Chris Hegna

Chris Hegna is a Professor and Director of the Center for Plasma Theory and Computation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering. His research focuses on theoretical plasma physics, magnetic confinement, and fusion science, with applications to tokamak and stellarator systems.

• PhD (1989) in Physics from Columbia University
• MS (1987) in Physics from Columbia University
• BS (1986) in Physics from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Hegna’s work spans magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium, stability, and transport properties in non-symmetric magnetic confinement systems. He investigates the role of magnetic geometry, symmetry, and topology in plasma behavior, self-organization, and anomalous transport. His research supports the U.S. fusion science program and commercial magnetic fusion development.

His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) focus on turbulence suppression, stellarator optimization, MHD equilibrium modeling, and computational plasma physics. Topics include trapped-electron-mode turbulence, finite-beta effects, and synthetic diagnostics for experiments like Wendelstein 7-X and HSX.

Scientific Awards:

• 2016 Harvey D. Spangler Professorship, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• 2014 John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research

Chris Hegna is actively involved in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s magnetic confinement experiments (Pegasus Toroidal Experiment, HSX Plasma Laboratory, Madison Symmetric Torus) and serves on U.S. fusion program advisory committees. He teaches advanced courses in plasma magnetohydrodynamics and research in nuclear engineering and physics.