My scientific interests focus on plasma-material interactions, that is, the interface and interplay between the wall materials in fusion devices and the plasma that contacts these material surfaces. I am most interested in using computational tools to gain insight into the underlying processes and to evaluate the impact of plasma-material interactions on the performance of materials and plasma. After completing my PhD at the University of Helsinki (Finland) on the erosion and mixing of plasma-exposed surfaces, and my post-doctoral appointment at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the migration of eroded wall material across the plasma; I joined the University of Tennessee in 2018 to focus my research in integrating these plasma and materials descriptions, which allows addressing the plasma-material interface in a more consistent and comprehensive manner. I find this field fascinating for its scientific challenge, and critical for the realization of fusion.
Recently, I have also been strongly involved in the process to form a strategic plan for the U.S. fusion program. I have been fortunate to serve both in a leading role in the Community Planning Process and as member of the FESAC sub-committee for Long-Range Planning. I very much enjoy these activities that provide a broader perspective of the program and require greater communication, mutual understanding and compromise across the broad spectrum of fields involved in fusion energy sciences.
Email: aesquisa@utk.edu