David Yao Ansi PhD
David Yao Ansi is a PhD student in Mathematical and Computational Physics at the Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he began his doctoral studies in January 2025. He holds an MPhil in Solid State Physics and a BSc in Physics, both from KNUST.
His research focuses on grain boundary diffusion and segregation in materials, employing first-principles methods and high-performance computing (HPC) to investigate atomic-scale processes that govern materials behavior. Broadly, his interests lie at the intersection of materials science, quantum systems, and computational modeling, with particular emphasis on understanding structure–property relationships using atomistic simulations.
David’s MPhil research explored molybdenum-induced modifications in the quantum capacitance of graphene-based supercapacitor electrodes, using density functional theory (DFT). This work contributed to a deeper understanding of how transition-metal interactions influence the electronic properties of low-dimensional materials.
In addition to his research activities, David has teaching experience as a University Teaching Assistant during his national service at KNUST (2019–2020). In this role, he prepared and led experimental electronics laboratory sessions and facilitated tutorials for undergraduate students in physics, meteorology, and computer science, with a strong focus on electronics and solid-state physics.
David participates in international scientific conferences, workshops, and training programmes.
He has presented his research at major forums including the Quantum Science and Technology Across Africa (QST) Workshop in South Africa and the 88th Annual Conference of the German Physical Society (DPG Spring Meeting – SAMOP Section) in Germany.
His current doctoral research continues to build on core skills in computational materials science to address complex problems in condensed matter and materials physics.
Research & Technical Expertise
- Computational Materials Science: Grain boundary diffusion and segregation, electronic structure of materials, atomistic modeling
- First-Principles Methods: Density Functional Theory (DFT) using Quantum ESPRESSO
- Quantum & Condensed Matter Physics: Solid-state systems, quantum capacitance, low-dimensional materials
- High-Performance Computing: Basic HPC cluster usage, job scripting, workflow optimization (PBSPro)
- Scientific Computing & Tools: Python (intermediate), Linux/Bash, LaTeX, scientific text processing
- Data Analysis & Research Skills: Analytical thinking, scientific writing, and oral presentation
Education
- PhD in Mathematical and Computational Physics
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana 2025 – Present
- MPhil in Solid State Physics
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana
2020 – 2025
Thesis: Molybdenum-induced Modifications in the Quantum Capacitance of
Graphene-based Supercapacitor Electrodes: A DFT Study
- BSc in Physics
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana
2015 – 2019
Thesis: Effect of Sulfurization on the Optical Band Gap of ZnS Thin Films Deposited from Acidic Chemical Baths
Conferences, Workshops & Training
- Quantum Science & Technology Across Africa Workshop, South Africa
- DPG Spring Meeting (SAMOP Section), University of Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences PosterFest, KNUST
- CHPC Practical HPC Winter School, NICIS, South Africa (Virtual)
- Machine Learning for Materials Bootcamp, University of Wisconsin–Madison (Virtual)
Publication
● Ansi, D., Martin, H., Labik, L., Yaya, A., Elloh, V., & Abavare, E. K. (2025).
Molybdenum Induced Modifications in the Quantum Capacitance of Graphene-Based Supercapacitor Electrodes: First-Principles Calculation