Miguel A. Morales Silva

Miguel A. Morales Silva is a Research Scientist at the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ) within the Flatiron Institute. His research focuses on developing and applying quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods to solve quantum many-body problems, aiming to create predictive, parameter-free first-principles techniques for strongly correlated materials and large-scale high-performance computing applications.

• Education: B.A. in Physics and Mathematics (2004), University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez; Ph.D. in Physics (2009), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

His research spans computational quantum physics, condensed matter theory, and materials science. Key areas include:

• Quantum Monte Carlo methodologies
• Electronic structure of strongly correlated systems
• Phase transitions in quantum materials
• High-performance computing for quantum simulations
• Downfolding ab initio Hamiltonians

His recent publications emphasize quantum Monte Carlo studies of 2D materials, electron gases, and cavity-QED systems, with software development contributions to the QMCPACK package. Notable awards include:

• NNSA Defense Programs Award of Excellence
• LLNL Early and Mid-Career Recognition Program
• MOSI Early Career Hispanic Scientist of the Year
• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)