Phil Snyder: Interim Director, Fusion Energy Division

Bio

Philip B. Snyder was named Interim Division Director for Fusion Energy in April 2023, after serving for two years as the Section Head for the Burning Plasma Foundations Section.

Snyder previously served as Director of the Theory and Computational Science department at General Atomics. He has extensive experience serving as principal investigator of large projects, leading groups and departments, and focusing research efforts on high-impact problems for the development of fusion energy. He has also collaborated with fusion experimental programs around the world, including DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod, NSTX, JET, JT-60U, MAST, ASDEX-U, and COMPASS.

Under his leadership, the Burning Plasma Foundations section is developing the scientific understanding needed to address key fusion problems, including core-edge integration, transient control and mitigation, plasma-material interactions, and high-performance steady-state operation.   The section is developing an integrated simulation capability for the coupled core-pedestal-boundary-wall system, including innovative approaches to simulate the edge and boundary plasma, and developing advanced diagnostic, actuator, and control capabilities.   The section collaborates with fusion facilities around the world, and is strongly engaged in preparation for research on ITER, and in the design and optimization of a US fusion pilot plant.

ORNL Profile

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