Headshot of Thomas White

Thomas White

Physics Graduate Program Director, Associate Professor, Clemons-Magee Endowed Professor in Physics

Summary

  • 2017-Present: Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
  • 2017-2022: Assistant Professor, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
  • 2015-2017: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Oxford, UK
  • 2015-2017: Visiting Academic, Imperial College London, UK
  • 2014-2015: Postdoctoral Researcher, Imperial College London, UK

Research

  • Laboratory astrophysics and supersonic plasma turbulence
  • Equation of state and transport properties in planetary cores
  • Quantum (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics
  • Shock physics and material behavior at extreme conditions

Professional Awards

  • Culham Thesis Prize, Institute of Physics, UK, 2016
  • Ayliffe Prize, University of Bath, UK, 2010
  • CAREER award, National Science Foundation, 2021
  • Mousel-Feltner Excellence in Research Award, UNR, 2021

Education

  • Ph.D., Physics, 2015 University of Oxford, UK
  • M.S., Physics, 2010 University of Bath, UK

Outreach

Collaged image of Gabriela González, Thomas White and Richard Plotkin with the Discover Science podcast logo.

Discover Science Podcast with Gabriela González, interviewed by Thomas White and Richard Plotkin

More than 100 years after Albert Einstein predicted gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by violent cosmic collisions—LIGO team scientists confirmed their existence using large, extremely precise detectors. Listen as LIGO team physicist Dr. Gabriela González speaks with Physics professors Drs. Richard Plotkin and Thomas White about the discovery of gravitational waves, lasers in space and the value of science communication.

Listen to Discover Science: Gabriela González

Dr. White presenting at Happy Hour with a Scientist

Happy Hour with a Scientist

Dr. Thomas White presented on Explosions, Lasers and Supernova at a Happy Hour with a Scientist, a weekly summer speaker series with leading College of Science professors, graduate students and friends of the College presenting on their current research. For both the scientist and the science-curious alike, this event connects with our community in a casual and fun environment.

Laboratory astrophysics and high energy density physics

Explore the research, recent news, and team member bios of Dr. White's research group.

Dr. Thomas White's Research Group