Multiscale Modeling of Materials LabSan Diego State University

Teaching

Materials courses and student training.

  • ME240: Introduction to Engineering Materials
  • ME241: Materials Lab
  • ME304: Mechanics of Materials
  • ME542: Materials Structure
  • ME640: Nanomaterials
  • ME642: Materials Modeling
ME642: Materials Modeling · MolSSI ACT-CMS Module

Introduction to AI-Molecular Dynamics

A seven-lesson module developed through the MolSSI ACT-CMS program, introducing molecular dynamics, atomistic model construction, LAMMPS, Atomsk, OVITO visualization, and responsible AI/LLM-assisted MD workflows for materials modeling students.

Multi-part module8-12 hoursBeginner programming
Open ACT-CMS Module

Teaching Innovation

CrystalCraft: VR/AR materials learning.

CrystalCraft is an open-source virtual reality application for building atomic models and learning crystal structures at the molecular level. The project turns materials visualization into a calm, creative learning environment developed through an interdisciplinary SDSU student-faculty collaboration.

  • Build atomic models in virtual reality
  • Explore crystal structures at the molecular level
  • Use FCC and HCP examples to support materials instruction
  • Blend materials science, game design, and open-source development

Early footage from the user perspective in the CrystalCraft VR environment.

CrystalCraft student and faculty project team

Interdisciplinary SDSU project team

CrystalCraft was created through collaboration across software engineering, game design, mechanical engineering, materials science, 3D modeling, and faculty advising.

Carter Andrews
Carter AndrewsSoftware engineer, web developer, and game designer
Roselynn Conrady
Roselynn ConradyMechanical engineer, content designer, and materials scientist
Patrick Perrine
Patrick PerrineSoftware engineer, game designer, and film maker
Kain Kun
Kain KunProgrammer, graphic artist, and 3D modeler
Wenwu Xu
Wenwu XuSDSU faculty advisor and materials simulation specialist