Prof. Falk’s research focuses on utilizing computer simulation on the atomic scale to understand what happens when materials are pushed out of equilibrium by processes such as bending, breaking, charging and undergoing frictional sliding. Since returning to Johns Hopkins his funded projects have expanded to include educational research on how engineering students best learn computing and two National Science Foundation funded partnership with the Baltimore City Schools to increase engagement of students, teachers and communities in STEM learning. Prof. Falk has also been a strong advocate for diversity, particularly creating a welcoming climate for LGBTQ people within our university and the engineering and physics professions.