R. Paul Drake

Henry S. Carhart Collegiate Professor of Space Sciences; PhD in Atmospheric and Space Sciences Advisor; PhD in Space and Planetary Physics Advisor

Education:

Ph.D., M.S., Physics, Johns Hopkins University

B.A., Philosophy & Physics, Vanderbilt University

Research:

Experimental, theoretical and computer simulation of laboratory, space and astrophysical plasmas

Doctoral Students:

Christine Krauland

Specializations and Research Interests

• High Energy Density Physics
• Experimental astrophysics; nonlinear hydrodynamics and radiation hydrodynamics
• Plasma waves in interplanetary and interstellar space

Honors, Awards and Accomplishments

• Elected Fellow, American Physical Society, 1989
• Distinguished Lecturer in Plasma Physics, Division of Plasma Physics, American Physical Society, 2003
• Director, Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics
• Co-leads large investigative team exploring astrophysical processes using the Omega laser
• Pioneer in the new area of experimental astrophysics, aimed at improving understanding of astrophysical dynamics through laboratory research
• Directed Plasma Physics Research Institute at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and UC-Davis
• Devised system for laboratory simulation of supernova remnants and studies of high-Mach-number plasma flows
• Numerous first observations and theoretical discoveries in the area of laser-driven plasma instabilities
• Groundbreaking studies of confinement and impurities in magnetic fusion using mirror machines

Professional Service

• Member, 2004 Fellowship Committee, Divison of Plasma Physics, American Physical Society
• Member, Plasmas Advisory Council for Large-Axis Plasma Device User Facility (UCLA) Physics Advisory Committee, Center for Magnetic Self-Organization in Laboratory and Astrophysical
• Member, Executive Committee, University Fusion Association, 2002-2004
• Member, Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship Committee, 2007
• Member, Working Group on Laboratory Astrophysics, American Astronomical Society, 2007- present
• Member, Women in Plasma Physics Committee of the American Physical Society, 2008 - 2011
• Member, Physics Advisory Council, Center for Self-Organization in Magnetized Plasmas, 2005-present
• Treasurer, High Energy Density Science Association, 2006- present
• Extensive service to the Division of Plasma Physics of the American Physical Society
• Served on organizing committee or as chair of numerous major scientific conferences

Professional Memberships

• American Physical Society
• American Geophysical Union
• American Astronomical Society
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• American Vacuum Society
• Optical Society of America