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

Popular Mechanics
Awareness itself may predate our universe.
Popular Mechanics
Imagine homing in on the source of your consciousness like an airport metal detector finds the keys stashed in your pocket.
Homes & Gardens
Have you found that allergies worsen during extreme weather? It can be due to thunderstorm asthma, also known as thunder fever, when a thunderstorm puts huge amounts of pollen into the air. What causes thunderstorm pollen strikes, and what should homeowners do to stay safe?
Fox 9 KMSP
As four astronauts head toward the Moon in a module about the size of a small bedroom, Professor Mike Pravica joins us to break down the science behind NASA’s Artemis II mission. From what the crew will experience to the technology making it possible, we take a closer look at this next step in returning humans to the Moon.

Articles Featuring Michael Pravica

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.

spring flowers
Campus News | March 6, 2025

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