·
Professor of
Physics
·
Physics
Department Assessment Coordinator
·
Proud
recipient of the CSUN Student Government 2013 Faculty Excellence Award for
teaching
·
Proud recipient
of the UNLV College of Sciences 2013 Distinguished Teaching Award
·
Proud
recipient of the UNLV College of Sciences 2018 Distinguished Service Award
·
Former UNLV
Teaching Academy Fellow (F2014-S2015)
·
“Scientist”
featured in No Script produced by Bleacher Report with Marshawn Lynch.
·
My research was recently highlighted in the following
article: https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/x-rays-mark-spot
·
Recently, Marshawn Lynch and I reunited for an Allbirds commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4zTLS1UUH8
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdzXFp9pRRo
I was also
interviewed on the topic of the scientific method (series of three parts): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJlrkaTV5b5ZKnZPhAenjQVmWY1j4eyZ
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
4505 Maryland Parkway Box 454002
Las Vegas, NV 89154-4002
Office: Bigelow Physics Building Room 136 (BPB-136).
Work Phone: (702)895-1723
Raman Spectroscopy Lab: BPB 137
E-mail: michael.pravica@unlv.edu
Alternate E-mail: pravica@yahoo.com
Education:
Ph.D. in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics (1998)
from Harvard University.
Thesis title: "NMR experiments in a diamond anvil cell at high
pressures."
A.M. in Physics (1990) from Harvard University.
B.Sc. in Physics and Applied Mathematics (1988) with
honors from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
My Group:
Trimaan Malik (UNLV Physics masters-seeking graduate
student)
Adrian Lua Sanchez (UNLV Physics major)
Zachary Thelen (UNLV Physics major)
Princess Canasa (UNLV Biochemistry major)
Petrik Cifligu (UNLV physics
graduate student)
Trimaan Malik (UNLV physics graduate student)
Natalia Pravica (UNLV biology undergraduate student)
Egor Evlyukhin (Assistant
Research Professor)
Some
of my former staff and students can be found here: Former staff and students.
COURSE INFORMATION:
This Spring (2024), I am teaching one section of
Physics 411 (Modern Physics I).
Research Interests:
I am
partially transitioning to biophysics in an effort to utilize my patented
knowledge in damaging molecules using hard x-rays and other highly ionizing
radiation to aid in the synthesis of vaccines and cancer treatments. My other
research interests are three-pronged: 1. study of molecular/organic crystals
(including energetic materials) under extreme conditions of high pressure, high
temperature, and/or ionizing radiation using Raman, infrared (IR), and X-ray
spectroscopic methods; 2. investigation of actinide and lanthanide metals at
high pressure using X-ray spectroscopic methods; and 3. efforts to demonstrate
the validity of Ion Beam Nuclear Transmutation Doping (IBNTD) method for the
doping of Wide Band Gap Semiconductors using Raman, micro-Raman, electrical
(e.g. Hall effect), X-ray, and Photoluminescence methods. We have developed
and constructed cryogenic facilities to enable easy loading of low melting
temperature solids and have recently loaded liquid oxygen. We have
performed experiments at the Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light
Source, Advanced Light Source, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the
Pohang Light Source and the Canadian Light Source.
Recently,
I have opened up a new field of science that I call useful hard x-ray photochemistry
where I use the highly ionizing, highly focused, and highly penetrating
properties of hard x-rays (>7 keV) to initiate novel and highly controlled
chemistry in situ in isolated and/or
pressurized chambers. Though x-ray induced damage of various materials has been
known as a nuisance for decades, we are using these decomposition reactions to
develop novel and useful chemistry under extreme or isolated conditions. I have
published a number of seminal papers on this new field of science which are
listed in my publications below. Most
recently, we have synthesized a doped and very stable form of polymeric carbon
monoxide by irradiating and pressurizing a benign starting material without the
need for complex cryogenic loading of toxic carbon monoxide. We are excited as we feel that this is the
first time anyone has ever synthesized a polymer with a combination of x-rays
and high pressure which may even lend insight into how complex molecules such
as DNA were formed via energizing radiation in the deepest reaches of outer
space. We have used these methods to synthesize novel materials such as doped
polymeric carbon monoxide and a novel structure of cesium superoxide
demonstrating that not only can x-ray synthesize novel compounds, they can
create novel structures of known compounds.
Using our
irradiation methods, we have also successfully released molecular fluorine
inside sealed chambers such as a diamond anvil cell by loading samples with
fluorine-bearing compounds such as C6F14 and KBF4. This has enabled us to develop fluorine
chemistry at extreme conditions.
As far as I’m aware, we are the only group in the world trying to do
this. This includes verifying
predictions of inner shell chemistry of Miao at high pressure.
Recent Publications:
·
“A novel means to generate high
pressure,” submitted for publication (2024).
·
"Piezochromic Behaviour of
2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrachloroferrate"
submitted for publication (2023).
·
“The
High Pressure Dependence of X-Ray Induced
Decomposition of Cadmium Oxalate," A. Sanchez, P. Cifligu,
M. Graff, M. Pravica, P. Bhowmik, C. Park, E. Evlyukhin,
AIP Advances 13, 105031 (2023).
·
“Experimental
demonstration of necessary conditions for X-ray induced synthesis of cesium
superoxide,” E. Evlyukhin, P. Cifligu,
M. Pravica et al., Physical Chemistry
Chemical Physics, 25, 1799–1807 (2023).
·
“How
Can One Do Science During a Pandemic?” Dr. M. Pravica, Trickster 2021 The New Normal pp. 5-9.
·
“Observation of pressure-induced electron
transfer in SnC2O4,” M. Pravica, R. Chernikov, K. Ayala
Pineda, J. Zhao, P. Cifligu, C. McGlothen, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 23, pp. 5969-5974 (2021).
·
“Structure and vibration spectra of strontium and magnesium
oxalates at high pressure,” I. Batyrev, P. Cifligu, K. Ayala Pineda, S. Coleman, M. Pravica, High Pressure Research 41(1), pp. 52-64 (2021).
·
“Observation of second harmonic generation in
doped polymeric carbon monoxide,” M. Pravica, M. Rabasovic,,
A. Krmpot, P. Cifligu, B. Harris,
E. Evlyukhin, M. Nikolic Materials Letters 256,
126629 (2019).
·
"High
pressure behavior of mercury difluoride (HgF2)," S. Schyck, E. Evlyukhin, E. Kim, M.
Pravica, Chemical Physics Letters 724, pp 35-41 (2019).
·
“Fluorine chemistry at extreme conditions:
possible synthesis of HgF4,” M. Pravica, S. Schyck,
B. Harris, P. Cifligu, B. Billinghurst, Papers in Physics 11,
110001 (2019). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.110001
·
Communication: “Synthesis of a novel
strontium-based wide-bandgap semiconductor via X-ray photochemistry at extreme
conditions,” E. Evlyukhin, E. Kim, P. Cifligu,
D. Goldberger, S. Schyck, B. Harris, S. Torres, G.
Rossman and M. Pravica The Journal
of Materials Chemistry C 6,
12473-12478 (2018). 10.1039/C8TC04496A
·
“Cationic
Dependence of X-ray Induced Damage of Strontium and Barium Nitrate,” D.
Goldberger, C. Park, E. Evlyukhin, P. Cifligu, M. Pravica, The
Journal of Physical Chemistry A 22
(44), pp 8722–8728 (2018). 10.1021/acs.jpca.8b08224
·
“Hard
x-ray induced synthesis of OF2” M. Pravica, M. White, Y. Wang, Y.
Xiao, P. Chow, 36(4), pp. 50-52, Chimica Oggi (2018).
·
“High-pressure-assisted
X-ray-induced damage as a new route for chemical and structural synthesis,” E. Evlyukhin, E. Kim, D. Goldberger, P. Cifligu,
S. Schyck, P. Weck and M. Pravica Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 20, 18949-18956 (2018). Desginated as a “2018 HOT article.” DOI: 10.1039/c8cp02119h
·
“Forcing
Cesium into Higher Oxidation States Using Useful Hard X-ray Induced
Photochemistry at Extreme Conditions,” D. Sneed, M. Pravica. E. Kim, N. Chen,
C. Park, M. White IOP Conf. Series:
Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 950
(2017) 042055.
·
“Measurement
of the Energy and High-Pressure Dependence of X-ray-induced Decomposition of
Crystalline Strontium Oxalate,” D. Goldberger, E. Evlyukhin,
P. Cifligu, Y. Wang‡, M. Pravica, The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 121, pp. 7108−7113 (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.7b05604
·
Editor’s
Choice: “X-ray
induced synthesis of stable doped solid CO at ambient conditions,” M. Pravica,
E. Evlyukhin, P. Cifligu,
B. Harris, N. Chen, Y. Wang, Chemical
Physics Letters 686, pp. 183-188
(2017).
·
“Inner-shell
Chemistry under High Pressure,” M. Miao, J. Botana, M. Pravica, D. Sneed, C.
Park, Japanese Journal of Applied Physics
56 05FA10 (2017).
·
“High
Pressure Resonant X-ray Emission Studies of WO3 and Hydrogenated WO3,”
M. Pravica. Y. Wang, Y. Xiao, P. Chow, Japanese
Journal of Applied Physics Conference Proceedings 6, 011102 (2017).
·
“High-Pressure
Equation of State of Cesium Fluoride to 120 GPa,” D.
Sneed, M. Pravica, E. Kim, P. Weck, Japanese
Journal of Applied Physics Conference Proceedings 6, 011101 (2017).
·
“A
novel method to create molecular mixtures at high pressures: The case of
fluorine and oxygen,” M. Pravica, M. White and Y. Wang, Shock Compression of Condensed Matter 2015- AIP Conference Proceedings,
1793, pp. 060030:1–4 (2017).
·
“WHEN
DO SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS COMPETE?
STEPS TOWARD A HEURISTIC CHECKLIST,” Metaphilosophy, T. Jones and M.
Pravica, 48 (1-2) pp. 96-122 (2017).
·
“Why
do I need to take physics?” M. Pravica, The
National Teaching & Learning Forum, 25 (5), pp. 8-9 (2016).
·
“High
Pressure Studies of KClO4,” M. Pravica, Y. Wang, D. Sneed, S,
Reiser, M. White, Chemical Physics
Letters, 660, pp. 37-42 (2016).
·
“Giant
Pressure-Driven Lattice Collapse Coupled with Intermetallic Bonding and
Spin-State Transition in Manganese Chalcogenides”, Y. Wang, L. Bai, T. Wen, L.
Yang, H. Gou, Y. Xiao, P. Chow, M. Pravica, W. Yang, Y. Zhao, Angewandte Chemie 128, pp. 10506-10509 (2016).
·
“Reversible
switching between pressure-induced amorphization and thermal-driven
recrystallization in VO2(B) nanosheets,” Y. Wang, J. Zhu, W. Yang,
T. Wen, M. Pravica, Z. Liu, M. Hou, Y. Fei, L. Kang, Z. Lin, C. Jin, Y. Zhao, Nature Communications 7, 12214 (2016).
·
“A
novel synthesis of polymeric CO via useful hard x-ray photochemistry,” M.
Pravica, D. Sneed, Q. Smith, B. Billinghurst, T. May, M. White, Cogent Physics 3, (2016).
·
“Hexafluorobenzene under extreme conditions,” M. Pravica, D.
Sneed, Y. Wang, Q. Smith, M. White, The
Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 120,
pp. 2854-2858 (2016). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b00497
·
“Robust
high pressure stability and negative thermal expansion in sodium-rich antiperovskites Na3OBr and Na4OI2,”
Y. Wang, T. Wen, C. Park, C. Kenny-Benson4, M. Pravica, W. Yang and Y. Zhao, Journal of Applied Physics, 119, 025901 (2016).
·
“Pressure-induced
cation-cation bonding in V2O3,” L. Bai, Q. Li, S. Corr,
M. Pravica, C. Chen, Y. Zhao, S. Sinogeikin, Y. Meng,
C. Park, and G. Shen, Physical Review B 92, 134106 (2015).
·
“Pressure
induced structural transitions in CuSbS2and CuSbSe2
thermoelectric compounds,” J. Baker, R. Kumar, D. Sneed, A. Connolly, Y. Zhang,
N. Velisavljevic,
J. Paladugu, M. Pravica, C. Chen, A. Cornelius, Y. Zhao, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 643, pp. 186–194 (2015).
·
“Communication:
A novel for generating molecular mixtures at extreme conditions,” M. Pravica,
D. Sneed, M. White and Y. Wang, Journal
of Chemical Physics 141, 091101
(2014); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4894402.
·
“Novel
method for producing molecular fluorine,” M. Pravica, D. Sneed, M. White and Y.
Wang, Review of Scientific Instruments, 85,
086110 (2014); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4893384 (2014).
·
“Carbon
tetrachloride under extreme conditions,” M. Pravica, D. Sneed, Y. Wang, Q.
Smith and G. Subrahmanyam, Journal of
Chemical Physics 140, 194503
(2014).
·
“Studies
in useful hard x-ray induced chemistry: Potassium Halates
under extreme conditions,” M. Pravica, B. Hulsey, L. Bai, and D. Sneed, Q.
Smith and G. Guardala, 18th APS-SCCM and 24th AIRAPTJournal of
Physics: Conference Series 500, 022009 (2014).
·
“X-ray
induced mobility of molecular oxygen at extreme conditions” M. Pravica, D.
Popov, S. Sinogeikin, D. Sneed, G. Guardala, Q. Smith,
Applied Physics Letters, 103, 224103 (2013).
·
“High
pressure x-ray photochemical studies of carbon tetrachloride: Cl2
production and segregation,” M. Pravica, D. Sneed, Q. Smith, L. Bai, Chemical Physics Letters 530, pp. 74-76 (2013).
·
“Measurement
of the Energy Dependence of X-ray Induced Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate,”
M. Pravica, D. Sneed, L. Bai, C. Park, Journal
of Physical Chemistry, 117,
2302-2306 (2013).
·
“High
pressure investigations of Melamine,” M. Galley, M. Pravica, Z. Liu, High Pressure Research 33 (1), pp. 40 – 54 (2013).
·
“High
Pressure Infrared and X-ray Raman Studies of Aluminum Nitride,” M. Pravica, N.
Bhattacharya, Y. Liu, J. Robinson, W. Au, T. Mizoguchi, Z. Liu, Y. Xiao, Physica Status Solidi B, 1-6, DOI
10.1002/pssb.201200485 (2013).
·
“Hydrazine
at High Pressures,” M. Pravica, Y. Liu, L. Bai, Chemical Physics Letters, 555,
pp. 113-115 (2013).
·
“1,1-Diamino-2,2-Dinitroethylene
Under High Pressure-Temperature,” M. Bishop, R. Chellappa, M. Pravica, J. Coe,
Z. Liu, D. Dattelbaum, Y. Vohra, and N. Velisavljevic, Journal
of Chemical Physics 137, 174304
(2012).
·
“Charge
transfer in spinel Co3O4 at high pressures.” L. Bai, M.
Pravica, Y. Zhao, C. Park, Y. Meng, S. Sinogeikin and
G. Shen, Journal of Physics: Condensed
Matter 24, 435401 (2012).
·
“A
High-Pressure Far- and Mid-Infrared study of 1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene,”
M. Pravica, Y. Liu, J. Robinson, N. Velisavljevic, Z.
Liu, Journal of Applied Physics, 111, 103534 (2012).
·
“Experiments
in hard x-ray chemistry: In situ
production of molecular hydrogen and x-ray induced combustion,” M. Pravica, L.
Bai, C. Park, Y. Liu, M. Galley, J. Robinson and D. Hatchett, Review of Scientific Instruments 83, 036102 (2012).
·
“A
novel method for in situ loading of
gases via x-ray induced chemistry,” M. Pravica, et al., Review of Scientific Instruments, 82, 106102 (2011).
·
“High
Pressure X-ray Diffraction Study of Potassium Chlorate,” M. Pravica, L. Bai, N.
Bhattacharya, Journal of Applied
Crystallography, 45, pp. 48-52
(2012).
·
“In-situ
synchrotron x-ray study of phase transitions in melamine under high pressures
and high temperatures," M. Pravica, M. Galley,C. Park, H. Ruiz, J.
Wojno, Diamond and Related Materials 20 (7):1090-1092 (2011).
·
“A
Far- and Mid- Infrared Study of HMX (octahydro-
1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) under High Pressure,” M. Pravica, M.
Galley, E. Kim, P. Weck, and Z. Liu, Chemical
Physics Letters 500, pp. 28-34
(2010).
·
“A
High Pressure, High Temperature Study of 1,1 Diamino–2,2 Dinitro ethylene.,” M.
Pravica, M. Galley, C. Park, H. Ruiz and J. Wojno, High Pressure Research EHPRG 2010 conference proceedings, pp. 1-6
(2010).
·
“High
Pressure Studies of Melamine,” M. Pravica, E. Kim, S. Tkachev, P. Chow, and Y.
Xiao, High Pressure Research EHPRG
2009 conference proceedings, 30 (1),
pp. 65-71 (2010).
·
“High
pressure infrared study of 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (COT),” M. Pravica, E.
Romano, S. Tkachev and Z. Liu, Joint AIRAPT & HPCJ-50, Journal of
Physics: Conferences Series 215,
012050 (2010).
·
“High-pressure
far- and mid-infrared study of 1,3,5,7 Triaminotrinitrobenzene,”
M. Pravica, B. Yulga, S. Tkachev and Z. Liu, Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 113 (32), pp. 9133-9137 (2009).
·
“Raman
spectroscopic study of cyclopentane at high pressure,” S. Tkachev, M. Pravica,
E. Kim and P. Weck, Journal of Chemical
Physics, 130, 204505 (2009).
·
“Organic
Cyclic Difluoramino-nitramines: Infrared and Raman
Spectroscopy of 3,3,7,7 tetrakis(difluoramino)octahydro 1,5-dinitro-1,5-diazocine (HNFX),” P. F. Weck, E.
Kim, C. Gobin and M.G. Pravica, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 40, pp. 964-971 (2009).
·
“A novel method
to dope diamond - Ion Beam Nuclear Transmutation Doping (IBNTD),” M.G. Pravica,
N.A. Guardala and J.L. Price, Diamond and Related Materials, 18,
pp. 846-849 (2009).
·
“High
Pressure Studies of 1,3,5,7 Cyclooctatetraene: Experiment and Theory,” S.
Tkachev, M. Pravica, E. Kim, E. Romano and P. Weck, Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 112, pp. 11501-11507 (2008).
·
“Radiation-induced decomposition of PETN and TATB
under extreme conditions,” H. Giefers and M. Pravica,
Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 112 (15), pp. 3352-3359 (2008).
·
“Radiation-induced
decomposition of explosives under extreme conditions,” H. Giefers,
M. Pravica, W. Yang and P. Liermann, SMEC 2007 conference proceedings, Journal of Physics and Chemistry of
Solids, 69, pp. 2208-2218
(2008).
·
“Anisotropic
decomposition of energetic materials,” M. Pravica et al., APS Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM) Conference Proceedings
CP955 (2007).
·
“X-ray Raman
Spectroscopic Study of Benzene at High Pressure,” M. Pravica, O. Grubor-Urosevic, M. Hu, P. Chow and P. Liermann, Journal of Physical Chemistry B LETTERS, 111(40), pp. 11635-11637 (2007).
·
“Structural
transition of PETN-I to a ferroelastic orthorhombic
phase PETN-III at elevated pressures,” O.Tschauner,
B. Kiefer, Y. Lee, M. Pravica, M. Nicol and E. Kim, Journal of Chemical Physics, 127,
094502 (2007).
·
"An Infrared
Study of TATB under High Pressure," M. Pravica, B. Yulga,
Z. Liu and O. Tschauner, Physical Review B, 76,
064102 (2007).
·
“Phonon Density
of States of Metallic Sn at High Pressure,” H. Giefers
et al., Physical Review Letters, 98, 245502 (2007).
·
“High Pressure Studies of Cyclohexane to 40 GPa,” M. Pravica, YR Shen+, Z. Quine, E. Romano and D.
Hartnett, Journal of Physical Chemistry B,
111, 4103-4108 (2007).
·
“X-ray
Raman Studies on C60 fullerenes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes under
pressure,” R. Kumar, M. Pravica, A. Cornelius, M. Nicol, M. Hu and P. Chow, Diamond and Related Materials, 16,
1250-1253 (2007).
·
“X-ray
diffraction study of elemental thulium at pressures up to 86 GPa,” M. Pravica, Z. Quine, E. Romano, Physical Review B, 74,
104107 (2006).
·
"Radiation-induced
decomposition of PETN and TATB under pressure," H. Giefers,
M. Pravica, P. Liermann and W. Yang, Chemical Physics Letters, 429, pp. 304-309 (2006).
·
"Studies
of phase transitions in PETN at high pressures," M. Pravica et al., Journal
of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 67, pp. 2072-2076 (2006).
·
"X-ray
diffraction study of elemental erbium to 70 GPa,"
M. Pravica, E. Romano and Z. Quine, Physical Review B, 72, 214122 (2005).
·
"Raman Scattering
Studies of the High-Pressure Stability of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, C(CH2ONO2)4,"
K.Lipinska-Kalita, M.G.
Pravica and M. Nicol, Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 109 (41), 19223-19227 (2005).
·
“Characteristics
of Silicone Fluid as a Pressure Transmitting Medium in diamond anvil cells,” YR
Shen, R. Kumar, M.G. Pravica and M. Nicol, Review of Scientific Instruments,
75 (11), pp. 4450 – 4454 (2004).
·
“High
Pressure Raman Spectroscopic Study of Structural Polymorphism in Cyclohexane,”
M.G. Pravica, YR. Shen and M.F. Nicol, Applied Physics Letters, 84 (26), pp. 5452-5454 (2004).
Patents:
http://patents.justia.com/inventor/michael-g-pravica
1. I also had a patent (7,795,120) granted to
myself and my collaborators:
“Doping wide band gap semiconductors using proton induced
transmutation.”
Inventors: Jack L Price (Derwood, MD),
Noel A. Guardala (Columbia, MD), and Michael G.
Pravica (Henderson, NV)
2. X-RAY TARGETED BOND OR COMPOUND
DESTRUCTION (Application number:
20150196777)
3. “A novel synthetic route for polymers
utilizing hard x-ray photochemistry” (Patent: WO 2018034650).
4. (Applied): “Vaccines produced using
hard x-rays” (2020).
Recent
Presentations/Activities:
·
Invited Speaker: “What to we owe Nikola Tesla and how can
we repay him?” San Marcos, CA (9/23/23).
·
Contributed Speaker: “Novel fluorine chemistry at
extreme conditions,” and contributed poster: “Studies of PFOA at extreme
conditions,” Edinburgh, UK (7/25/23).
·
Invited Speaker: “Using Hard X-rays to Drive Novel Chemistry,”Institute of Physics,
Belgrade Serbia (7/14/23).
·
Invited speaker: “Using Hard X-rays to Drive Novel
Chemistry,” 3rd International Conference on Ionizing Processes (ICP) 2022,
remote presentation (7/11/22)
·
Invited speaker: “Using Hard X-rays to Drive Novel
Chemistry,” Cal Poly Pomona University, Pomona, CA (3/17/22)
·
Invited speaker: “Nikola Tesla’s contributions to
X-ray science,” SRBATOM Nuclear Safety
Today conference Belgrade, Serbia (12/2/21)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYhHjApmxIs
·
Invited speaker: “Data in Physical Sciences,” 2021
URSP Virtual Research Data Boot Camp, remote presentation (10/8/21)
·
Invited speaker: “From Vaccines to Tumors: Utilizing
Tuned X-Rays and Electrochemistry to Create High Quality Treatments,” UNLV
College of Sciences Virtual Lab Notes remote presentation (9/29/21)
·
Invited speaker: “An Exploration of STEM Careers and
Possibilities,” for the Chicago Gifted Community Center (5/20/21).
·
Invited speaker, “Fluorine chemistry at extreme
conditions: Possible synthesis of HgF4,” Far-IR Beamline Webinar,
Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (11/27/20). Remote presentation.
·
Contributed poster: “Progress in determining the x-ray
induced energy-dependent decomposition of nucleic acids,” CLS AUM 2020 meeting,
Canadian Light Source Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (10/7/20).
·
Invited co-presenter: “Marrying the Sciences and
Humanities: Interdisciplinary Scholarship in the Age of COVID” for the Course
Hero Virtual Summit ’20 (7/29/20). https://www.coursehero.com/faculty-club/education-summit-2020/marrying-the-sciences-and-humanities/
·
Guest Speaker, “How Tesla’s Ideas May Help Solve
COVID-19” Nikola Tesla Virtual Birthday Celebration; Tesla Science Foundation
(7/11/20).
·
Presented Keynote Address to the Kids Virtual Climate
Summit (Chicago IL): https://www.chicagogiftedcommunity.org/2020-projects
·
Invited talk on climate change to the Environmental
Science club of Southeast Career Technical Academy high school (SECTA),
Henderson NV (1/31/20).
·
Two invited talks to St. George Serbian Orthodox
Church on Nikola Tesla, Clearwater, FL (11/16 -11/17/19).
·
Four invited talks and demonstrations on Nikola Tesla
to St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church’s SerbFest, San
Marcos, CA (9/28-29/19).
·
Invited talk entitled: “X-ray induced synthesis of
novel optical materials at extreme conditions” Photonica
conference, Belgrade, Serbia (8/27/19).
·
Various talks and presentations as the Education
Outreach Chair for the SHOCK19 meeting in Portland, OR 6/15, 6/17 and 6/18 at
the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (McMinnick
OR), the Oregon Museum and Science and Industry (OMSI), and the Multnomah
Central Public Library, respectively.
·
Invited talk: “Fate, Fortune, and God’s Will,”Most Holy Theotokos Serbian
Orthodox Mission, Irvine, CA (6/2/19)
·
Invited talk: “Investigating the wave nature of human
behavior,” UNLV Foundation, Las Vegas, NV (4/29/19).
·
Invited talk: “Novel synthesis under extreme
conditions,” UNLV, Las Vegas, NV (3/20/19).
·
Supervised over 6 students from Southeast Career
Technical Academy (SECTA) to perform Raman spectroscopic experiments on soil
and water samples from the Moapa reservation (12/19/18).
·
Supervised over 50 students from various local Las
Vegas high schools including Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) to
collect and perform experiments on soil and water samples in the Moapa
reservation (11/17/18).
·
Contributed talk entitled:”How to we teach our students science and science
activism?” to the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference, Boston, MA
(11/10/18).
·
Invited panelist: “Identifying Grants and Writing
Proposals,” UNLV 10/9/18.
·
Invited talk to the Army Research Laboratory entitled:
“X-ray induced synthesis of a novel material: Doped Polymeric Carbon Monoxide,”
Aberdeen, MD (8/20/18).
·
Invited talk entitled: “X-ray induced synthesis of a
novel material: Doped Polymeric Carbon Monoxide” to the Institute of Physics,
Belgrade Serbia (7/20/18). http://www.ipb.ac.rs/en/novosti/najave/seminar-prof-michael-pravica/
·
Invited talk entitled: “From here to the eternities…”
to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos Serbian
Orthodox Mission (6/3/18).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Harnessing hard x-rays to
drive novel science” to the Institute of Physics, Belgrade Serbia (5/25/18).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Harnessing hard x-rays to
drive novel science” to California State University Northridge (5/17/18).
·
Invited talk on climate change to Bishop Gorman High
School, Las Vegas, NV (3/6/18).
·
Invited panelist for the Tenure and
Promotion Forum at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV (10/26/17).
·
Invited panelist for the Science of
Climate Change at the Global Climate Change Summit at University of Nevada,
Reno. Presented a brief lecture entitled:
“Can we change our atmosphere?” Reno, NV (9/23/17).
·
Invited talk to the Somerset Academy
entitled: “Novel
chemistry under extreme conditions,” Henderson, NV (9/21/17).
·
Contributed talk to the International
Research Conference on Sustainable Energy, Engineering, Materials and
Environment entitled: “Synthesis of novel materials via hard x-ray
photochemistry,” Newcastle, UK (7/27/17).
·
Contributed talk to the 16th
European Conference on Solid State Chemistry entitled: “Synthesis of novel
materials via hard x-ray photochemistry,” Glasgow, UK (7/24/17).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Driving novel
chemistry with hard x-rays” for the High Pressure
Special Interest Group, Argonne, IL (4/21/17).
·
Invited to present physics of sound,
Tesla coil, and optical spectroscopy demonstrations for “Science Night” at Bob
Miller Middle School, Henderson NV (3/23/17).
·
Contributed talk given at the American Physical
Society March meeting entitled: “Synthesis
of novel materials via useful hard x-ray photochemistry,” New Orleans, LA
(3/16/17).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Studies in useful hard x-ray
photochemistry” for the Advanced Photon Source User Science Seminar Series,
Argonne, IL (3/3/17).
·
Invited talk on climate change to Bishop Gorman High
School, Las Vegas, NV (1/24/17).
·
Presented UNLV Forum talk entitled: "Wave
phenomena and mechanisms of creativity," Las Vegas, NV (12/2/16).
·
Invited talk and demonstration entitled: “Nikola
Tesla’s contributions to modern science” to the ETF BAFA 15th Anniversary
Celebrations/160th Nikola Tesla Anniversary in San Francisco, CA (11/5/16).
·
Invited talk and demonstration entitled: “Who was
Nikola Tesla?” to the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in San Marcos, CA
(9/17/16).
·
Contributed talk given at the HPSP 17 meeting
entitled: “Equation of State of Cesium Fluoride
to 115 GPa and Possible Observation of CsF2,”
and contributed poster entitled: “High Pressure Resonant X-ray Emission Studies
of WO3 and Hydrogenated WO3,” University of Tokyo, Japan
(2/18/16).
·
Invited talk entitled: “The mysterious and brilliant
Nikola Tesla,” at the FreedomFest Conference held at Planet Hollywood, Las
Vegas, NV (7/15/16).
·
Invited “star witness” for a mock trial on climate
change at the FreedomFest Conference held at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, NV
(7/14/16).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Who was Nikola Tesla?” to the
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Edmonton, Alberta (6/25/16).
·
Panelist (one of two) for a
discussion entitled: “Teaching Large
Classes,” organized by the UNLV Graduate College (4/1/16).
·
Contributed talk given at the 2016 Stewardship Science
Academic Programs (SSAP) Symposium entitled: “A
Novel Synthesis of Polymeric CO via Useful Hard X-ray Photochemistry,”
North Bethesda, MD (2/18/16).
·
Invited talks entitled: “Who was Nikola Tesla?” to the
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ (11/7/15 – 11/8/15).
·
Invited talk entitled: "Novel fluorine chemistry
under extreme conditions using useful hard x-ray photochemistry," IUCR High
Pressure Workshop, Campinas, Brazil (9/15/15).
·
Contributed talk to the APS SCCM conference entitled:
“A novel method to create molecular mixtures at high pressures,” Tampa, FL
(6/16/15).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Why do we owe Nikola Tesla so
much and how can we repay him?” at the Dom Omladine
in Belgrade, Serbia (4/25/15). http://www.domomladine.org/debate/predavanje-zasto-toliko-dugujemo-tesli-i-kako-mozemo-da-mu-se-oduzimo/
·
Invited talk entitled: “Nikola Tesla’s important contributions
to modern physics?” to the Tesla 2015 Conference held in Belgrade Serbia
(4/24/15).
·
Invited moderator for the session
entitled: “Climate Change: Impacts On
and Responses from the Insurance Industry,” Refocus 2015 Conference, Las Vegas,
NV (3/4/15).
·
Invited guest lecturer for UNLV
Hospitality Facilities Management class "Why is physics so important to
society?" UNLV (2/2/15).
·
Videotaped interview with Dr. James
Rhem and Prof. Maria Jerinic-Pravica,”Conversations
with Teaching Academy Fellows,” UNLV December 5, 2014.
·
Invited
UNLV University Forum talk entitled:
“Global climate change: What’s going
on?”
December 3, 2014.
·
Invited talk entitled: “What is energy?” to Mr.
Ralph’s and Ms. Pam’s classes at the Silver Sands Montessori Charter School in
Henderson, NV (9/26/14).
·
Contributed talk to the HPSP-16 conference entitled:
“Studies of gallium nitride at high pressure,” Mexico City, MX (8/8/14).
·
Invited talk on Nikola Tesla to the St. George Serbian
Orthodox Church in San Diego, CA (6/29/14).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Who was Nikola Tesla?” to the
Most Holy Theotokos Serbian Orthodox Church in
Irvine, CA (5/4/14). http://www.mostholytheotokos.com/wp-content/uploads/flyer-nikola-tesla.jpg
·
Invited talk entitled: “Physics of the Atom” to Ms.
Jane’s class at the Silver Sands Montessori in Henderson, NV 3/23/14).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Physics of Sound” to Ms.
Jane’s class at the Silver Sands Montessori in Henderson, NV (2/7/14).
·
Invited panelist to the Second Annual STEM Summit at
UNLV: “Minorities in STEM and Health
Sciences,” UNLV, Las Vegas, NV (1/14/14).
·
Two invited talks entitled: “The physics of sound” and
“The exciting world of science at extreme conditions,” to 7th and 8th
graders (respectively) at the Kennedy Junior High School, Lisle, IL(12/16/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “What is gravity?” to Ms.
Jane’s class at the Silver Sands Montessori, Henderson, NV (12/12/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “The physics of sound” to the
Science Club at the K.O. Knudsen Middle School, Las Vegas, NV (12/3/13).
·
Invited keynote talk/presentation for the “Diocesan
Days” celebration of the Western Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in
North America: “The Incredible contributions of Nikola Tesla,” Alhambra, CA
(8/31/13).
·
Presented poster entitled “Studies in useful hard
x-ray induced chemistry” at the American Crystallography Association (ACA)
meeting in Honolulu, HI (7/13).
·
Contributed talk to the joint AIRAPT/APSSCCM
conference entitled: “Studies in useful hard x-ray induced chemistry,” Seattle,
WA (7/11/13).
·
Invited plenary lecture entitled: “Novel means of chemical nanosynthesis
via useful hard X-ray induced chemistry,” for the SIXTH INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE OF CONTEMPORARY MATERIALS,” Academy of Arts and Sciences, Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia-Hercegovina (7/5/13).
·
Invited plenary lecture entitled: “The Incredible
Contributions of Nikola Tesla” for the American Association for the Advancement
of Science (AAAS) Pacific Division meeting at the University of Nevada, Las
Vegas (6/19/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Experiments of energetic and other
materials subjected to extreme conditions using far- and mid-IR
spectroscopies,” Canadian Light Source, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
(6/12/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Studies in useful hard x-ray
chemistry,” to the Canadian Society of Chemistry in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
(5/29/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “Who Was Nikola Tesla?” to the
St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church in Lake
Forest, IL (4/7/13) as part of their “Nikola Tesla Day” celebrations.
·
Invited talk entitled: “The Exciting World of Science
at Extreme Conditions” to Mr. Ralph’s middle class at the Silver Sands
Montessori in Henderson, NV (3/15/13).
·
Invited talk entitled: “The physics of sound” to the
Science Club at the K.O. Knudsen Middle School, Las Vegas, NV (12/11/12).
·
Presented a UNLV University Forum lecture entitled: “The BP Gulf Oil
Spill: What Happened?” Las Vegas, NV
(11/8/12).
·
Invited talk to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas
entitled: “Fun with
a Tesla Coil,” Las Vegas, NV (10/10/12).
·
Invited talk to Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China
Lake entitled: “Studies
of energetic materials under extreme conditions and useful hard x-ray induced
chemistry,” Ritchfield, CA (8/16/12).
·
Contributed talk to the High Pressure in Semiconductor
Physics conference (HPSP-15) entitled: “High Pressure Studies of Aluminum
Nitride,” 7/27/12, Montpellier, France.
·
Invited talk to Ms.Pam’s
“Upper El” class at the Silver Sands Montessori Charter School for “Career Day”
entitled: “The exciting world of physics and chemistry at extreme conditions,”
5/4/12, Henderson, NV.
·
Hosted a local Brownie Scout Troop to visit my
laboratory on the UNLV campus 3/8/12 and discussed careers in physics for
women.
·
Presented an invited poster entitled: “Development of Ion Beam Nuclear
Transmutation Doping (IBNTD) for novel electronics in extreme conditions,”
Fourth Integrated Symposium (UNLV/NSTec)
Collaborative Research Opportunities, Las Vegas, NV (2/28/12).
·
Presented an invited poster entitled: “Development of IBNTD for novel electronics
in extreme conditions,” at the University and Industry Technical Interchange
(UITI) 2011 Review Meeting, Oakland, CA (12/6/11).
·
Invited talk to Francis H.
Cortney Junior High School entitled: “The physics of speed,” Henderson, NV
(11/29/11).
·
Invited talk to Cub Scout Troop #304 entitled: “The
physics of sound” at the Sue H. Morrow Elementary School, Henderson, NV
(10/11/11).
·
Invited talk to Ms. Jocelyn’s Bluebirds class at the
Silver Sands Montessori Charter School entitled: “The physics of sound,”
9/14/11, Henderson, NV.
·
Three invited talks to the Tesla Science Foundatio’s celebration of the 155th birthday of
Nikola Tesla (7/7, 7/9 and 7/10/11) including the keynote speech at the Ethical
Society, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA.
The title of the two similar talks delivered on 7/7 and 7/9 was: “Tesla’s final
victories – after death.”
·
Two invited talks to Green Valley High School Students
(Mr. Panik’s Physics courses): “Careers in Physics,” Henderson, NV, June 6,
2011.
·
Invited talk entitled: “Studies of insensitive
explosives under static high pressure and high temperature conditions” at the
Dynamic Phenomena under Extremes workshop in Austin, TX, January 26, 2011
·
Presented talk at the American Physical Society
Meeting, Southern California-Nevada section meeting in Pasadena, California
entitled: “A Far- and Mid-Infrared Study of HMX (octahydro-
1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) under High Pressure,” 10/29/10.
·
Presented poster at the DIAMOND 2010 conference in
Budapest, Hungary entitled: “A High Pressure and
High Temperature Study of Melamine,” 9/08/10.
·
Presented talk at the EHPRG 2010 meeting in Uppsala,
Sweden entitled: “High pressure studies of explosives using a Paris-Edinburgh
cell,” 7/27/10.
·
Presented poster at the Gordon Research Conference
"Energetic Materials," in Tilton, NH entitled, "High pressure
studies of HMX," 6/16/10.
·
Two invited talks to Green Valley High School Students
(Mr. Panik’s Physics courses): “Careers in Physics,” and “High Pressure
Physics” Henderson, NV, May 20, 2010.
·
Invited to teach/demonstrate the physics of sound to
room six at the Montessori Visions Academy (Henderson, NV) 5/14/10.
·
Invited UNLV University Forum presentation: “UNLV
University Forum presentation: “Practical Physics for Life in the 21st
Century.” April 22nd, 2010.
·
Invited talk to Boulder City High School students
(Mrs. Wiesenborn’s Physics class): “The exciting
world of high pressure physics and chemistry,” Boulder City, NV, January 6,
2010.
·
Invited talk to the UNLV 2009 Academic Assessment
Symposium entitled: "Developing Rubrics for Physics Courses," Las
Vegas, NV 11/5/09.
·
Invited talk to the Challenges in Compression Science
Workshop entitled: “Future Desired Directions in Static High
Pressure Science,” Santa Fe, NM 9/24/09.
·
Presented poster at the EHPRG 2009 meeting in Paris,
France entitled: “High Pressure X-ray Raman Spectroscopic Study of Melamine,”
9/110/9.
·
Presented poster at the AIRAPT 2009 meeting in Tokyo,
Japan entitled: “Pressure-induced aromatization? High Pressure Studies of
1,3,5,7 cyclooctatetraene,” 7/30/09.
·
Invited talk to Los Alamos National Laboratory (DE-9)
entitled: “Studies of hydrocarbons, energetic materials, and wide bandgap
materials under extreme conditions,” Los Alamos, NM 7/22/09.
·
Two invited talks to Green Valley High School Students
(Mr. Panik’s Physics courses): “Careers in Physics,” Henderson, NV, May 27,
2009.
·
Invited talk for the HiPSEC
review: “Studies of hydrocarbons, energetic materials, and wide bandgap
materials under extreme conditions,” Las Vegas, NV 5/11/09.
·
Invited talk to the Southern Nevada section of the
American Association of Physics Teachers (SNAAPT) entitled: "The Large Hadron
Collider at CERN: Determining the origins of our Universe" Las Vegas, NV,
10/3/08.
·
Contributed talk at the DIAMOND 2008 conference in
Sitges, Spain entitled: "A novel method to dope diamond: ion beam nuclear
transmutation doping (IBNTD)," 9/09/08.
·
Presented poster at the Gordon Research Conference
"Research at High Pressure," in Biddeford, Maine entitled "High
Pressure Studies of 1,3,5,7 Cyclooctatetraene: Experiment and Theory,"
7/1/08.
·
Presented poster at the Gordon Research Conference
"Energetic Materials," in Tilton, NH entitled, "Studies of triaminotrinitrobenzene under extreme static
conditions," 6/17/08.
·
Two invited talks to Green Valley High School Students
(Mr. Panik’s Physics courses): “Careers in Physics,” Henderson, NV, May 23,
2008.
·
Invited talk to the HiPSEC
Annual Review entitled, “Bonding under extreme conditions,” May 20, 2008.
·
Invited talk to the MURI 2007 Review symposium
entitled: “X-radiation damage in energetic materials under extreme conditions,”
Aberdeen Proving Ground, September 27, 2007.
·
Presented talk at the AIRAPT 2007 conference entitled:
"X-ray Raman Spectroscopic study of Benzene at High Pressure,"
Catania, Sicily, Tuesday, September 18, 2007.
·
Invited talk entitled: “Physics of Lighting and
Tesla,” Illuminating Engineering Society, Las Vegas Section, September 11,
2007.
·
UNLV Physics Forum Talk: “Bonding under Extreme
Conditions,” Friday, August 31, 2007.
·
KNPR interview: “Legacy of Tesla,” Friday, June 28,
2007.
·
Presented talk at the American Physical Society Shock
Compression of Condensed Matter meeting in Hawaii entitled, “Radiation-induced
damage studies of energetic materials,” Tuesday, June 26, 2007.
·
Invited UNLV University Forum Lecture talk entitled: “Nikola Tesla: Visionary Genius, Man of Mystery and
Legend,"
Friday, May 4, 2007.
·
Invited talk entitled, “Radiation-induced
decomposition in energetic materials," SMEC 2007 meeting, Miami FL, 4/17/07.
·
Presented talk at the American Physical Society March
Meeting in Denver entitled, "High Pressure and High Temperature
Decomposition Studies of PETN and TATB," Denver, CO, 3/7/07.
·
Two presented posters at the Diamond and Related
Materials conference in Estoril, Portugal, September 3, 2006.
·
Invited talk to the Las Vegas City Council entitled:
"Global Warming," August 2, 2006
·
Presented poster entitled “Radiation- induced Decomposition of Explosives at Ambient and High
Pressure” (Poster T-P157), American
Crystallography Association Meeting, Honolulu, HI, July 25th, 2006.
·
Invited
talk to the Energetic Materials/Insensitive Munitions Joint MURI Review,
entitled: "Radiation Damage
Studies of TATB and PETN," Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen, MD,
Wednesday, July 12, 2006.
·
Presented poster entitled: “Synchrotron
radiation-induced decomposition of explosives at high pressure” at the Research
at High Pressure Gordon Research Conference, June 25, 2006.
·
Presented poster entitled: “Radiation-induced
Decomposition of PETN and TATB” at the Energetic Materials Gordon Research
Conference, June 21, 2006.
·
Invited
talk to the University of California, Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Department
entitled: "Nuclear transmutation
doping of wide band gap semiconductors and x-ray synchrotron studies of metals
at high pressures," Monday, May 1, 2006.
·
Invited
UNLV University Forum talk entitled: "Global Warming: Fact or
Fiction," Thursday, April 27, 2006.
·
Presented talk at the American Physical Society March
Meeting in Baltimore entitled, "X-ray diffraction study of elemental
thulium to 86 GPa," Baltimore, MD, 3/15/06. Also presented a poster at the same meeting.
·
Invited talk entitled, “High Pressure Studies of
Explosives and Metals,” East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 3/12/06.
·
Invited talk entitled, “High Pressure Physics at
UNLV,” Dine’ College, Tsaile Main Campus, Navajo
Nation, Tsaile, Arizona, 11/7/05.
·
Invited talk entitled, “The World of High Pressure
Physics,” to SAGE program students, UNLV Honors College, 8/3/05.
·
Invited talk entitled, “High Pressure studies of
PETN,” MURI program Kick-off Meeting, Caltech, Pasadena, CA., Tuesday July 26,
2005.
·
Presented poster entitled “X-ray diffraction study of
elemental erbium to 65 GPa” (Poster 358), and
presented talk entitled, “High-Pressure Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Diffraction
Studies of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate C(CH2ONO2)4,”(Talk
T2-O063), Joint 20th AIRAPT
and 43rd EHPRG Conf. Proc., Karlsruhe, Germany, June 27th
– July 1st, 2005.
·
Invited talk entitled, “Studies of phase transitions
in PETN at high pressures," SMEC 2005 meeting, Miami FL, 4/22/05.
·
Invited talk entitled, "The Exciting World of
High Pressure Physics,"
to the UNLV Honors College, Las Vegas, NV, 3/31/05.
·
Presented talk at the American Physical Society March
Meeting in Los Angeles entitled, "High Pressure Studies of PETN up to 74 GPa,"
Los Angeles, CA, 3/21/05.
·
DOE
NNSA/NV-UNLV Stockpile Stewardship Cooperative Program in Materials Science and
Engineering 2004 Review - 1/12/05, "High Pressure Physics," Las
Vegas, NV.
·
Invited talk to the Army Research
Laboratory (ARL) entitled, “Optical Measurements of Thin Film Quantum Dot
Sensors at High Pressures and Temperature,” Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland,
January 5, 2005.
·
Invited
UNLV University Forum talk entitled "The Great Contributions of Physics to
Humanity," Monday, November 29, 2004.
·
Invited
talk entitled "Direct Energy Conversion devices (DEC) using Ion Beam
Nuclear Transmutation Doping (IBNTD)" delivered at Siltronics
Inc., Portland, Oregon (10/15/04).
·
Presented
poster at the International Union of Crystallography High Pressure Commission
Workshop (IUCR2004) entitled: “High Pressure X-ray diffraction studies of PETN
and Cyclohexane,” Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (8/18 – 8/21/04).
·
Presented
poster at the Gordon Conference on High Pressure entitled: “Structural Studies
of molecular and organic crystals under high pressure,” Meriden, NH (6/27 –
7/1/04).
·
Presented
talk entitled "Direct Energy Conversion Devices utilizing wide band gap
semiconductors and IBNTD," at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, Maryland (6/2/04).
·
Poster
presented at " 2004
Stewardship Science Academic Alliances (SSAA) Program Symposium, "Albuquerque,NM, 3/30/04.
·
Presented
talk at the American Physical Society March Meeting in Montreal entitled,
"Raman and X-ray measurements on cyclohexane up to 40 GPa,"
Montreal, Quebec, 3/22/04.
·
Poster
presented at "Future Directions for Multifunction RF Electronics
Technology," joint DARPA/ONR-sponsored conference, Washington DC,
11/19/03.
·
DOE
NNSA/NV-UNLV Stockpile Stewardship Cooperative Program in Materials Science and
Engineering 2003 Review - 12/5/03, "Experiments at High Pressure,"
Las Vegas, NV.
No Script appearances:
Episode 8:
Here I am demonstrating some of the wonders of liquid nitrogen (don’t try this
at home!):
https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1578387415540630/?fref=gs&dti=19637771840&hc_location=group
“Not on the J’s Scientist” (Episode 8): https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1579663862079652/
“Marshawn Has Some Fun with Liquid Nitrogen”
(Episode 8): https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1579311182114920/
Bonus clip
(Episode 4): https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/marshawn-is-finally-reunited-with-the-scientist/1551674464878592/
Episode
4: https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1550810691631636/
Bonus clip 1
of me meeting Marshawn Lynch for the first time (Episode 1): https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1533566983356007/
Bonus clip 2
of me drifting a race car (Episode 1): https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1536398983072807/
Episode
1: https://www.facebook.com/noscript/videos/1531221480257224/
There was an
article on my involvement with Marshawn Lynch’s No Script show published in
UNLV News: https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/brains-and-beast-mode
For further information about the UNLV Physics
program, please visit,
http://www.physics.unlv.edu/
I was recently interviewed by the UNLV College of
Sciences for their “Faculty tips for success” series: https://youtu.be/C-wOV--5_bU
Another web site of mine: http://pravica.tripod.com/
My wife, Dr. Maria Jerinic-Pravica
is an Associate Dean of the UNLV Honors College (http://honors.unlv.edu/). I am also a
proud father. My kids’ websites: http://nicholas_pravica.tripod.com , http://nataliapravica.tripod.com , http://lukapravica.tripod.com.
Activism:
Brief interview on our local Channel 3 news on the
subject of the NEOWISE comet: https://news3lv.com/news/local/local-stargazers-on-the-lookout-for-neowise-comet
Brief interview on our local Channel 3 news on the
subject of hand sanitizer being left in cars: https://news3lv.com/news/local/unlv-physics-professor-says-hand-sanitizer-not-likely-to-explode-in-hot-cars
Brief interview on our local Channel 3 news on the
subject of sunspots and climate change: https://news3lv.com/news/local/special-report-is-the-earth-headed-for-a-cooldown?fbclid=IwAR2fUAEL0BYMql4iM2vw87YvtycYYV7_0JrlSnBy9WgEIEFIYA39Oqr-JJM
Brief interview on our local Channel 3 news on the
subject of EMPs (Electromagnetic Pulses):
https://news3lv.com/news/local/emp-threat-how-one-weapon-natural-phenomenon-could-render-electronics-useless
Lead Letter in the Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette on installing seatbelts on buses in the wake of a horrific bus
crash there: https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2020/01/07/Seat-belts-save-lives-should-be-enforced/stories/202001070016
Letter published in the Leader Post (Regina) on climate change 2nd letter
down): https://leaderpost.com/opinion/letters/letters-to-the-editor-dec-23
Letter of the Day: Consider bypass for cyclists,
walkers (Star Phoenix Saskatoon): https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/letters/letter-of-the-day-consider-bypass-for-cyclists-walkers
Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Tribune on higher education (2nd letter down):
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/letters/ct-letters-vp-080119-20190731-d42quthujrbmpe3bnnsultc3dm-story.html
Interview for local Fox5 News on the shortage of
helium: https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/global-helium-shortage-impacts-las-vegas-based-business/article_3c722cf8-75fd-11e9-bc7f-63dbcc604817.html
Interview for local Channel 3 News on the shortage of
helium: https://news3lv.com/news/local/helium-shortage-forces-las-vegas-party-planners-to-get-creative
Letter published in The Vindicator on the melting of ice in the Bering Sea (2nd
letter down):
https://www.vindy.com/news/2019/apr/21/where-is-transparency-in-niles-city-scho/
I had letters published on the recent academic
admissions scandal in the Los Angeles
Times, The Arizona Republic and The Arizona Star newspapers:https://tucson.com/opinion/letters/politics-national/letter-college-admissions-scandal-re-admissions-scandal-highlights-divide-over/article_0e34fadc-49c5-11e9-9af9-8b1e40ad712f.html
I was interviewed by our local Channel 8 News on
elemental neon which is being considered as our state element: https://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/local-news/legislative-bill-would-recognize-neon-as-nevada-s-state-element/1826902118
I participated in a UNLV forum on writing proposals
and grants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkAbxOmcFRc&fbclid=IwAR2VfEn8X_sj6SmFJFhcFfiyhic6tqG_qWMjnIl6LgGMV3ysyU4rpoSMmc8
Las Vegas can be proud of UNLV letter in the Las Vegas Sun: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/feb/11/las-vegas-can-be-proud-of-unlv/
Our leaders don’t understand climate change letter
published in the Salt Lake City Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/letters/2018/12/21/letter-our-leaders-dont/
On the recent release of a report on climate change (4th
letter down) in the Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/letters/os-op-letters-immigration-solution-lady-liberty-20181126-story.html
On limiting human-initiated forest fires published in
the Star Phoenix (Saksatoon)
newspaper: http://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/letters/letter-of-the-day-we-can-limit-human-caused-forest-fires
I was interviewed on the subject of π by our
local FOX News Las Vegas: http://www.fox5vegas.com/clip/14197357/celebrate-pi-day-in-southern-nevada
I was interviewed by Playboy Magazine on the topic of scientists who are running for
office: https://www.playboy.com/read/why-so-many-scientists-are-running-for-office
An interview pertaining to my involvement in the No Script show was recently
published: https://www.educationdive.com/news/marshawn-lynchs-scientist-talks-future-of-research-and-importance-of-str/514031/
On the Hurricane Irma and climate change (6th
letter down): http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/tuesdays-letters-during-irma-were-thankful-for-great-neighbors/2337079
A similar letter was published in the London Independent (5th letter
down): http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/brexit-theresa-may-david-davis-rush-limbaugh-hurricane-irma-a7941256.html
On climate change: http://thehill.com/opinion/letters/327502-humanity-must-take-action-now-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions
On climate change (3rd letter down): http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-trump-coal-miners-climate-change-20170401-story.html
On the dangers of drug abuse: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170329/discuss/170328622/
On hydroelectricity being “green” (sixth letter
down): http://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/letters/tuesdays-letters-canada-a-safe-harbour-in-global-storms .
On the recent discoveries and verification of
gravitational waves: http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/letters-super-hornet-snafu .
On the dangers of “vaping” (second letter down): http://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/letters/0419-edit-letters
On the recent return of an astronaut from the
International Space Station: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2016/03/11/a-testament-to-our-ingenuity.html
On the recent discovery of gravitational waves: http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/tuesday-letters-ken-dunkin-takes-a-brave-stand/
My talk entitled: “Tesla’s contributions to modern
physics,” was placed on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctSJH3KViJ8.
On Nikola Tesla: http://en.tesla2017.com/electrifying-inventions-michael-pravica-on-why-nikola-tesla-was-one-of-humanitys-greatest-heroes/
On the recent photos of Pluto: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0718-saturday-pluto-20150718-story.html
On the need to have seat belts on trains: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150514_LETTERS_-_May_14.html
On climate change in Florida (last letter down): http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-letters-netanyahu-iran-031515-20150313-story.html
On the need for all of our citizenry to be educated in
science (see letter at the bottom of the article): http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/01/07/science-education-politics-your-say/4364417/
On the need to create a medical school at UNLV: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/nov/11/its-about-time-med-school-here/
On the need to inspire future generations by
celebrating Nikola Tesla: http://www.newsday.com/opinion/letters/letter-tesla-s-work-can-inspire-generation-1.6178193
On the need to support early education in
mathematics: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130311/discuss/703119963/?interstitial=1 .
Problems with GMO foods: http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/10-10-2012/122406-genetically_modified-0/
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters/article/1244198--tesla-deserving-of-honour
Online learning vs. real, in-person education: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/opinion/learning-in-classrooms-versus-online.html (3rd
letter down)
Laser safety: http://www.newsday.com/opinion/letters/letter-when-lasers-are-used-as-weapons-1.3850967
On the economy: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/0175658a-9f62-11e1-a455-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1vYV1izkN
Info Trak interview with me about the physics of
driving:
http://www.talkzone.com/uploads/audio/infotrak111028b.mp3
Defending UNLV and public misperceptions of the
critical role of professors and educators in general amidst the Draconian
planned budget cuts:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/17/running-best-teachers-sends-wrong-message/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/01/lets-find-ways-sustain-education/allcomments/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/apr/10/university-system-brings-hope-nevada/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/30/nevadans-should-support-education/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/13/business-plan-not-suitable-education/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/feb/17/education-key-economic-rebound/
(Gulf oil leak activism):
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jun/13/whats-bps-motive-cleanup-method/
Other activism:
I am also passionately concerned about the state of science in America. Recently, my students, colleagues and I visited the offices of five of our Nevada state representatives in the Congress and Senate in Washington DC to encourage them to support President Bush’s initiative to increase America’s competitiveness in technology and science via increased funding for basic research. A picture taken with Representative Shelley Berkley and our group in front of her office can be found at:
http://www.physics.unlv.edu/~pravica/congress.pdf
Some of my published op-eds:
“Physicist examines global warming” http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/aug/26/20060826-101814-1121r/
“Energy savings over friction”: http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20060603-093026-6604r.htm
“Physicist examines global warming”: http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20060826-101814-1121r.htm
“Firming up hard science”: http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20070505-101327-9121r.htm
“Science and religion”: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2005/dec/18/20051218-125508-8571r/
This page was updated on 1/4/24.
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