Andrea Richard

Andrea Richard serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences, based at the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory on the Athens Campus. Her experimental research focuses on low-energy nuclear physics phenomena critical to understanding cosmic element formation and medical applications.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Physics from Ohio University (2018)
• M.Sc. in Physics from Ohio University (2014)
• B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from Muskingum University (2011)

Dr. Richard's research program investigates statistical nuclear properties, nuclear astrophysics processes including heavy-element synthesis, and applied medical physics. She conducts neutron-capture cross-section measurements for unstable nuclei using advanced accelerator facilities, with particular emphasis on how nuclear structure influences nucleosynthesis in stellar environments and neutron star mergers. Her experimental approach bridges theoretical models with empirical data from rare-isotope beam facilities.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals three interconnected research thrusts: fundamental nuclear structure studies of exotic nuclei (particularly level densities and rotational bands), nuclear astrophysics applications for cosmic element production, and translational medical physics work in particle therapy. The 2022-2023 publications demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, with medical physics applications emerging as a significant new direction alongside her core nuclear structure research.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Directorate Award from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (2023)
• American Physical Society Five Sigma Physicist Award (2021)
• Nuclear Science and Security Consortium Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018-2021)
• DOE SCGSR Fellowship (2016)

While current documentation does not specify doctoral advisees or active grant funding, Dr. Richard maintains significant research leadership through her Facility for Rare Isotope Beams User Executive Committee membership and Nuclear Science and Security Consortium fellowship legacy.

She operates within Ohio University's Edwards Accelerator Laboratory ecosystem while maintaining active research partnerships with Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her collaborative networks include the GeMSS (Gender Minorities in Science Social) initiative and the American Physical Society's Forum on Diversity and Inclusion, reflecting her commitment to inclusive scientific communities.