Natalia Perkins

Natalia Perkins is a Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly on quantum spin liquids, spin-orbit coupling, and frustrated magnetic materials. She holds grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including an NSF CAREER award and an Emmy Noether Fellowship.

Research Interests

Perkins develops microscopic models to study unconventional quantum phases in correlated materials, with emphasis on systems exhibiting geometric frustration and strong spin-orbit coupling. Her work explores

• Quantum spin liquid ground states
• Majorana fermion dynamics
• Topological phases of matter
• Ultrasound spectroscopy of fractionalized excitations
• Kitaev model extensions (e.g., Γ terms)

Scientific Awards & Funding

Her grants and awards include

• NSF CAREER Award DMR-1929311
• DOE Grant DE-SC0018056
• Emmy Noether Fellowship (Perimeter Institute)
• NSF Grant DMR-1929311
• NSF Grant DMR-1420073 (CAREER)

Collaborations & Research Output

Perkins collaborates internationally on quantum magnetism, with projects analyzing

• Disorder effects in quantum magnets
• Non-Abelian spin liquid dynamics
• Chiral phases in frustrated systems

Her recent publications in Physical Review B and npj Quantum Materials highlight advancements in understanding fractionalized excitations and topological phases.