Nathaniel J. Fisch is professor of astrophysical sciences, specializing in plasma physics. He is also an associated faculty in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. Dr. Fisch predicted new ways to control plasma, including methods of generating electrical current in plasma using electromagnetic waves. He also predicted plasma-based methods of achieving the next generation of laser intensities. His current research interests include plasma applications to nuclear fusion, lasers, propulsion, nuclear waste remediation, and astrophysics. Four of his Ph.D. students have won the American Physical Society Award for Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis in Plasma Physics, representing about 10% of the winning theses since the award was established in 1986. In 2025, he was recognized with the Princeton University President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.