Courses

NucEng C180/ Phys C142: Introduction to Controlled Fusion

Semester: Fall

This class is an introduction to energy production by controlled thermonuclear reactions, discussing both inertial and magnetic confinement fusion approaches. This course will start with the science behind nuclear fusion reactions and conditions for energy balance and ignition. It will introduce the fundamental plasma physics required to understand the dynamics occurring, including energy transportation and instability generation in fusion reactors. Various power plant designs, materials considerations and fusion diagnostics will be reviewed, as well as exploring the wider applications of fusion research. 

All materials and recordings are uploaded to bCourses page. 

https://classes.berkeley.edu/content/2026-fall-nuceng-180-001-lec-001 

Also as a part of this class we take a trip over to the NIF at LLNL! 

NucEng 290F: Special Topics in Fusion and Plasma Physics

Semester: Spring

This class builds on a foundational understanding of fusion energy and plasma physics. We will look at the fundamentals of fusion facilities and definitions of a plasma before then exploring further concepts in plasma and fusion energy. We will look at how waves are established in plasmas, how these are affected by the magnetic fields and what instabilities can then be formed in a fusion plasma. These will be discussed in the context of both magnetic and inertial confinement fusion approaches. We will also evaluate approaches being adopted by various private fusion energy start-ups and learn about their proposed methods, but also critically evaluate their opportunities and challenges they are facing. 

Diagnostics are a key part of measuring and monitoring the conditions in the reactors, and so we will look at some examples of data and analysis techniques. We will also introduce simulations that we can use to support the modelling of our fusion power plants. 

https://classes.berkeley.edu/content/2026-spring-nuceng-290f-001-lec-001  

Guest lecturing: 

Nuc Eng 140: Nuclear Science and Technology for Space

Semester: Spring

Broadly, this course explores the fundamental principles of nuclear science and their specialized application in space exploration and technology. The class covers the physics of nuclear reactions, the engineering design of space-based nuclear systems, and the operational challenges unique to the space environment. Key topics include nuclear physics for space, effects of radiation on biological and engineered systems, radioisotope power systems (RTGs, ASRGs), nuclear thermal and electrical propulsion (NTP, NEP), and radiation shielding.

I teach the section looking at the potential for fusion reactors for propulsion as well as plasma thruster devices and the use of plasmas for testing space technologies and components.