Erik H. Trask
About Erik H. Trask
Erik H. Trask is the Vice President of Fusion Energy at TAE, known for his significant contributions in plasma physics and fusion energy, including leadership roles in research and development projects.
Erik H. Trask's Education and Expertise
Erik H. Trask earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Irvine. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research on fluctuation-induced transport on the Irvine Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in applied physics from Pacific Lutheran University. His areas of research interest encompass the development of plasma models, studies on wave heating schemes in over-dense plasma, implementing efficient search techniques in high dimensions, and high power rotating magnetic field plasma sources.
Erik H. Trask's Role at TAE
Erik H. Trask is the Vice President of Fusion Energy at TAE. He joined TAE as a research scientist in 2011. Over the years, he has worked as a scientist, analyst, and operator on the C-2 Field Reversed Configuration device. Trask has played a significant role in various projects, including the development of RF sniffer probes and managing a cryogenic hydrogen pellet fueling system. He also served as the chief operator and has been a frequent experimental session leader on the C-2W device at TAE.
Achievements of Erik H. Trask
Erik H. Trask has been recognized for his contributions to TAE by winning the company's annual award for achievement twice. He received the award for his leadership in joint research with Google and for his assistance in the design and construction of the ~100GW pulsed power system on the C-2W device. Trask has been instrumental in developing a shot scheduler system that allows for the efficient queuing of experiments by preparing batches of complete experimental machine settings prior to run days.
Erik H. Trask's Professional Affiliations and Advisory Roles
Erik H. Trask is a member of the American Physical Society and the American Nuclear Society. He frequently presents at conferences, serves as a session chair, and helps organize meetings. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to the DIII-D program at General Atomics and is a member of the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC). He contributed to the subcommittee that produced the 2020 long-range strategic plan 'Powering the Future.'