Michael Pravica

Professor, Physics
Expertise: General Physics, High Pressure Science, Explosives, X-ray Spectroscopies, Accelerator Physics, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy, Condensed Matter Experiment, Helium

Biography

Michael Pravica is an expert in general physics. He especially enjoys research focused on the study of matter at extreme conditions of high pressure, high temperature, and high radiation flux.

Pravica — well-known for his community activism and dedication to spreading the joy of science to the masses via television, radio, print media, and public forum appearances — has worked to further the field through development of several innovative concepts. They include: a) A new field of science, dubbed "useful hard x-ray chemistry," wherein high energy, penetrating and focused x-rays are harnessed to initiate novel chemistry in isolated and sealed chambers, and b) Ion Beam Nuclear Transmutation Doping, a novel method to dope wide bandgap semiconductors using penetrating, high-energy protrons initiating nuclear transmutation to create dopant layers.

He has also decades of experience using liquid helium for nuclear magnetic resonance (related to MRI technology).

Education

  • Ph.D., Experimental condensed matter physics, Harvard University
  • M.A., Physics, Harvard University
  • B.S., Physics and applied mathematics (honors), California Institute of Technology

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Michael Pravica In The News

The Dave Glover Show
Michael Pravica talks about how consciousness can transcend the physical realm.
Real Simple
On an episode of the popular podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, British actor Idris Elba and the host (the former star of Parks and Recreation) are bonding over the aches and pains that arise in your 50s. Elba mentions that he's a big fan of grounding as a way to reduce inflammation and stiffness. He notes that a lot of people are skeptical of the wellness ritual, "but it works."
Fox 9
Astrophysics professor and Afternoon Shift fan favorite, Mike Pravica, drops by The Afternoon Shift to chat all things space and our weird and wonderful universe.
Daily Mail
Up to now, humans have only been able to observe four dimensions in the universe – height, length, width and time. But beyond these dimensions, collectively known as 'spacetime', there may be more that we cannot perceive – including the fabled fifth dimension.

Articles Featuring Michael Pravica

Students on campus.
Campus News | October 6, 2025

A selection of top news headlines featuring UNLV faculty and students.

Spring flowers
Campus News | April 3, 2025

The students and faculty of UNLV are springing into headlines around the country.

spring flowers
Campus News | March 6, 2025

The rosiest headlines and highlights featuring the students and faculty of UNLV.

Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.