Ben Levitt

Ben Levitt has extensive experience in research and development, particularly in the field of nuclear fusion energy. Ben is currently the VP of Research and Development at Zap Energy, where they are responsible for leading the company's efforts in achieving commercial nuclear fusion energy using the shear-flow-stabilized Z pinch technology. Prior to this role, they served as the Director of Research and Development at Zap Energy.

Before joining Zap Energy, Levitt worked at Schlumberger for over a decade. Ben held the position of Principal Research Scientist, leading and managing projects on the development of next-generation industrial accelerator technology. As a Senior Research Scientist at Schlumberger, they focused on sensor technologies based on nuclear techniques, plasma physics, particle beams, and atomic physics. Levitt's work also involved vacuum technology, high voltage electronics, magnet design, radiation physics, microwave and RF systems, and photonics.

Levitt began their career as a Research Fellow at CERN, where they conducted experimental research on antihydrogen production and cryogenic electron, positron, and antiproton plasmas. Ben was responsible for various aspects of operation, including lasers, cryogenics, superconducting magnets, electronics, and vacuum systems. Ben also mentored graduate and undergraduate students during their time at CERN.

Levitt's previous work includes a research scientist position at Harvard University, where they focused on the production and study of antimatter as part of the ATRAP collaboration based at CERN. Ben'swork involved the formation and trapping of antiprotons generated through collisions of high-energy protons.

Overall, Levitt's work experience demonstrates their expertise in research and development, particularly in the field of nuclear fusion energy and related technologies.

Ben Levitt completed their Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics at McGill University from 1995 to 1998. Ben then pursued their PhD in Plasma Physics at Columbia University from 1998 to 2004. Lastly, they attended Harvard University from 2004 to 2008 as a Fellow, specializing in Physics.