Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of San Diego (USD), where he has taught since 2009. His academic appointment resides within the Physics department, though the specific school (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences) is not explicitly stated in available documentation.

Dr. Anderson earned his PhD and MS degrees in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, and completed his undergraduate studies with a BS in Physics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

His research specializes in plasma physics, with primary focus on longitudinal electrostatic waves in pure ion and pure electron plasmas, examining effects of finite particle number and finite geometry. In physics education, he has significantly revised introductory laboratory curricula to foster original experimental design and implemented real-time assessment using clicker technology to enhance peer-assisted learning in lectures.

Teaching responsibilities encompass core physics courses including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism for biological and physical science majors. He also instructs the interdisciplinary course "Physics and Society," which investigates the scientific foundations of global challenges such as alternative energy systems, nuclear proliferation dynamics, electromagnetic spectrum allocation policies, and orbital space debris accumulation.