Gilbert “Rip” Collins brings expertise in matter at high energy density

Gilbert “Rip” Collins joins the Department of Mechanical Engineering as professor this summer, with a secondary appointment as professor of physics and astronomy, as well as a senior scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

 He will lead research at the University of Rochester in an area of increasing importance, exploring the behavior of matter under extreme pressure, (or energy densities) from thousands to billions of atmospheres, recreating conditions in the deep interiors of planets and stars.

Collins is currently director of the Center for High Energy Density Physics at Lawrence Livermore National Lab and Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. He leads a multidisciplinary group of scientists, post docs and students in exploring the fundamental properties of matter at extreme densities, high strain rate phenomena, and the microphysics of fusion. He has been mentor to graduate students and post docs.

Collins is Fellow of the American Physical Society, and, among many honors, has received the APS Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics, and the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration Award for Excellence for Stockpile Stewardship Program. He has chaired many national and international conferences on research related to high pressure physics and plasma science, such as the High Pressure Gordon Conference, and the APS Shock Compression of Condensed Matter. He has appeared on several
television and radio shows describing extreme matter, planetary science and fusion science (e.g. Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic Series, Cosmos.)

He has held a visiting professorship at Imperial College, and has been visiting scientist at the University of Edinburgh. His national service includes participation in many advisory committees such as the Stanford Linear Acceleration Center, Shock Physics Institute at Imperial College, and Washington State University Science Advisory Committee.

His work on matter at high energy density finds applications in planetary science, stellar evolution, controlled fusion, and the behavior of condensed matter at extreme density.