Gerald A. Navratil
Thomas Alva Edison Professor of Applied Physics
Gerald A. Navratil is internationally known for his work in the field of fusion energy and plasma physics.
He directs the U.S. Department of Energy funded HBT-EP tokamak experiment in the Columbia Plasma Physics Laboratory as well as an off-campus collaboration at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego.
Navratil’s research interest concentrates on applying experimental plasma physics to the problem of developing controlled thermonuclear fusion as a source of energy. Fusion energy has the potential to provide a virtually unlimited source of power with a very plentiful fuel supply (deuterium and lithium), no carbon dioxide emission, and a greatly reduced environmental hazard. His research work focuses on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium and stability of magnetically confined plasmas, and the application of advanced feedback control of MHD instabilities that limit the performance of fusion plasma experiments.
Navratil received his BS degree in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1973 and his PhD in plasma physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1976. He was named an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Physics in 1984, a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1989, he was awarded the 2007 John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics by the American Physical Society, and received the 2023 Distinguished Career Award from Fusion Power Associates.
Research Areas
- Plasma Physics (Controlled Fusion)
Additional Information
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Professional Experience
- Thomas Alva Edison Professor of Applied Physics, Columbia University, 2004–
- Interim Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 2007–2009
- Chairman of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, 1988 –1994 and 1997–2000
- Vice-Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 1994-1995
- Professor of Applied Physics, Columbia University, 1988–2004
- Associate Professor of Applied Physics, Columbia University, 1983–1988
- Assistant Professor of Applied Physics, Columbia University, 1978–1983
- Assistant Professor of Engineering science, Columbia University, 1977–1978
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Professional Affiliations
- American Physical Society
- University Fusion Association
- Fusion Power Associates
- European Physical Society
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Honors & Awards
- Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Physics, 1984-86
- Fellow of the American Physical Society, 1989
- Leadership Award from Fusion Power Associates, 2006
- American Physical Society John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics, 2007
- Distinguished Career Award from Fusion Power Associates, 2023
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Education
- PhD, Plasma Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- MS, Nuclear Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- BS, Physics, California Institute of Technology