Plasma Planning

Auburn physicist and associate dean participates on committee for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine's decadal assessment of plasma science

by Maria Gebhardt
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Dr. Ed Thomas, Jr., earned his doctorate degree at Auburn and has spent more than two decades immersed in teaching, conducting research and engaging communities throughout the nation in outreach programs. In a process that lasted five years, Thomas oversaw the development and 2014 opening of Auburn’s Magnet Laboratory, which features a one-of-a-kind, 6,000-pound superconducting magnet. As of 2019, he had led research activities exceeding more than $11 million in external funding.

With decades of experience, he is truly passionate about plasma science.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine's (NASEM) decadal assessment, plasma research has helped make jet turbines, medical implants, lighting, solar cells, nanomaterials and even spacecraft possible. In the future, plasmas will help unlock improvements for our entire society, including medical breakthroughs, agricultural advancements and carbon-free electricity.

Thomas was selected to serve as a committee member for the decadal assessment of plasma science report Plasma Science: Enabling Technology, Sustainability, Security and Exploration (Plasma2020). The 18-member group worked to increase awareness about plasma science funding, workforce diversity and development, and guiding research principles.

“Participating in the Plasma2020 process was a very intense but ultimately extremely rewarding experience,” Thomas said, noting that “the most enjoyable parts were the debates and discussions with my fellow committee members as we tried to create a roadmap for plasma science for the next decade.”

The work by the committee directly impacts federal agencies, policymakers and academic institutions, and encourages collaboration among them. A virtual report briefing about this team of scientists was held in May 2020, which was livestreamed by more than 500 attendees. To watch the entire recorded presentation, visit vimeo.com/425254776.

Key findings and recommendations were presented in four major areas:

  • Stewardship — advancing interdisciplinary research

  • Education, workforce and diversity

  • Research enterprise and international competitiveness

  • Better serving the plasma science and engineering community

Thomas is the Charles W. Barkley Endowed Professor and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), a fellow of the American Physical Society and the director of the unique Magnetized Plasma Research Laboratory that studies the physics of dusty plasmas.

Thomas has dedicated his career at Auburn to helping shape the university’s plasma program — gaining international recognition and a respected reputation in plasma research. Now, he is helping to impact the field of plasma science for future generations.

To download a copy of this entire report or learn more about NASEM, visit nas.edu/plasma.