Dr. Manny Curotto, professor and chair of chemistry and physics, attended the Telluride Science Research Center’s annual workshop on Monte Carlo methods for electronic structure theory this July. The conference gave Dr. Curotto the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and compare their findings to his research.

“I have decades of experience with Monte Carlo simulations, but most of my applications deal with nuclei,” said Dr. Curotto. “The workshop, led by leaders in the field, introduced me to a new research direction. Overall, this has served to increase the tools I have at my disposal tremendously.”

Dr. Curotto explained that three tools, in particular, will influence his research: computational data management and visualization classes of Python 3; solutions to technical problems of Variational, Path Integral, and Diffusion Monte Carlo simulations; and a new, stochastic approach to electronic structure theory that is implemented with the Hubbard Stratonovich transformation.