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Christopher Keane

Vice President for Research and Professor of Physics, Washington State University

Dr. Christopher Keane joined Washington State University in 2014 as vice president for research and professor of physics. He has taken significant steps to reshape the University’s research enterprise. Dr. Keane spearheaded the 120-day study, which identified WSU’s areas of research excellence. He led top faculty members in articulating “grand challenges”—institutional research priorities that focus on urgent regional, national, and global problems. He continues to address those priorities, aiming to, in his words, “define and realize research opportunities that will strengthen WSU, the state of Washington, and our nation.”

Previously Dr. Keane led the user office of the National Ignition Facility (NIF)—the world’s most energetic laser—at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. There he worked with a user group of approximately 400 members. He worked at the lab since 2007, following positions of increasing responsibility with the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration.

Dr. Keane serves on a number of national and international advisory committees. An astrophysicist by training, he has authored more than 100 scientific publications.

Experience

  • –present
    Vice President for Research and Professor of Physics, Washington State University