Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Canistota
Engineering Physics,
John A. Schmidt earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1968 and 1969 respectively following his graduation from South Dakota State College. Schmidt began his engineering career in 1969 at the Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory and became the United States’ leading technical expert on physics and engineering aspects of the design of large fusion facilities. In 1980, he was named head of the Applied Physics Division. He was also the head of advanced projects and served as a consultant to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Schmidt managed the Ignition Studies Project (ISP) for the Plasma Physics Society. He authored more than 40 technical papers and participated in numerous professional and national science symposiums.