Brian Donovan

Brian Donovan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). His research focuses on nanoscale thermal and electrical transport, particularly in dielectrics and complex oxides. He employs ultra-fast pulsed laser pump-probe techniques to study atomic-scale heat carriers and defects in materials. Donovan holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, an M.S. from Stanford University, and a B.S. from Cornell University, with prior industry experience in microchip manufacturing at IBM. At USNA, he leads the Nanoscale Electrical and Thermal Transport (NEaTT) Lab and collaborates with the Naval and Army Research Labs. He actively mentors midshipmen through Bowman and Trident Scholar programs, integrating them into his research projects.

His academic background includes interdisciplinary research emphasizing material properties at the atomic scale. Donovan’s work bridges theoretical and applied physics, leveraging advanced measurement technologies. He maintains collaborations across academia and military research institutions, contributing to both fundamental science and practical applications in defense-related materials science.