TAPAS
Turbulence And Plasmas
Across Scales
Muni Zhou周慕霓
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy
I study plasma physics using analytical theory and numerical simulations, with applications to astrophysical systems and controlled nuclear fusion. My research focuses on multiscale processes, including turbulence, magnetic reconnection, and energetic-particle transport.
I joined the faculty at Dartmouth College in 2025. I received my Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where I worked with Nuno Loureiro. I was subsequently a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University and a member of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS).
What we do
Using theory and numerical simulations, we study how plasmas generate magnetic fields and transfer energy across scales. We ask how cosmic magnetic fields originate and grow, how turbulence heats the solar wind, and how magnetic reconnection reshapes turbulent plasmas. We also explore how radiation interacts with relativistic turbulence and what controls energetic-particle transport in fusion plasmas.
Research at a Glance
All research
Spontaneous magnetization
Electron-ion Weibel seeding
Mirror and Firehose for Weibel Relaxation
Kinetic Constraints on Weibel Relaxation
Collisionless turbulent dynamo
Magnetic field relaxation
Turbulence with Radiation and QED
Pair Loading by Radiative Turbulence
Electron Heating via Phase-space Dynamics
Intermittency and Tearing Mediation for Kinetic Turbulence
Gyrokinetics in an Inhomogeneous Solar Wind
Inverse Cascade via Magnetic Reconnection
Multi-scale flux-tube dynamics
Electron-only reconnection-driven inverse cascade
Finite-beta reconnection rate
TAE Saturation
Photo courtesy of General AtomicsHelicon Current Drive
Plasma Exhaust in Magnetic Mirrors
Interested in joining us?
We welcome prospective graduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in plasma astrophysics, fusion, and basic plasma physics. Contact Muni Zhou: muni.zhou@dartmouth.edu
Some job opportunities:
- Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship: supports interdisciplinary computational research with faculty mentors from two different departments at Dartmouth. Application deadline: December 1, 2026. Please contact Muni to discuss preparing an application. Apply
International
- Schmidt Science Fellows: supports recent PhD graduates making an interdisciplinary shift, such as bringing mathematics or computing expertise into plasma physics.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Postdoctoral Fellowships: for researchers in Europe to spend one to two years outside Europe (for example, at Dartmouth), followed by a year back in Europe.