2015 Midwest Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Conference, Iowa State University Campus, May 28-29, 2015

PI提议召开一次中西部热力学和统计力学（MTSM）研讨会。该系列会议将汇集实验，理论和计算热力学和统计力学领域的研究人员，以交流思想和最新研究成果。会议特别设计为年轻研究人员（研究生，博士后和初级教师）展示和讨论他们的想法和研究成果，并确定未来潜在的合作机会的平台。 会议将为学生提供一个机会，介绍研究，网络与专业人士在他们的学科，并讨论当前和即将到来的科学进展领域。预测纳米材料、软物质和生物系统的微观结构和热力学性质的分子理论和模拟方法的发展和应用是各种工程应用的基础和有用的，如能量转换和储存、环境保护、材料设计和聚合物和纳米结构的合成、用于药物递送的生物分子的研究和其他重要领域。这次会议的支持将用于特别支持学生参与这次活动。MTSM会议有着促进热力学和统计力学研究和合作的悠久传统。自1988年以来，每年都举办中期战略与协调会议，只有两次例外。随着MTSM 2015，会议将继续成为一个场所，在计算，理论和实验热力学和统计力学的最新研究提出，讨论和辩论。热力学是科学和工程学科的主要支柱。统计力学提供了一个额外的，必要的分子热力学性质的理解。在统计力学的背景下讨论和学习热力学的机会是稀缺的，MTSM提供了一个小环境中高层次学习的平台。TSM是在中西部组织的，但与会者来自美国各地。MTSM会议为强大的机构间社区建设以及共同参与的研究小组内的团队建设提供了机会。会议吸引了从资深教师，初级教师，博士后，研究生到本科生的参与者。该技术计划有意倾向于年轻科学家和工程师的演示。 2015年MTSM会议旨在促进个人和指导互动。预计将有大约90人参加：4名年轻的教师将邀请他们的同行，55名研究生和博士后将参加，约10名本科生研究人员将出席海报会议。最后，多达25名教师将参加，大多数作为观众参与者和导师的学生在他们的小组和其他人。这些教师将代表学院和大学的多元化，包括一些主要的本科院校，以及一系列的经验水平。包括处于不同职业阶段的研究人员。这将提供一个重要的论坛，以扩大在热力学和统计力学的研究对话。

The PI proposes to convene a workshop of the Midwest Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (MTSM). This Conference series will bring together researchers in the areas of experimental, theoretical and computational thermodynamics and statistical mechanics for the exchange of ideas and most recent research results. The conference is particularly designed as a platform for young researchers (graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty members) to present and discuss their ideas and research accomplishments, and to identify potential future collaborative opportunities. The conference will provide students with an opportunity to present research, network with professionals in their discipline, and discuss current and upcoming scientific progress in the field. The development and application of molecular theory and simulation methods for predicting microscopic structure and thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials, soft matter and biological systems is fundamental to and useful for a variety of engineering applications such as energy conversion and storage, environmental protection, materials design and synthesis of polymers and nanostructures, investigation of biomolecules for drug delivery and other important areas. This conference support will be used to especially support student participation at this event.The MTSM Conference has a longstanding tradition of promoting research and collaboration in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Since 1988, MTSM has been organized every year with only two exceptions. With MTSM 2015, the conference will continue to be a venue where the latest research in computational, theoretical and experimental thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is presented, discussed and debated. Thermodynamics is a major pillar of scientific and engineering disciplines. Statistical mechanics provides an additional, necessary molecular understanding of thermodynamic properties. Opportunities to discuss and learn thermodynamics in the context of statistical mechanics are scarce and MTSM provides a platform for high-level learning in a small setting. TSM is organized in the Midwest, yet attendees have been drawn from all over the United States. MTSM conference offers opportunities for strong inter-institutional community building as well as team building within research groups participating together. The meetings draw a spectrum of participants from established senior faculty members, junior faculty, and postdocs, graduate students to undergraduates. The technical program is deliberately slanted toward presentations by young scientists and engineers. The 2015 MTSM meeting is tailored to facilitate personal and mentoring interactions. It is expected that approximately 90 people will attend: 4 young faculty members will give invited talks to their peers, 55 graduate students and postocs will participate, and about 10 undergraduate researchers will present in a poster session. Finally, up to 25 additional faculty members will attend, most serving as audience participants and mentors for the students in their group and others. These faculty members will represent a diverse set of colleges and universities, including some primarily undergraduate institutions, and a range of experience levels. Including researchers at various career stages. This will provide an important forum to expand the research conversation in thermodynamics and statistical mechanic.