Barry L Zink

Barry L. Zink is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Denver, affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on heat, charge, and spin flow in nanostructures and novel materials, with emphasis on thermal spintronics, energy conversion materials, and magnetic systems. Zink earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (UC San Diego, 2002), preceded by an MS in Physics (UC, 1998) and BS in Physics (UC, 1996).

His work spans experimental investigations of spin-charge conversion in antiferromagnets, magnon drag effects, and violations of the Wiedemann-Franz law in metallic thin films. Projects involve developing nanostructured materials for cooling technologies and studying spin transport in disordered magnetic systems. His group has secured funding from NSF (DMR/EECS), DOE (NNSA), and industry initiatives like the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative.

• Awards: NSF CAREER Award, Piercy Distinguished Visiting Professorship (U. Minnesota)

Zink’s research also explores quantum calorimetry for nuclear materials analysis and thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotube networks. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects such as microcalorimeter arrays for gamma-ray detection and SQUID-based magnetic thermometry. His lab emphasizes undergraduate and graduate student involvement in cutting-edge experimental physics.