Ph.D. in atomic physics from Yale University in 1983 followed by 2 years of postdoctoral work in the ion storage group with David Wineland (2012 Nobel Prize in Physics), at NIST Boulder where he was a member of the team that developed the first laser cooled atomic clock. BS degree Mathematics, MS degree Physics University of Alabama, Huntsville

Research interests include developing Ultra-stable space-based atomic ion clocks to advance spacecraft navigation and planetary radio science; developing miniature ion trap based clocks; developing fundamental physics tests through atomic clock comparisons; and ion mass spectrometer instruments based on linear ion traps.

Science and Technology lead for the NASA/JPL DSAC (Deep Space Atomic Clock) mission where a small ion-atomic clock is being adapted for long term deep space and Earth orbit operation. This technology is the prototype for the next generation GPS III space atomic clock. Prior to DSAC, he led the SCaN Space Ion Clock Technology Development Team.

Invented and developed first linear rf ion trap, the first multi-pole linear ion trap together with ion transfer methodology to enable ultra-stable atomic ion clock. These ion-clock were first to exceed stability of H-maser clocks. Linear ion traps are now used world-wide for ion clocks, quantum computing, and quadrupole mass analyzers.

Designed and delivered 10 cm3 ion trap physics package for ongoing DARPA IMPACT small clock competition.

He has developed and carried out new tests of Local Lorentz Invariance and Local Position Invariance – both cornerstones of Einstein’s General Relativity. Two NASA mission proposals (SMEX and MIDEX mission Space-Time) were based on this work. This work started the modern day clock comparison searches for time variation of the fundamental constants.

Active IEEE member in the International Frequency Control Symposium; Served as Technical Program Chair for 2000 and 2001; Several years as Tutorials Chair. He is a member of the American Physical Society, Topical Groups on Gravitation, IMS, DAMOP, FIAP, and PMFC.

• Professional Society and External Organization Awards | American Physical Society (APS) (?)
• Senior Research Scientist | Atomic Clocks, Fundamental Physics (2012)
• Rabi Award (2009)
• NASA Award | NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal (2004)
• JPL Principal Designation | 332J - Quantum Sciences And Technology (2001)