The Tafti Lab is an interdisciplinary research program at the junction of condensed matter physics, materials science, and solid-state chemistry.
We combine theoretical and experimental techniques to design new quantum materials to revolutionize three major technological areas: sustainable energy, quantum information, and extreme environments. Our approach to discovering new materials is based on a feedback loop between DFT computations, chemical synthesis, and physical measurements. We use nearly all available solid-state tools to grow crystals of new quantum materials. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for quantum transport and magnetization measurements under extreme conditions, such as ultrahigh pressures and low temperatures. We frequently visit national labs for high-field measurements as well as x-ray and neutron scattering experiments.
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Our Values
The Tafti Lab appreciates diversity and welcomes enthusiastic researchers of different backgrounds to join the team. We strive to create a dynamic, friendly, and collaborative environment where postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers work together and learn from each other.
Our weekly group meetings serve to bring the group members together, introduce new members, discuss the latest achievements of team members, solve problems with the lab equipment, and have group presentations. The group presentations are meant to improve the students’ presentation skills and evoke deep scientific discussions.
When new members join the lab, they are introduced in the group meeting and connected with other students and postdocs. Each group member is responsible for an instrument in the lab and helps others use that instrument and troubleshoot potential problems. Although group members are extremely efficient in helping and training each other, Prof. Tafti always finds time for one-to-one training of every student (including undergraduates) and postdoc.
The group has a tradition of organizing group dinners in their favorite restaurants where all team members can discuss their professional as well as personal interests and challenges in an informal setting. There are no hierarchies in our group and everyone is valued for their unique talent and personality. This is why the Tafti Lab has been remarkably successful in training students and postdocs to succeed in the competitive job market. The lab also maintains a healthy connection with its alumni who act as another layer of support for the group members.
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