James Kakalios

James Kakalios is the Taylor Distinguished Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1985, and after completing a post-doctoral Research Associate position at the Xerox-Palo Alto Research Center, he joined the faculty at Minnesota in 1988. His research focus is experimental condensed matter physics, emphasizing complex and disordered systems, including studies on nanocrystalline and amorphous semiconductors and fluctuation phenomena in neurological systems.

Kakalios is also renowned for his innovative approach to science communication, using superhero comic books to elucidate real scientific principles. He has authored three popular science books: "The Physics of Superheroes", "The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics", and "The Physics of Everyday Things", and his work in science communication has earned him national acclaim. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards such as the 2014 AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award, the American Institute of Physics’ 2016 Andrew Gemant Award, and the American Association of Physics Teachers Klopsteg Memorial Lecture Award in 2020. Kakalios has also been honored with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Lincoln (U.K.) in 2017.

Kakalios is frequently invited to discuss his research and books at various esteemed venues and events including the Library of Congress, the 92nd Street Y, Comic Con International, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the X-STEM Symposium. He is also a popular figure on digital platforms; his YouTube videos on the physics in superhero movies have garnered millions of views. Dual aspects of his career—profound research and engaging public education—showcase his dual commitment to advancing science and making it accessible to the public.