Mahdi Sanati

Mahdi Sanati is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University, where he conducts theoretical and computational research in materials science. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Cincinnati (1999).

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of Cincinnati (1999)
• M.Sc. in Physics, University of Cincinnati (1995)
• B.Sc. in Physics, Shahid Behshti University, Tehran, Iran (1989)

Sanati's research focuses on computational materials physics, employing first-principles electronic structure calculations, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations to study bulk and surface properties of technologically relevant materials. His work spans structural materials, shape memory alloys, correlated electron systems, semiconductor defects, thermal properties, hydrogen trapping in FCC metals, and surface electronic emission. He emphasizes connecting theoretical models to real-world material applications.

His publication record (1998-2024) reveals a sustained emphasis on surface phenomena and phase transformations, with recent work (2023-2024) investigating hydrogen outgassing mechanisms and surface morphology effects on electron emission. Key themes include defect engineering in semiconductors, phase stability of alloys, and thermal properties of nuclear materials like UO₂.

As a faculty member, Sanati advises graduate students and conducts research supported by external funding, though specific grant details are not provided in this source. His laboratory work centers on computational modeling rather than experimental setups.