Nathaniel Hicks

Nathaniel Hicks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA (2006) and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions including the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak group in Germany and the University of Washington. His work focuses on experimental and computational plasma physics, fusion energy, and plasma diagnostics.

Education:

• Ph.D., Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, 2006
• M.S., Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, 2000
• B.S., Physics, Washington State University, 1998 (Honors College, Magna Cum Laude)

Research Interests:

• Experimental plasma physics, including ion beam acceleration and plasma transport
• Fusion energy development and diagnostics (e.g., electron cyclotron emission analysis)
• Design of novel fusion-relevant diagnostics (e.g., polarimeters)
• Energy policy implications of fusion technology

His research emphasizes transformative fusion energy solutions, combining experimental and computational approaches. He leads the UAA Plasma Physics Laboratory and actively contributes to international fusion research collaborations.