Dr. Zachary Meisel, PhD
Dr. Meisel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Physics (ENP) at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). He was previously a Data Scientist in the CBRNE Defense Unit of the National Security Division at Battelle Memorial Institute and, prior to that, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory at Ohio University. Dr. Meisel was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Notre Dame after earning his BS in Astrophysics and PhD in Physics at Michigan State University. His primary research interests involve nuclear physics for applications and astrophysics, including nuclear physics experiments and modeling of astrophysical and terrestrial environments. Example projects include cross section measurements for nuclear non-proliferation and stellar burning, studies of the statistical properties of nuclei for indirect nuclear reaction constraints, modeling of radiation release consequences for non-human biota, and calculations assessing the impact of nuclear reactions on astrophysical environments.
Dr. Meisel is an author of over 75 peer-reviewed publications and over 65 conference and seminar presentations. He has served in several professional organizations, including as Chair of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Users Organization Executive Committee and as a Focus Area Coordinator for the International Research Network on Nuclear Astrophysics. In 2018, Dr. Meisel was the recipient of a Department of Energy Early Career Award.
Education
PhD., Physics, Michigan State University, 2015
B.S., cum Laude, Astrophysics, Michigan State Univerist, 2010
Awards
2024, Outstanding Performance Award, Battelle Memorial Institute
2021, Outstanding Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award, Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences
2020, Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award, Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences
2018, Early Career Award, United States Department of Energy
2015, Sherwood K. Haynes Award, Michigan State University Department of Physics & Astronomy
2013, Thomas A. Kaplan Award, Michigan State University Department of Physics & Astronomy
2010, Carl L. Foiles Award, Michigan State University Department of Physics & Astronomy
2009, Lawrence W. Hantel Endowed Fellowship, Michigan State University Department of Physics & Astronomy