Nicholas Pike

Research scientist and engineer with 17 years of experience spanning theoretical condensed matter physics, first-principles materials modeling, and applied industrial simulation. Trained in theoretical condensed matter physics at The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral research in first-principles modeling of two-dimensional and bulk materials at the University of Liège and the University of Oslo. Spent six years as a research scientist and engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory (via BlueHalo/AeroVironment), developing automation frameworks and applying density functional theory to characterize next-generation ferroelectric and optoelectronic materials.

Currently develops temperature-dependent thermal models for industrial annealing furnace applications at Rad-Con, Inc. Author of 20+ peer-reviewed publications (942 citations, h-index 12) with experience in university-level physics instruction across multiple institutions.

Software Engineer — Modeling and Simulation at Rad-Con, Inc. (2025-10 – Present)

• Develop and engineer temperature-dependent thermal models for annealing furnace applications, achieving an approximate 40% reduction in computational runtime relative to the previous model version while improving model accuracy.

Research Scientist & Engineer at AeroVironment (formerly BlueHalo) / U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (2019-09 – 2025-08)

• Designed and deployed “DFTCONTROL,” a Python-based automation framework to manage the full lifecycle of complex density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations on HPC infrastructure, encompassing data generation, database management, error handling, and data analysis; supported all DFT-related research conducted during this appointment, including over 2,000 individual calculations managed for a single published study.
• Applied advanced DFT simulations to discover and characterize next-generation ferroelectric materials, work directly aligned with the chemistry focus of quantum-algorithm applications.
• Collaborated with industry, government, and academic partners to advance the frontiers of computational research, publishing 8 high-impact papers and presenting at 10+ conferences.

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Oslo (2017-09 – 2019-09)

• Developed and validated computational models to predict the finite-temperature properties of alloys and composite materials, including solid-state phase transitions in shape-memory alloys.
• Created a first-principles approach for calculating anisotropic coefficients of thermal expansion.

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Liège (2015-09 – 2017-09)

• Performed first-principles modeling to determine the physical, dielectric, and vibrational properties of 2D and 3D materials, including monolayer and bulk transition-metal dichalcogenides.
• Contributed to the core codebase of ABINIT, an internationally recognized scientific computing package, implementing new capabilities for the analysis of Raman spectra and nonlinear optical properties.

Lecturer of Physics at The Ohio State University (2014-09 – 2015-09)

• Taught recitation and laboratory sections of Physics 1200, an algebra-based introductory physics course, to undergraduate students.
• Held office hours, provided one-on-one tutoring, developed practice examinations, and created lecture materials.

Graduate Student Researcher at The Ohio State University (2009-09 – 2014-09)

• Conducted research in theoretical condensed matter physics, investigating magnetic moment formation on graphene, dispersion relations of surface plasmons on chains of metallic particles, and thermal spin transport.
• Taught recitation and laboratory sections for both algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics courses.

Teaching Assistant at Grand Valley State University (2007-01 – 2008-05)

• Served as a guest lecturer and taught laboratory sections for algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics courses.

Math and Science Tutor at Grand Valley State University (2005-01 – 2008-05)

• Helped students strengthen their understanding of physics and mathematical concepts as a tutor in the Math and Science Student Support Center.

Landscaper at Rivertown Landscapes (2005 – 2007)

Summers 2005 – 2007 (June–September 2005; June–September 2006; June 2007)

• Managed construction of retaining walls, flower and vegetable beds, and water features, including the design and installation of water drainage systems.

Production Technician at General Motors (2003-06 – 2003-08)

• Completed a summer internship at the Grand Rapids Metal Stamping plant, unloading stamping presses and performing quality-control inspections.

Cook at Downtown Trini's and Margarita Joe's (2001-06 – 2008-06)

• Worked as a line cook, dishwasher, busser, and expediter at a local Mexican restaurant.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics – The Ohio State University

Master of Science in Physics – The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science in Physics – Grand Valley State University