James Drake

Area of Research: Plasma Theory

Description of Reserach Area: The Plasma Theory Group is most active in magnetic fusion (simulation and theory), intense laser plasma interactions, magnetic reconnection, centrifugally confined plasmas, space plasma theory, high power coherent radiation sources, and high performance computation, advanced algorithm development, and theory. Professor Drake focuses on the nonlinear dynamics of plasmas including magnetic reconnection, the driver of magnetic explosions in laboratory, space and astrophysical plasmas (www.glue.umd.edu/~drake).

Possible Projects: Decided on an individual. All students interested are encouraged to contact Professor Drake to discuss their interests. Past skills, attitude, and experience bear on the possible project suitability.

Pre-Requisites: Some familiarity with computers/programming would be helpful.

Compensation: Negotiable

Past Projects Successes:

B. D. Jemella - singular structure of magnetic islands
W. Thongthai - electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection
J. G. McIlhargey - transition from anti-parallel to guide-field magnetic reconnection

Contact Information