Dan Shim is a mineral physicists interested in the evolution, structure, and dynamics of the interiors of Earth and planets. He studies the phase transitions and physical properties of materials at the pressure and temperature conditions of Earth and planetary interiors by combining the laser-heated diamond-anvil cell with synchrotron X-ray and laser spectroscopy techniques. His recent research includes phase transitions in the deep interiors of Earth and super-earths, electronic transitions of iron in mantle silicates, and structural changes in amorphous silicates at high pressure