Dr. Kiefer's research bridges the gaps between geophysics, mineral physics, and materials sciences. His research largely focuses on the determination of physical properties of earth's materials at the extreme pressure and temperature conditions characteristic of planetary interiors. The basic need for his research arises from the observation that petrological studies only give insights into the uppermost 10% of the earth's interior. Dr. Kiefer uses mainly computational mineral physics to determine physical properties of relevant minerals. He uses computational techniques to solve Schrödinger's equation to the many-body problem. Of particular interest to him is the study of solid solutions and defect structures at high pressures and temperatures and their effects on elastic properties that can be directly compared to seismological observations.