Contact 

emilydunkel(at)post(dot)harvard(dot)edu                                                       

Objective

Challenging technical position using my skills in mathematical modeling, analysis, and computation.

Education

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 

Ph.D., Physics (2008) - Thesis: "Quantum Phenomena in Condensed Phase Systems"

A.M., Physics (2004)

University of California, Los Angeles, CA

B.S., Chemical Engineering - Summa Cum Laude (2001)
B.S., Physics - Summa Cum Laude, Highest Departmental Honors (2001)

Skills

Theoretical and computational physics, mathematical modeling, scientific programming, numerical     methods, software development.  Experienced in Matlab, Fortran, Mathematica, and Unix.  Some experience with C++.

Technical Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry Department, University of Texas at Austin (2008)

Investigated the role of quantum modes in spectroscopy of large molecules using analytical techniques and computational experiments in Matlab.

Graduate Student Researcher, Physics Department, Harvard University (2004-2007)

Developed a novel algorithm to model quantum phenomena in condensed phase systems, combining path integral techniques and Monte Carlo simulation. Implemented this method in Fortran.  Worked with an experimental group to model material properties of antiferromagenets near a quantum critical point, using field-theoretic techniques and Matlab.  Presented at conferences and seminars.  

 
Research Assistant, Chemistry Department, Boston University (Summer 2006)
Implemented an optimization method to find minimum energy reaction pathways, and incorporated it into a molecular dynamics software package. 

Student Researcher, Chemical Engineering Department, UCLA (Winter 2000)
Simulated interactions in a biochemical reactor by implementing a predator-prey model in Matlab.  Tested controllers to stabilize the system.
 
Environmental Geophysics Intern, Lawrence Livermore National Lab (Summer 1999)
Performed gas flow calculations and programmed in Visual Basic to set up chemical release schedules for testing remote sensing equipment.
 
Engineering Intern, Chevron, Bakersfield, CA (Summer 1998)
Designed water flow patterns for oil fields.  Collaborated directly with engineers and technicians to collect data.

Teaching Fellow, Harvard University Physics Department (2001-2007)
Led weekly discussion sections, held office hours, and helped develop exam and homework questions during 6 semesters.  
 

Computer Skills

Experienced in Fortran, Matlab, Mathematica, Unix.  Some experience in C++ and Java.

Honors and Awards

Robbins Prize, Harvard Physics Department (2005)

For contributions to physics graduate student community 

National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship (2003-2005)
Outstanding B.S. Degree Recipient Award, UCLA Chemical Engineering Department (2001)
Kinsey Award, UCLA Physics Department (2001)

Outstanding graduating senior award 

Tau Beta Pi (1999-)

Service

Physics Tutor, Harvard University Winthrop House (2004-2007)
Science Fair Judge and Mentor, Cambridge Rindge and Latin HS (2004 & 2005)
Co-coordinator of Women in Physics, Harvard University (2003-2004)
 

Publications

E. R. Dunkel, S. Bonella, and D. F. Coker, "Iterative linearized approach to non-adiabatic dynamics'', Journal of Chemical Physics 129, 114106 (2008). 
 
E. R. Dunkel, "Quantum Phenomena in Condensed Phase Systems'', Harvard Physics Thesis, (2007).
 
S. Sachdev and E. R. Dunkel, "Quantum critical dynamics of the two-dimensional Bose gas'', Physical Review B 73, 085116 (2006).