Dan Lathrop

Dr. Dan Lathrop is a Professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Physics, leading the Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory. His research focuses on turbulence, magnetohydrodynamics, and geophysical fluid dynamics, with a particular emphasis on modeling planetary magnetic fields using liquid sodium experiments. He oversees the 3-meter geodynamo experiment, aiming to replicate Earth's core dynamics. His work bridges experimental physics, computational modeling, and geophysics, with applications in understanding planetary interiors and astrophysical phenomena.

Dr. Lathrop's research interests include turbulence modification by rotation and magnetic fields, quantum fluid dynamics, and the development of novel geophysical sensors for landmine detection. He has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects involving UAVs, machine learning, and reservoir computing. His lab has been featured in media outlets like Terp Magazine and Veritasium for its groundbreaking experiments.

He advises multiple graduate students and has mentored former researchers now in academia and industry. His experimental setups, such as the sodium-filled spherical Couette device, explore magnetic dynamo action and helicity effects. Recent work includes advancements in magnetic gradiometry, superparamagnetic tunnel junctions, and stochastic computing hardware.

Dr. Lathrop's team integrates field robotics, multisensor platforms, and AI for environmental monitoring and UXO detection, demonstrating a commitment to applied physics with societal impact.