Lance Cooper

S. Lance Cooper is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as Associate Head for Graduate Programs. He earned his B.S. from the University of Virginia (1982) and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois (1988), followed by a postdoctoral appointment at AT&T Bell Labs. His research focuses on optical spectroscopy of novel quantum materials under extreme conditions (low temperature, high pressure, and magnetic fields), with a particular emphasis on understanding emergent phenomena in strongly correlated systems. His group has pioneered studies of pressure-tuned quantum phase transitions in layered ruthenates, spinels, and topological insulators, revealing insights into orbital ordering, superconductivity, and magnetodielectric effects.

Cooper has been active in academic service, including roles as Secretary-Treasurer for the Division of Condensed Matter Physics (APS, 2015-2019) and Associate Editor for Physical Review Letters (2006-2011). He has also been a leader in STEM education innovation, co-developing graduate-level courses on scientific communication and mentoring programs to integrate evidence-based writing pedagogies into STEM curricula. His educational initiatives have received recognition through awards such as the 2018 Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring.

Key research themes include: (1) field- and pressure-tuned spectroscopy of frustrated magnetism, (2) quantum phase transitions in layered chalcogenides, and (3) growth of high-quality single crystals for extreme condition studies. His work has produced over 60 peer-reviewed publications, with recent breakthroughs in understanding vibronic excitations in Ce₂O₃ and magnetodielectric behavior in spinel oxides. Collaborations span experimental physics, materials science, and education research.