• Researched novel parallelization and numerical schemes for both software and hardware (multiple patents pending):
  • General purpose parallelization methods based on custom distributed memory software cache protocols.
  • Theoretical analysis of various parallel decomposition strategies.
  • Strategies for communication, thread, short vector SIMD and NUMA optimization (latency optimized network protocols, parallel FFTs, automatic code generation for SSE / AltiVec ...).
  • Analysis and design of robust (even bit-level reversible!) integration and thermodynamic sampling methods using single precision, double precision and custom numerical formats.
• Architected a massively parallel molecular dynamics package based on this research:
  • Implemented key algorithms and integrated contributions from several developers; core functionality was complete in ~6 months.
  • More numerically robust and over an order of magnitude faster / more scalable than comparable methods.
  • Software won best paper at the 2006 ACM/IEEE Conference on Supercomputing and is being commercialized.
• Contributed to the design of massively parallel supercomputers:
  • Assisted with design and bring-up of a ~2,100 processors cluster (~20 TFLOPS single precision peak performance, ~6 months from conception to running production simulations)
  • Performance modeling and competitive analysis of next generation computing technology (heterogeneous multicore processors, general purpose GPUs, ...)

• Architected massively parallel software for supercomputers based on IBM's Cell Broadband Engine microprocessor
  • Preliminary benchmarks indicate the PIC kinetic plasma simulation code developed for Cell should be able to sustain near 0.5 PFLOPS on the upcoming Roadrunner supercomputer.
  • Received a Defense Programs Award of Excellence award with T. J. T. Kwan, B. Albright and L. Yin for this work.

• Developed algorithms for parallel supercomputers, culminating in an ultra high performance first-principles kinetic PIC code:
  • On a per node basis, usually faster than comparable codes by one to two orders of magnitude.
  • Used for modeling plasma instabilities / turbulence, laser-plasma interactions, relativistic beams, magnetic reconnection ...
• Applied advanced analysis techniques to multi-terabyte multi-dimensional data sets:
  • Implemented maximum-likelihood and maximum-entropy PDF estimation methods to couple and analyze PIC, Monte-Carlo and hydrodynamic simulations.
  • Invoked spectral, time-frequency, time-scale and wavelet methods to analyze plasma turbulence.
• Modeled relativistic electron beam X-ray radiographic sources.

• Researched multilingual handwritten document analysis:
  • Developed a medial axis / skeletonization / thinning algorithm
  • Implemented a C++ class for training and evaluation of hidden Markov models
  • Implemented code to extract and cluster feature vectors from document images
  • Developed and evaluated of several algorithms to perform language identification on handwritten documents; the top algorithm correctly classified out of eight choices the language with 88% accuracy (top two choices over 97%)

• Applied the PROPHET and IMSIL codes to optimize SiGe dopant implantation processes
• Developed models of dopant diffusion in alloy lattices
• Derived analytic models of electro-mechanical coupling in MEMS mirror arrays
• Implemented a highly efficient 2.5d FD electromagnetic scattering code:
  • Intended for optimization of waveguide devices and diffractive / binary optics
  • Optimized matrix algorithms achieve theoretical (memory limited) performance on SMP workstations
  • Automatic boundary mesh generation able to handle arbitrary linear materials, unbounded systems and systems with wide scale variation
  • Compact representation of scattered fields achieved through novel application of Huygens' principle

• Assisted OEMs with Intel component related design issues---dealt with ~700 issues
• Identified sales opportunities and recommended components to OEMs for new designs
• Qualified potential errata in i960 software tools, components and manuals
• Trained other Intel employees about the i960 processor and applications
• Planned, designed, and completed technical projects to demonstrate the use and suitability of Intel components in designs:
  • Benchmarked the i960 family in various embedded applications
  • Wrote a bootstrap loader for the i960CF on a Cyclone development board
  • Developed ethernet drivers for an i82596 MAC to i960CF hardware interface
  • Software interface between a Pentium desktop and an i960Hx PCI-SDK board
  • Created a preemptive multitasking kernel for i960Hx processor for the i960 Programmer's Cookbook

• Award Winning Thesis: High Frequency Electron Resonances and Surface Waves in Unmagnetized Bounded Plasmas; Advisor: C. K. Birdsall; Committee: M. A. Lieberman (chair), D. Attwood and J. Fajans
  • Received the APS-DPP Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Prize in a national competition ($2000), Oct 01
  • Received the David J. Sakrison Memorial Prize for outstanding thesis research in EECS ($7500), Apr 01
• Select Achievements:
  • Selected as a DOE student representative to the 50th Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany in national competition for 30 slots, Jul 00
  • Awarded Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellowship in national competition for ~25 slots (Tuition + $25000 9-month stipend and $3000 research stipend renewable for 5 years), Apr 98
  • Awarded DOD Fellowship in a national competition as alternate (Tuition + $18000 12-month stipend renewable for 3 years), Apr 98, declined
  • Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship in national competition (Tuition + $15000 12-month stipend renewable for 3 years), Apr 98, declined
  • Awarded Regents Fellowship (Tuition + $12000 9-month stipend non-renewable), Mar 97
• Research Experience: Conducted thesis related research in the PTSG with NSF/DOE support
• Teaching Experience: Taught the recitation for Electromagnetic Fields and Waves with a 4.4/5.0 overall student rating, Fall 99
• Specializations: Electromagnetics and Plasmas (Major), Quantum and Optical Electronics (Minor), Signal Processing and Scientific Computing (Minor)
• Coursework: Theoretical Plasma Physics, Partially Ionized Plasmas, Lightwave Devices, Random Processes in Systems, Multidimensional Signal Processing, Microwave Circuits, Soft X-ray and Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation, Applied Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Electronics and Nonlinear Optics, Quantum Mechanics (137A, 137B, 221A)

• Completed Degree in Five Semesters: Semester Honors and Dean's List all semesters
• Select Achievements: Nominated for Outstanding Senior in Engineering by ECE Faculty, Apr 97; Coil Winding Association Scholarship ($2000), Sep 95; Dean's Engineering Scholarship ($2250), Apr 94; Purdue Jazz Bands (2nd Concert Alto Sax, 1st Lab Tenor Sax); Purdue Concert Band (co-principal Alto Sax)
• Teaching Experience: Taught the help session for Honors Computer Programming and graded papers for Semiconductor Device Fundamentals, Spr 97
• Coursework: Distributed Parameter Systems, Digital Signal Processing, Complex Analysis, Mathematical Logic, Feedback Systems Analysis, Microprocessor Systems, VLSI Design Lab, Electromechanical Devices, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Semiconductor Device Fundamentals, Probabilistic Methods in Electrical Engineering, Signals and Systems and Lab, Digital Logic Design and Lab, Electromagnetism and Optics, Electronics Design and Analysis and Lab, Electronic Measurement Lab, Linear Circuit Analysis I and II, Thermodynamics, Freshman Engineering Project, Classical Mechanics, General Chemistry I and II, Honors Computer Programming, History of Science and Technology I, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Speech Communication

• Select Achievements: Robert C. Byrd Scholarship ($1500 x 4, final year declined); State Champion 4-man Policy Debate; National Merit Finalist; Most Distinguished Scholar Award; AP Scholar with Distinction

• Possess extensive knowledge of particle-in-cell simulation techniques (solution of Boltzmann's equation) and electromagnetic simulation techniques (Maxwell equations)
• Versed in structured and sparse matrix techniques for the numerical solution of PDE boundary value and eigenvalue problems
• Familiar with pattern recognition techniques such as hidden Markov modeling and clustering
• Knowledgeable in multi-dimensional signal processing techniques such as orthogonal transforms (DFFT, DCT, others), filtering, compression, ...

• Adept at optimizing (at both the algorithm and source code level) numerical codes and simulations for high performance on various architectures
• Familiar with embedded design issues and the use of embedded hardware and software development tools
• Able to give coherent, thorough technical presentations on short notice in both casual and high pressure situations

• Highly proficient at C and C++
• Highly proficient at assembly language (i960, x86 and other processors)
• Proficient at FORTRAN 77

• Highly proficient with MATLAB and MEX-file programming
• Proficient in the the use of LaTeX and common document manipulation packages
• Proficient with standard software development tools (gcc, cvs, ...)
• Familiar with widely used scientific computing libraries (LAPACK, MPI, ...)
• Familiar with Mathematica and Maple

• Highly proficient on UNIX-like platforms (particularly x86 Linux)
• Proficient at programming multiprocessor platforms (both shared memory and message-passing distributed memory)
• Familiar with Windows programming

• Citizenship: United States
• Professional Memberships: IEEE and APS
• Other interests: Contemporary Politics and Law, Mathematics, Computer Graphics, Hi-Fi Audio and Video, Jazz and Classical Music

K. Bowers, B. Devolder, L. Yin and T. Kwan. "A Maximum Likelihood Method for Linking Particle-In-Cell and Monte-Carlo Transport Simulations." Accepted for publication in Comp. Phys. Comm. LA-UR-03-8670.

W. Qiu, K. Bowers and C.K. Birdsall. "Electron Series Resonant Discharges: Comparison Between Simulation and Experiment." Plasma Sources Sci. T. 12(1): 57-68. Feb 03.

Invited. K. Bowers and C.K. Birdsall. "Landau Resonant Heating using Standing Waves excited by a Distributed Circuit for Electron Velocity Distribution Control." Phys. Plasmas. 9(5): 2405-2410. May 02.

K. Bowers. "Accelerating a Particle-In-Cell Simulation with a Hybrid Counting Sort." J. Comput. Phys. 173(2): 393-411. Nov 1, 01.

J. Hochberg, K. Bowers, M. Cannon, P. Kelly. "Script and Language Identification for Handwritten Document Images." Int. J. Doc. Anal. Recog. 2(2): 44-52. Dec 99.

K. Bowers. "Slow Phase Velocity Electron Surface Waves in Unmagnetized Bounded Plasmas: Part I: Modeling." Submitted to Phys. Plasmas.

K. Bowers. "Slow Phase Velocity Electron Surface Waves in Unmagnetized Bounded Plasmas: Part II: Simulation." Submitted to Phys. Plasmas.

K. Bowers, D. Qiu and C.K. Birdsall. "Electron Series Resonant Discharges: Part II: Simulations of Initiation." Submitted to Plasma Sources Sci. T.

K. Bowers. "Implicit Methods for Solving the Maxwell Equations suitable for Low Temperature Particle-In-Cell Plasma Simulation." Submitted to J. Comput. Phys.

Invited. H. Li (with K. Bowers et al). "Magnetic Dissipation in Force Free Astrophysical Plasmas." APS-DPP, Albuquerque, NM, Oct 03.

Invited. K. Bowers. "Surface Waves and Landau Resonant Heating in Unmagnetized Bounded Plasmas." FI2-001. APS-DPP, Long Beach, CA, Oct 01.

Invited. K. Bowers (with D. Qiu, H. Smith and C.K. Birdsall). "Simulations of resonant-surface-wave plasma (RSWP) discharges suitable for large-area plasma processing." T3. APFA/APPTC, Seoul, South Korea. Also presented at the 1999 International Workshop on Low Temperature Plasmas, Pohang, South Korea, Jul 99.

Invited. K. Bowers (with D. Qiu, H. Smith and C.K. Birdsall). "Resonances and Surface Waves in Bounded Plasmas." 1A04-05. ICOPS, Monterey, CA, Jun 99.

K. Bowers and H. Li. "Helicity Dissipation in 3d PIC Simulations of Magnetic Reconnection in a Force Free Configuration." APS-DPP, Albuquerque, NM, Oct 03.

K. Bowers, B. Devolder, L. Yin and T. Kwan. "Coupling PIC and Monte-Carlo Simulations with a Maximum Likelihood PDF Estimator." APS-DPP, Albuquerque, NM, Oct 03.

L. Yin, T. Kwan, B. Devolder, M. Berninger, K. Bowers and J. Smith. "Particle-In-Cell Simulation of the Electron Beam Source for X-Ray Radiography in the Cygnus Experiment." APS-DPP, Albuquerque, NM, Oct 03.

K. Bowers. "Speed Optimal Implementation of a Fully Relativistic 3d Particle Push with a Charge Conserving Current Accumulate on Modern Processors." ICNSP, Cape Cod, MA, Sep 03.

K. Bowers, B. Devolder, L. Yin and T. Kwan. "Beyond Histograms and Tallies: A Maximum Likelihood Method for PDF Estimation of Multidimensional Datasets with Application to Plasma and Monte-Carlo Simulation." The 50th Anniversary of the Metropolis Method in the Physical Sciences, Los Alamos, NM, Jun 03.

K. Bowers and C.K. Birdsall. "Optimal Distributed Excitation of Surface Wave Plasmas." VP1-010. APS-DPP, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, Oct 00.

K. Bowers and D. Qiu. "Modeling Transient Effects in Resonant Discharges." 1P05. ICOPS, New Orleans, LA, Jun 00.

K. Bowers, D. Qiu, H. Smith, K. Cartwright, C.K. Birdsall. "Recent Resonant and Surface Wave Plasma Research at UC-Berkeley." QP1-21. APS-DPP, Seattle, WA, Nov 99.

H. Smith, K. Bowers, C.K. Birdsall. "Resonant Discharge Simulations with Asymmetric Electrodes." 2P17. ICOPS, Monterey, CA, Jun 99.

K. Bowers, D. Qiu, C.K. Birdsall. "Resonant Discharges: Initiation and Steady State; Comparisons with Theory, Simulation and Experiment." 2P18. ICOPS, Monterey, CA, Jun 99.

K. Bowers. "Electrostatic and Electromagnetic Surface Wave Theories Compared." 2P19. ICOPS, Monterey, CA, Jun 99.

K. Bowers. "Progress on PIC-MCC Simulation of Large Area Surface Wave Sustained Plasma Sources." 2P20. ICOPS, Monterey, CA, Jun 99.

J. Hochberg, K. Bowers, M. Cannon, P. Kelly. "Handwritten Document Image Analysis at Los Alamos: Script, Language, and Writer Identification." LA-UR-99-1679. LANL Tech. Rep. Also presented at SDIUT, Annapolis, MD, May 99.

J. Hochberg, K. Bowers, M. Cannon, P. Kelly. "Script and Language Identification for Handwritten Document Images." LA-UR-98-5636. LANL Tech. Rep. Nov 98.

K. Bowers. "Electromagnetic Electron Surface Waves in a Non-Uniform Thermal Plasma." OWP5-1. GEC, Maui, HI, Oct 98.

C.K. Birdsall, K. Bowers. "Resonant Discharge Simulations; Comparisons with Theory and Experiment." OWP5-2. GEC, Maui, HI, Oct 98.