John Foster, Ph.D.
Director, College of Engineering’s Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program
Professor
Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences
University of Michigan

Dr. John Foster is the Director of the College of Engineering’s Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences. 

As Director of the Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program, Dr. Foster is responsible for coordinating the Bridge Program for Michigan Engineering and assessing its outcomes. Dr. Foster also works closely with participating departments and programs, the ADGPE, and the office of ADGPE staff members to understand how to best support graduate students. 

Dr. Foster received his B.S. in Physics, from Jackson State University and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan. Dr. Foster’s research focus is on understanding and applying plasma science to real-world problems, particularly in space propulsion and space-related plasma projects. Beyond space propulsion, Dr. Foster is deeply interested in improving our environment through the use of plasma-based remediation technologies. His research lab pays particular attention to those applications that protect the environment and improve the quality of life in developing countries. In addition to these focus areas, the lab also pursues research opportunities in processing plasma applications, energy conversion, and energy production.