James K Freericks

James K Freericks is a Professor and the Robert L. McDevitt, K.S.G., K.C.H.S. and Catherine H. McDevitt, L.C.H.S. Chair in Physics at Georgetown University's Department of Physics within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a Visiting Scientist at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. from Princeton University, all in Physics.

• Ph.D., Physics — University of California, Berkeley
• M.A., Physics — University of California, Berkeley
• B.A., Physics — Princeton University

His research lies at the intersection of theoretical and computational physics, focusing on quantum transport in nanoscale systems like Josephson junctions and thermoelectric devices, nonequilibrium dynamics under intense laser fields, ultracold atoms in optical lattices, and trapped-ion quantum simulators. His work is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE), with access to major computing resources at NERSC, including a 3 million-hour allocation. He has increasingly involved undergraduate students in his research, resulting in annual publications with student co-authors and mentoring a LeRoy Apker Award finalist in 2012.

Freericks is also a dedicated science communicator and educator, having created the EdX MOOC Quantum Mechanics for Everyone and planning a book titled Quantum Mechanics Without Calculus to make quantum physics accessible to broader audiences. His scientific contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including APS Fellowship and the Alpha Sigma Nu National Book Award.

His scientific awards include:

• Fellow of the American Physical Society (2006)
• Alpha Sigma Nu National Book Award in Physical Science (2009)
• Inaugural McDevitt Chair in Physics (2010)
• Mentor of LeRoy Apker Award Finalist (2012)

He actively mentors students and secures competitive research grants from NSF and DOE, fostering a vibrant research group that bridges advanced theoretical physics with undergraduate education. His service includes roles on the Department of Physics Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Search Committee, and the University Committee on Rank and Tenure, reflecting his deep institutional engagement.

Freericks leads a research program in theoretical condensed matter and atomic physics, utilizing computational methods and collaborating with experimental groups. His lab focuses on simulating quantum systems and developing models for emerging quantum technologies. He is also expanding his outreach efforts through digital education platforms.