M. Brian Maple

M. Brian Maple is a Professor and the Bernd T. Matthias Endowed Chair in Physics at UC San Diego. He has served as Chair of the Physics Department (2004-2010, 2019-2022), Director of the Center for Interface and Materials Science (1990-2010), and Director of the Institute for Pure and Applied Physical Sciences (1995-2009). His research focuses on emergent phenomena in quantum materials under extreme conditions (low temperatures, high pressures, magnetic fields). Key interests include superconductivity, magnetism, valence fluctuations, topological materials, and heavy fermion behavior.

Education: B.S. (Physics) & A.B. (Mathematics) from San Diego State University (1963), M.S. and Ph.D. (Physics) from UC San Diego (1965, 1969).

Research emphasizes experimental condensed matter physics, with techniques including materials synthesis, single-crystal growth, and advanced measurements under extreme conditions. His lab explores quantum criticality, topological insulators, and unconventional superconductivity. Over 100 international conferences and 14 edited volumes highlight his leadership in the field.

• Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship, APS McGroddy Prize, Humboldt Award, National Academy of Sciences membership

Advising and grants: Advised numerous graduate students and postdocs (no explicit student names listed). Served on federal agency review panels and advisory committees for national labs.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Maple Lab at UCSD, equipped with dilution refrigerators, diamond anvil cells, and advanced spectroscopy tools. Collaborates globally on materials synthesis and characterization.