Tammy Ma
About Tammy Ma
Tammy Ma is the Lead of the Inertial Fusion Energy Initiative at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she has worked since 2022. She holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from UC San Diego and focuses on sustainable fusion burn to meet global energy demands.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Tammy Ma currently holds the position of Lead for the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Initiative at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a role she has undertaken since 2022. She also serves as Associate Program Leader for High Energy Density Laboratory Plasmas, a position she has held since 2019. In addition, she is the Program Element Leader for High-Intensity Laser HED Science within Advanced Photon Technologies, a role she has occupied since 2020. Her work involves conducting experiments at the National Ignition Facility, which houses the world's largest and most energetic laser. Ma is also involved in science outreach activities, including public talks and media interviews, to promote understanding of her research.
Education and Expertise
Tammy Ma has a strong educational background in aerospace engineering and applied science. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering & Applied Science (Aeronautics) from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 2005. She continued her studies at the University of California, San Diego, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2008. Ma further advanced her education by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering from UC San Diego in 2010. Her academic training has equipped her with expertise in high-energy density physics and inertial fusion energy.
Background
Before her current roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Tammy Ma gained valuable experience at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She worked as an Undergraduate Researcher in the Biophysics and Planetary Protection Group from 2002 to 2003, and later in the Electric Propulsion Instrumentation Section from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, she served as a Graduate Student at the University of California, San Diego from 2005 to 2010, where she contributed to various research projects in aerospace engineering. This diverse background has contributed to her current focus on sustainable fusion energy.
Achievements
Tammy Ma's work focuses on achieving sustainable fusion burn, a process that mimics the reactions occurring in the sun. This research aims to address global energy needs through the development of inertial fusion energy. Her involvement in high-energy density laboratory plasmas and advanced photon technologies positions her at the forefront of fusion energy research. Through her roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, she has contributed to significant advancements in the field, particularly through experiments at the National Ignition Facility.