechanical calculations, reactive molecular dynamics simulations, and hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics techniques to study materials for photovoltaics, batteries, and composite materials. Experimental validation includes dielectric impedance spectroscopy and inelastic light scattering, complemented by sol-gel synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrids.

Current projects sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation explore amorphous systems, self-healing polymers, Li-ion battery electrolytes, and high-pressure materials. His work also involves multiscale simulation of nucleation and crystal growth.

• Morey Award Lecture (2002)

Kieffer's facilities include a unique tandem Fabry-Perot interferometer for concurrent Raman and Brillouin light scattering measurements, enabling non-contact nano-scale monitoring of reacting systems.