Prof. Shumlak’s research areas are fundamental plasma physics, theoretical and computational plasma modeling, innovative magnetic plasma confinement for fusion energy, and advanced space propulsion. He develops plasma modeling algorithms that use high-order finite element methods for studying plasma dynamics. The algorithms are implemented in the WARPXM (Washington Approximate Riemann Plasma eXtended Modeling) code framework developed by his research group to solve MHD, 5N-moment multi-fluid, and multi-species continuum kinetic plasma models. His work includes theoretical and experimental investigations of the stabilizing effect of sheared flows in magnetically confined plasmas. A sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch would have immediate applications as a compact fusion energy source and as a fusion space thruster. He has also developed the flow Z-pinch concept into an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source for next generation semiconductor lithography.