Edward Thomas, Jr.

Edward Thomas, Jr. serves as the Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) and Professor of Physics at Auburn University. He holds the Charles W. Barkley Endowed Professorship and previously served as Interim Dean (2021–2023) and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (2017–2021). His research focuses on experimental plasma physics, particularly magnetized dusty plasmas and complex plasma dynamics. He directs the Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory (MPRL) and co-leads the NSF-EPSCoR RII-Track 1 project Future Technologies enabled by Plasma Processes (FTPP).

Education: Ph.D., Auburn University (1996); M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1993); B.S., Florida Institute of Technology (1989).

Research interests include dusty plasma phase transitions, nanoparticle growth in plasmas, and plasma applications for space exploration. His work bridges laboratory experiments and theoretical models, with notable contributions to magnetized dusty plasma systems and plasma-based nanotechnology.

Awards include the International Dusty Plasma Community’s 'Star Dust' Award (2025), Fellow of the American Physical Society (2015), and Auburn University’s Outstanding Faculty Member (2019–2020).

Professional activities include leadership roles in the American Physical Society (APS-DPP), National Science Foundation advisory committees, and international collaborations like the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX). He mentors students and promotes diversity in STEM through initiatives like the Office of Inclusion and Diversity at Auburn.