Brandon Kemp

Brandon Kemp serves as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering at Arkansas State University, where he is also an alumnus. A Jonesboro native and graduate of Jonesboro High School, he returned to his alma mater after earning his PhD from MIT to establish the research-based Master of Science in Engineering program, which graduated its first cohort in 2015 under his directorship.

His educational journey includes undergraduate studies at Arkansas State University's College of Engineering followed by doctoral research at MIT. Kemp's academic foundation bridges theoretical physics and practical engineering applications.

Research focuses on the momentum of light in materials—a century-old physics debate since 1909—with applications in optical tractor beams, anomalous electrostatic forces (where oppositely charged particles repel and like charges attract), and light-bending phenomena for invisibility cloaking. He emphasizes the profound interconnectedness of electricity, magnetism, and light as manifestations of a single fundamental reality, urging deeper observation and critical thought beyond rote knowledge. His work sits at the intersection of theoretical physics and advanced engineering design.

As program director for the Master of Science in Engineering, Kemp oversees curriculum development and graduate mentorship. While specific grant details aren't provided, his leadership in launching this research-focused program indicates active pursuit of funding for optics and photonics innovation. He champions the Feynman problem-solving approach (define problem, think deeply, formulate solution) in both research and teaching.