Rajib Musa

Title: Assistant Professor of Physics
Dept.: Chemistry, Physics
Office: Elings
Email: rmusa @ grandview.edu

Dr. Rajib Khan Musa is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Grand View University. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Louisville, where his research focused on computational materials science and electronic structure theory. Before joining Grand View, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at Villanova University, developing machine learning–driven simulation tools for high-temperature alloys. His current interests span physics education, computational modeling, and materials for energy applications. Dr. Musa is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that connect fundamental physics concepts to real-world applications.

Academic Background

  • Ph.D. in Physics, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
  • M.S. in Physics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • B.S. in Physics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Start Date at Grand View

August 2025

Areas of Expertise

  • Computational and Theoretical Materials Physics
  • Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Atomistic Modeling Machine Learning in Materials Science
  • Solid-State Physics and Thermodynamics Physics
  • Education and Active Learning Pedagogy

Research / Accomplishments:

Dr. Musa’s research focuses on computational materials science, particularly on modeling high-temperature and radiation-resistant alloys using density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning techniques. He developed an active-learning Monte Carlo + DFT (a-MCDFT) workflow for accelerating alloy design and has published in peer-reviewed journals on electronic structure and defect thermodynamics. His broader interests include data-driven materials discovery, high-performance computing, and integrating computational tools into undergraduate physics education.

Personal Interests:

Outside of teaching and research, Dr. Musa enjoys spending time with his family, exploring science outreach activities, and engaging in creative projects that blend physics, coding, and visualization. He also enjoys reading about history and philosophy of science, traveling, and experimenting with new technologies in education.

What makes Grand View unique among other universities?
Grand View University stands out for its strong sense of community and commitment to student success. The small class sizes foster meaningful faculty–student interaction, allowing for personalized mentoring and active learning. I appreciate how Grand View values both teaching excellence and professional growth, creating an environment where faculty can innovate in the classroom while supporting students’ academic and personal development.
What is your favorite part about working at Grand View?
My favorite part about working at Grand View is the close-knit community and the genuine connections with students. I enjoy the opportunity to teach in an environment where curiosity and collaboration are encouraged, and where I can see students grow in confidence as they engage with physics and real-world problem solving. The supportive and collegial atmosphere among faculty also makes Grand View a truly rewarding place to work.
Rajib Musa