shumlak@uw.edu

UW Faculty Profile

Professor Shumlak enjoys working with his students to investigate novel approaches to confine plasmas for thermonuclear fusion that could satisfy Earth’s energy needs and enable human exploration of deep space. When he is not in the lab or lecture, he can often be found working up a sweat on the squash court or exploring hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Harry uses laser interferometry to study how plasma density structures form and evolve over time in the ZaP-HD experiment. His interest in plasma physics is centered around applications in space propulsion and renewable energy. Outside of the lab, Harry can usually be found in a squat rack or under an old, unreliable car.

Aria studies plasma optimization. Working with collaborators from Google and X, her goal is to increase performance and understanding of Shear Flow Stabilized Z-Pinches using multiple diagnostics, data science, and machine learning techniques. In her spare time, she likes to retreat to the mountains to climb, backpack, and ski.

Jared analyzes plasma accelerator and assembly physics within the ZaP-HD device to realize paths to increased repeatability, stability, density and temperature. His work will aim to inform the design for future fusion reactor scale devices.  In his free time, Jared is an avid ski mountaineer, dancer and PC enthusiast.

Saachi is a second-year Electrical and Computer Engineering student. She is interested in exploring the intersection of electronic networks with plasma research, focusing on Direct Energy Conversion systems. Outside of class, you can find her in the quad with her digital camera or grabbing brunch at Portage Bay Café.

Brian Nelson received his PhD in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987, after which he joined the UW, where he retired as a Research Professor Emeritus in 2019. He has worked on several fusion energy concepts, including tandem & axisymmetric mirrors, theta-pinches, linear stellarators & heliacs, field-reversed configurations, spherical torii, and sheared-flow stabilized Z-pinches. He was project manager in the design, ground-up construction, and successful operation of ten different experiments at the UW. Brian co-founded Zap Energy with Benj Conway and Uri Shumlak.