Eric G. Blackman


Eric Glen Blackman is an American astrophysicist and professor.
WWW pas.rochester.edu/~blackm...

Education and career

Blackman graduated from the Harley School, and then
obtained undergraduate degrees in physics and mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked at the General Electric Research Laboratory during undergraduate summers. He subsequently completed a Master of Advanced Study in mathematics at Cambridge University, residing at Trinity College, Cambridge, followed by a Phd at Harvard University working in theoretical astrophysics with George B. Field. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the
Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge of Cambridge University and in physics at Caltech
before joining the department of physics and astronomy at the University of Rochester.
Blackman has made diverse contributions to theoretical astrophysics through 250+ research publications on topics that include stellar and planetary astrophysics, molecular clouds, planetary nebulae, accretion, jets, particle acceleration, turbulence, laboratory astrophysics, and relativistic astrophysics—including gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei. He is particularly known for work in plasma astrophysics involving magnetic fields, and principles of astrophysical dynamo theory—the latter being a theory of magnetic field origin in astrophysical objects such as galaxies, stars, accretion disks and planets. Blackman has also worked on the mechanics and biomechanics of helmet protection against closed traumatic brain injury, identifying protection deficiencies in standard helmets for both head impacts and blast exposure.

Appointments and awards