Junjie Dong

My research seeks to understand the large-scale structure and long-term evolution of Earth and other planets by investigating how their constituent materials behave at the atomic level. We integrate laboratory experiments with computer simulations and use a variety of tools, including multi-anvil presses, diamond anvil cells, molecular dynamics simulations, thermodynamic modeling, and machine learning. These methods allow us to connect the physics and chemistry of planetary materials to geophysical, geochemical, and astronomical observations. Current areas of interest in my group include: 1. Phase transitions under extreme pressure and temperature conditions 2. The role of water in the evolution and habitability of terrestrial planets 3. The structure and evolution of giant planets and exoplanets