John Fox

John Fox serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Physics within Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences, specializing in accelerator physics and energy systems optimization. His research bridges theoretical control methods with practical engineering applications in particle accelerators and sustainable transportation.

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics with minor in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (1986)
• A.B. in Physics from Harvard University (1977)

Professor Fox's research focuses on two primary domains: (1) accelerator physics including RF systems, beam dynamics, and instability control for particle accelerators, where he leads LARP projects for LHC LLRF techniques and electron-cloud instability mitigation; and (2) optimal control methods for improving energy efficiency in plug-in hybrid vehicles. His work combines advanced digital signal processing with practical instrumentation challenges in both synchrotron facilities and automotive systems. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in control theory applications across disparate physical systems.

His publication record shows strong interdisciplinary connections between accelerator physics and energy systems engineering, with recent work increasingly focusing on multilevel inverter technologies and battery health optimization. The publications reveal a consistent thread of applying advanced control theory to complex physical systems across both high-energy physics and sustainable energy domains.

Scientific Recognition:

• Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching (2001)
• Fellow of the American Physical Society (2008)
• IEEE Senior Member (2018)

Professor Fox has successfully mentored 5 Ph.D. students to completion and supervised 13 M.S. students, with two students receiving American Physical Society Dissertation Prizes and another winning the Toohig Fellowship. His research has been supported by significant collaborations including the Ford-Stanford Alliance and Precourt Center for Energy, with projects focusing on battery health modeling and optimal control strategies for hybrid vehicles. Current research includes leadership roles in LHC accelerator projects and development of energy optimization algorithms for transportation systems.

As Group Leader for LARP projects, he directs teams working on feedback control systems for the LHC and SPS accelerators, with expertise spanning electron/positron and hadron synchrotrons, storage rings, and LINAC systems. His laboratory work emphasizes practical implementation of theoretical control concepts in both accelerator and automotive contexts.