Willow Wan
About Willow Wan
Willow Wan is a scientist specializing in fusion energy research. She has contributed to significant advancements in understanding fusion experiments and currently works at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Willow Wan has been employed as a Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2019. In this role, she contributes to advancements in understanding and controlling fusion experiments, with the goal of achieving clean and renewable fusion energy. Her work involves leading the design and execution of multi-million dollar experiments that focus on stabilizing hydrodynamic instabilities in high-energy-density systems. Wan utilizes the laboratory's powerful laser facilities to conduct experiments on fluids at temperatures exceeding those of the sun.
Previous Experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Prior to her current position, Willow Wan worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She served as a Postdoctoral Researcher from 2017 to 2019, where she gained valuable experience in high-energy-density experiments. Additionally, she held the position of Guest Scientist for 10 months in 2019. During her tenure at Los Alamos, she developed expertise in diagnostics, radiation-hydrodynamic codes, and data analysis techniques, which have been instrumental in her subsequent research.
Education and Expertise
Willow Wan earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Climate and Space Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, where she studied from 2010 to 2017. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in scientific research methodologies and technical writing. Through her educational and professional experiences, she has developed specialized skills in diagnostics, radiation-hydrodynamic codes, and data analysis techniques, which are essential for her work in high-energy-density systems.
Research Focus and Contributions
Willow Wan's research focuses on the stabilization of hydrodynamic instabilities in high-energy-density systems, a critical area for the advancement of fusion energy. She leads significant experiments that utilize advanced laser technology to explore fluid dynamics under extreme conditions. Her contributions aim to enhance the understanding of fusion processes, which are vital for developing clean and renewable energy sources. Wan's work is pivotal in the ongoing efforts to harness fusion energy for practical applications.