Michael Brown

Michael Brown is the Morris L. Clothier Professor of Physics at Swarthmore College, with affiliations to the Department of Physics & Astronomy. He has served as past department chair, past chair of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics, and is currently an APS Councilor.

Research Interests

Dr. Brown's research spans plasma physics, solar physics, and fusion energy, focusing on magnetic reconnection, MHD turbulence, and experimental plasma dynamics. His work connects laboratory experiments (e.g., the SSX lab) to space plasma phenomena, exploring topics like 3D reconnection structures, electron heating, and self-organization in plasmas.

Publication Trends

Recent articles emphasize MHD turbulence, plasma relaxation, and magnetic reconnection. Key themes include equation of state measurements, turbulent intermittency, and flux rope dynamics, with applications to magnetic confinement fusion and astrophysical plasmas.

Scientific Awards

• 2008 APS Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution

Advising & Collaborations

Dr. Brown has advised over 30 senior honors theses and mentored 44 student researchers. His collaborations include institutions like Princeton, UCLA, and Caltech. He leads the SSX lab, which focuses on spheromak experiments, Whistler waves, and plasma wind tunnel studies.