Join us for a tribute to Dr. Steven J. Gitomer. This session will cover outstanding technical and personal contributions of Steve Gitomer to the IEEE Plasma Science and Applications (PSAC) and Pulsed Power Committees, to the post-cold war former Soviet Union, and to the NSF. Please help us honor the life and achievements of this extraordinary man.

Steven J. Gitomer was a leading figure in plasma science whose career spanned academia, national security, and scientific publishing. After earning degrees from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he served on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1974. His work at Los Alamos and the U.S. Department of Energy advanced laser–plasma interactions, plasma applications, numerical modeling, and international nonproliferation programs, including major roles with the ISTC and STCU.

An IEEE Fellow recognized “for leadership in the field of plasma science and the modeling of laser-produced plasmas,” he made lasting contributions across laser fusion diagnostics, plasma instabilities, RF accelerators, and direct energy conversion.

Dr. Gitomer served as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science for more than 40 years, guiding the journal’s expansion, modernizing its editorial structure, and championing emerging areas such as pulsed power, dusty plasmas, and terahertz science. He was a founding member of the Plasma Science and Applications Committee and chaired the 8th ICOPS in 1981.

Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his warmth, curiosity, and devotion to family. His leadership and generosity left a profound impact on the plasma science community.

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Chunqi Jiang, Old Dominion University, Chair of NPSS PSAC

Edl Schamiloglu, University of New Mexico
Rickey Faehl, Los Alamos National Laboratory (Retired)
Jacob Kiviat, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory