My name is Mukhtar Muhammad Lawan. I am a Theoretical physicist who aspires to become a researcher in the field of Attosecond science and spectroscopy. I am originally from Nigerian city of Kano but currently living in Hamburg Germany.
Becoming a scientist has, always, been my childhood ambition. I am always interested in understanding the mystery behind numerous cryptic technologies coupled with a burning desire to make contributions in the field. As a citizen of Nigeria, I have resolved to venture into Science and Technology with a view to help my country realize its dreams in Science and Technology. This early discovery helps me direct my attention on academic and professional development that is relevant to this field. I studied Bachelor of Science Physics at undergraduate level at Bayero University Kano and graduated with a Second Class upper honors in 2016.I equally emerged among the 10 best graduating students in my class. My academic excellence and enthusiasm encouraged me to apply for Masters Program in Theoretical and applied physics which is equivalent to the degree awarded in the Abdussalam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste Italy, in one of the Africa’s centre of excellence, the African University Of Science and Technology, (AUST) Abuja, Nigeria. During my undergraduate and Masters programs, I studied hard with passion and was able to gain much understanding of both theoretical and practical Physics, more especially its application in the field of Science. Furthermore, I learned some skills that will aid my problem solving skills. These skills include software and leadership skills. My undergraduate research thesis titled “Calculation Of levitation Force between Permanent Magnet and Superconductor using dipole-dipole moment” under the Supervision of M.L Adam from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, has been rated among the best project by the National Association Of Mathematical
Physics society. With a view to solving more practical problems, my Masters’ thesis titled “Study of the energetics of Li adsorption on manganese Oxide systems that are used as cathode material for Lithium Ion batteries (LIBs)” which was taken under the Supervision of Prof. Stefano deGironcoli from SISSA, Trieste Italy, LiBs is regarded as one of the most effective improved batteries. The thesis addresses the problem of finding a suitable cathode material for use in LIBs and other cells by effectively determining the stability and Lithium intercalation energy of some of the crystal phases of manganese oxide. Due to my desire to contribute my quota in the field of physics and science in general, I hope to be a scientist, research fellow proffering solutions to challenges being faced by Africa and the world at large.
I joined the Max Planck Institute for structure and dynamics of Matter in Hamburg Germany, working in the theory group of Prof. Angel Rubio precisely on 1st of January 2021. Working on a project titled “First Principle Modelling of Core level Spectroscopy Of Solids” as part of the project sponsored by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Initial training network fellowship provided through the SMART-X project. My Phd will be supervised by Prof. Dr Angel Rubio and co-supervised by Dr. Hannes Hübener and Dr. Umberto De Giovaninni. It involves the development of theoretical approach to core level spectroscopy and the development of the software (octopus) which will be used for the simulation of various physical problems.
MPSD is reputed for its cutting edge research, and ranks among the top research institutes in the World. The Institute has a very strong faculty and advanced research facilities. It offers research-intensive programs and many field trips. Such an academic environment agrees very well with my academic and research interests. The facilities within the school will be of great assistance in broadening my academic and research career as well. Being dynamic and
result-driven coupled with my practical skills will always make me to be resourceful and innovative at synthesizing new solutions to the challenges faced.
In my leisure time, I watch football, move around the city and do some exercise.