Daniels Nonlinear Lab [NCSU Banner]

Dept of Physics

Overview

We conduct experiments on nonequilibrium/nonlinear systems including granular materials, gels, surfactants, and thin liquid films. Active areas of investigation include:

force chains in granular material
granular materials: phase transitions, statistical mechanics, sound propagation, and segregation
fracture in complex fluids
starburst droplet spreading on gel
model meteor impact
laboratory models of geophysical processes
surfactant-driven instabilities in thin liquid films


Contact Information

Dr. Karen Daniels258C Riddick Lab 919-513-7921
Jennifer Outlaw (administrative support)421 Riddick Lab 919-515-3751
Lab229-234 Riddick Lab919-513-7965 or -1472
Physics Office 421 Riddick Lab 919-515-2521

Mailing Address
Dept. of Physics
Box 8202
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695
       Shipping Address
Dept. of Physics
421 Riddick Lab
2401 Stinson Dr.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695


Directions

We are located in the Physics Department in Riddick Lab (see campus map) on the main campus of NC State University, at 2401 Stinson Dr. If you drive to campus, the information booth (marked by a star on the campus map) will direct you to parking. The closest parking deck to Riddick is the Cates Avenue "Coliseum" Deck (cross under the tracks using the nearby tunnel, then turn right to face Riddick). Our offices/labs are on the 2nd floor.

You can purchase and print your parking permit ahead of time here so that you do not have to visit the information booth before parking.



Congratulations!

Kasey Phillips (physics and mathematics major '08) has been awarded an NSF Graduate Fellowship. She will first attend the University of Cambridge to study Applied Mathematics, after which she will move to Harvard University to pursue a PhD in Applied Physics in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.



In the News: "Shake Well to Restore Order"

Coverage of our work with Bob Behringer at Duke University on shaken and sheared granular materials recently appeared in Science



Research Opportunities

Interested undergraduates, graduate students, or prospective postdocs may contact Karen Daniels about research opportunities.

NC State students should consider applying for a Research Award, and/or speak to me in person about other research opportunities during the school year. External undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to the REU program organized by the NC State Physics Department.

Prospective graduate students should visit the Graduate Programs webpage for information about how to apply to the PhD program in the NC State Physics Department.



Course Registration

Prior to our meeting during the course registration period, please prepare a list of what courses you intend to take for at least the next semester. You should confirm that these courses are in fact being offered during the semester in question and that you have already satisfied the prerequisites. You can either use the "Plan of Work" feature on MyPack Portal, email me the list, or bring it written out.

Resources:



Career Guidance

What do physics majors do after graduation? Here are some links to information which looks beyond the "grad school in physics" option.

Looking for a science-related summer/campus job?



Instructions for Recommendation Letters

So that I can effectively advocate for you, please follow the instructions below for letters of recommendation.

  1. Make sure that I know enough information about you to write an effective letter. These can be either hard copy or email:

    • your legal name, year, major(s)
    • a copy of your transcript (printout from MyPack Portal is fine)
    • a copy of your personal statement (or other application materials)
    • what classes did you take from me? did you do anything to distinguish yourself in class?
    • any special academic awards/accomplishments?
    • any special non-academic awards/accomplishments (particularly if relevent to the mission of the program)?
    • how does the program fit into your long-term goals?
    • any other pertinent information about yourself which I might be able to address
  2. Make sure that I have enough information about about the program to be able to write an effective letter. These can be either hard copy or email:

    • list of all programs with deadlines and instructions (web vs. paper, whether I should mail or give to you)
    • information about what the program cares about (i.e "scholarship for scientists with artistic ability and red hair" or "PhD program in applied beekeeping" if it's not obvious from the title of the program)
    • all required paper forms
    • pre-addressed NCSU Physics envelopes for paper submissions (no stamps required)
  3. Please send email reminders as the deadlines approach, and I will send you email confirmation as I submit materials to the programs. (Online applications will probably send this confirmation directly.)

  4. Finally, please keep me posted about whether you were successful in your applicaton(s), and what your experiences were with a particular program. This will help me to advise future students looking for similar opportunties.

Good luck!



Group Members

Karen Daniels

Philip Boyne, undergraduate
fracture in gels

Stephanie Couvreur, visiting student from Ecole Normale Superieur, Paris
time-reversed acoustics in granular materials

Dave Fallest, graduate student
thin fluid flows

Laura Golick, undergraduate
segregation in granular materials

Frederic Lechenault, postdoc
state variables in dense granular materials

Melissa Fender, undergraduate student
fracture in gels

Eli Owens, graduate student
acoustics in granular materials



:: Updated: 21 Jun 2008 :: LABlog (restricted) :: Copyright © 2008 by Daniels Lab :: [Powered by Blosxom]