- Doctor of Science in Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia (04/96)
- M.Sc. in Theoretical Solid State Chemistry, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia (10/93)
- Diploma in Physics (equivalent to US M.Sc.):
- M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics and Condensed Matter Physics (06/88)
- M.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics Education (06/88)
Department of Physics and Mathematics. University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia,
and Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, USSR.
- Condensed Matter Physics, Solid State Chemistry, and Materials Science, including:
- Development of multi-scale computational techniques;
- Structure-Property-Function relationship Ultra-fast processes in crystals;
- Behavior of condensed matter in extreme conditions;
- Molecular, Energetic, and Multifunctional materials;
- Defects, Deformations, Surfaces, and Interfaces;
- Modeling of the electronic structure, resonance phenomena, optics, and spectroscopy of solids;
- Design of novel targeted materials; Energy; Catalysis; Organic electronics; Hydrogen transfer;
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Program Director (02/2011-to date) National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA
Office of the Director, Office of International Science and Engineering, Global Initiatives
- Manage multi-agency research program: Partnerships in International Research and Education (PIRE)
- Embassy Science Fellow (05-07/2010) US Embassy in Moscow, Russian Federation,
Science Consultant to the US Government upon request of the State Department, http://moscow.usembassy.gov
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Prepared a holistic analysis of the status of nanotechnology in Russia to promote US-RF collaboration
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Wrote the benchmark report on a Prospective US-Russia Collaboration in Science and Technology
- Program Director (03/2008-02/2011) National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA
Office of the Director, Office of Integrative Activities: http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia
- Manage Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, with annual budget of $150M, including
- Research Infrastructure Improvement Grants, Co-funding across NSF, Outreach and Workshops
- Program Director (12/02- 04/2008) National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Division of Materials Research
- Manage multidisciplinary external research program, with annual budget of $65M, including:
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) (DMR program): www.mrsec.org
- Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSEC) (NSF-wide program): www.nsf.gov
- Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) (DMR program): www.mrsec.org/prem
- Professor (Adjunct) (12/07-to date) Department of Materials Science and Nuclear Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
- Maintain the research group with a wide network of international collaborators and a diverse scientific portfolio
- Professor (Adjunct) (01/05-to date) Physics Dept, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NE
- Research Scientist (10/01-2/03) Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, MD and University of Maryland, Center for Energetic Concepts Development, Dept. of Mech. Engineering
- Lead Research Scientist (08/98-12/02) Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Research Faculty (06/99-09/01), Office of Naval Research Fellow (08/97-06/99)
Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
- Senior Research Associate (04/96-08/98), Research Associate (04/91-04/96)
Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Invited Scientist (08/94-11/94) UNESCO. International Center of Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy
- Visiting Researcher (01/88-02/89) Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, USSR
- Junior Research Associate (10/85-06/88), Teaching Assistant, Lab Instructor (09/83-09/85)
Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia, USSR
- Member of Materials Research Society, American Physical Society, and American Chemical Society
- NSF OIA Director's Performance award (2009)
- NSF Director's Award for Excellence in Collaborative Integration (2008)
- NSF MPS Assistant Director's bonus for Outstanding Performance (2002, /03, /04, /05, /06, /07)
- NSF Director's Award for Program Management Excellence (2005)
- Lead Researcher Title Award, Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia (1998)
- NATO ASI "New trends in Materials Chemistry" Il Chiocco, Lucca, Italy (09/1995)
- Doctorate Study Award Fellowship, Latvian Council of Science and University of Latvia (1994-96)
- International Science (G. Soros) Foundation Outstanding Young Scientist Award (spring/1994)
- Latvia University Fellowship for academic excellence (outstanding student award) (9/1987-6/88)
- Outstanding Student Exchange Program Fellowship, Rostok University, Germany (1985)
- First Place Winner of University Competitive Award for Excellent Academic Achievement in German and Physics (1983, /84, /85)
Education