Education and Employment

My training is in both experimental and computational Plasma Physics. While both my MS and PhD focused on fusion-energy related studies, I currently pursue research in a diverse range of plasma sciences activities including fundamental studies thermal and transport properties of plasmas, space plasmas, and fusion plasmas.

This LINK will give you a brief description of the plasma state of matter and the field of plasma physics.

• In Jul., 2009, appointed to the Auburn University Promotion and Tenure Committee.
  
  
• In Jun., 2009, elected to the Executive Committee of the University Fusion Association.
  
  
• In Mar., 2008, appointed to Dept. of Energy working group on Low Temperature Plasma Science.
  
  
• In Oct., 2007, promoted to Professor of Physics.
  
  
• In Jan., 2005, appointed to the American Physical Society (APS) - Committee on Minorities (COM).
  
  
• In Jul., 2004, received an appointment to the National Academies of Science (NAS) - Plasma Sciences Committee (PLSC).
  
  
• In Nov. 2002, received an appointment to the Dept. of Energy - Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC). FESAC provides advice and recommendations to the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (OFES). Was reappointed in 2005 and again in 2008.
  
  • Chair, FESAC panel on Workforce Development for Fusion (2004)
  • Member, Committee of Visitors - Basic Plasma Science (2005)
  • Member, Toroidal Alternates Panel (2008)
  • Member, Committee of Visitors - Tokamak programs (2009)
    
    
• In Oct., 2002, received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Physics.
  
  
• In Jan., 2000, "rejoined" Auburn University, this time as an Assistant Professor of Physics. I was able to transfer most of my laboratory equipment (and funds!!) to Auburn. Since arriving in Auburn, I have re-established my research laboratory - the Plasma Sciences Laboratory.
  
  
• Upon completing my Ph.D., I became an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department of Fisk University in Nashville, TN. In that position, I established a new laboratory in experimental plasma physics at Fisk that conducted research in basic plasma science. I held that position from Aug., 1996 through Dec., 1999.
  
  
• Completed my Ph.D. in Physics in August, 1996 at Auburn University. My research was in experimental and computational plasma physics on the Compact Auburn Torsatron. My dissertation was entitled, An Investigation of Helically Trapped Ion Orbits in the Compact Auburn Torsatron.
  
  
• Completed my Master's degree in Physics in June, 1993 at the Massacusetts Institute of Technology. My research was in experimental Plasma Physics on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. My thesis was entitled, The Development of an Omegatron Plasma Ion Mass Spectrometer for Alcator C-Mod".
  
  
• Completed my Bachelor's degree in Physics in June, 1989 at the Florida Institute of Technology.