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Nathan Harshman is a mathematical and theoretical physicist specializing in the study of symmetry in quantum systems. Currently he studies symmetry, topology and control in low-dimensional ultracold atomic systems. After completing a double-major in Physics and English as an undergraduate at Duke University in 1995, Professor Harshman received his PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics at University of Texas at Austin in 2001. After two years as a post-doc at Rice University, he began his career at American University in 2003. He has taught across the curriculum in the Department of Physics and various other University level programs and won two awards from CTRL for teaching. Professor Harshman served as Department Chair of the Physics Department for ten years between 2008 and 20023. Among his other service contributions to American University, he is a founding member of the Initiative for STEM Education, Equity and Ethics.

Since 2017, Professor Harshman is also the Director of the NASA DC Space Grant Consortium. This project is funded by the NASA Office of STEM Engagement and was recently renewed for FY 2021-2024. The official goal of the Space Grant program is “to contribute to the NASA mission, specifically in the area of government and industry partnerships to improve America’s aerospace technologies and advance American leadership by funding education, research, and informal education projects through a national network of university-based Space Grant consortia.” All higher education institutions in DC are part of the DC Space Grant Consortium as well as several non-profit entities and professional organizations.