James' group uses mathematical ideas to discover new materials and structures. We seek the fundamental causes of the unique behavior of functional materials, with a special focus on phase transformation, magnetism, ferroelectricity, shape memory and light-matter interaction. To construct predictive theory, we use a variety of tools from nonlinear analysis, the calculus of variations, partial differential equations and group theory, and we invent simulation tools for the theory we create. We make materials in our laboratory and study them using both local and major national characterization facilities. Our ultimate measure of success is to put a spectacular new theory-designed material on the table. Please visit our Research Section for more information.