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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science & technology

Michael Pravica In The News

K.L.A.S. T.V. 8 News Now
Many people shy away from tackling the deep questions everyone has. Questions like “Why are we here?” “Where are we going?” and “What is the meaning of life?” UNLV Professor Dr. Michael Pravica is not one of those people. In fact, he’s spent much of his academic life attempting to answer those very questions with his background as a physicist providing a rational underpinning for his beliefs.
Hackster
Stuck lithium ions, responsible for older batteries' loss in capacity, could be freed if gently encouraged by high-energy X-rays.
New UNLV-led research may prove the contrary, adding years to the lifespan of our beloved battery-powered electronic devices.
Popular Mechanics
Awareness itself may predate our universe.

Articles Featuring Michael Pravica

Pravica and his X-ray device.
Research | May 26, 2026

UNLV physics lab works on new research harnessing the power of X-rays to extend the lifespan of batteries in electric cars and cell phones.

springtime bees
Campus News | May 1, 2026

A flowery collection of top headlines featuring UNLV faculty and students.

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.