William Connor McCarthy

William Connor McCarthy is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Mechanical & Materials Engineering department and Radiology at UMass Chan Medical School. His research bridges plasma physics, fusion energy, and medical imaging, with a focus on semiconductor detector technology for diagnostic applications in both fields. He holds a B.S. in Physics from WPI and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering from MIT.

• Education: B.S. Physics (WPI), Ph.D. Nuclear Science and Engineering (MIT)

His lab develops helicon plasma sources for fusion energy and deep space thrusters, while advancing SPECT imaging techniques through novel detectors and reconstruction algorithms. He emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to merge plasma diagnostics with medical imaging solutions. McCarthy actively mentors students from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels and collaborates with industry on fusion energy initiatives.

Media Engagement: Discussed fusion energy challenges with the Worcester Business Journal in their 'Fast Forward to 2034' series.