معرفی
Stephanie Diem serves as Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics within the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She leads the Pegasus-III Experiment as Principal Investigator, pioneering innovations in solenoid-free fusion startup techniques to advance commercial fusion energy development. Her work bridges experimental plasma physics, international collaboration, and sociotechnical engagement in fusion energy systems.
Dr. Diem's educational background includes:
- BS in Engineering Physics from University of Wisconsin-Madison
- MA in Plasma Physics from Princeton University
- PhD in Plasma Physics from Princeton University (National Spherical Tokamak Experiment research)
Her research centers on experimental plasma physics for magnetic confinement fusion, with specialized expertise in radio frequency wave applications for plasma heating and current drive. Current investigations focus on electron Bernstein wave (EBW) physics, non-solenoidal startup via local helicity injection, and edge instability control in spherical tokamaks. This work integrates advanced diagnostics, numerical modeling validation, and international collaborations across facilities including Proto-MPEX (ORNL), MST (UW-Madison), NSTX, and MAST (UK).
Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on spherical tokamak startup physics, EBW heating systems, and sociotechnical dimensions of fusion development. Key trends include machine learning integration for plasma control, impurity transport during startup, and public engagement frameworks for equitable energy transitions. Her work spans fundamental plasma physics to policy-oriented fusion technology assessment.
Notable scientific recognition includes:
- Kavli Fellow (National Academies, 2025)
- U.S. Science Envoy for Fusion Energy (2024/2025)
- David J. Rose Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award (Fusion Power Associates, 2023)
- New Voices of the National Academies cohort (2021, extended to 2024)
- Thomas H. Stix Graduate Prize (Princeton University)
Dr. Diem actively mentors graduate students through NE 790/890/990 research courses while securing major grants for fusion research infrastructure. Her leadership extends to the Global Fusion Forum initiative and development of sociotechnical readiness frameworks for fusion systems. Current efforts include international collaborations under the PPPL-IAEA practical arrangement and U.S. Department of State science diplomacy initiatives.
The Pegasus-III laboratory team develops cutting-edge diagnostics including multi-point Thomson scattering, impurity monitoring systems, and EBW emission measurements. The facility serves as a testbed for scalable startup techniques with partnerships spanning Oak Ridge National Laboratory, General Atomics, and international fusion centers.
