Thomas A. Searles named president-elect of the National Society of Black Physicists
Thomas A. Searles named president-elect of the National Society of Black Physicists Heading link
Associate Professor Thomas A. Searles was elected to serve as the next president of the National Society of Black Physicists at the society’s conference this fall.
The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) is the largest organization devoted to the African-American physics community. Today, there are over 600 professional and student members in the organization.
Searles’ research interests are quantum information science and engineering, including light-matter interactions, quantum optics, terahertz spectroscopy, quantum materials, and metamaterials. He joined UIC in 2021. In 2023, he was named a rising leader in quantum by the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
Prior to joining UIC, Searles was a Martin Luther King Visiting Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, director of the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, and an associate professor at Howard University. He earned his PhD in applied physics from Rice University and his BS in mathematics and physics from Rice University.
Fittingly, Searles will begin to lead NSBP as president-elect in 2025, during the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. During his term, NSBP will also celebrate its 50th anniversary.
“These milestones present unique opportunities to elevate NSBP’s profile, celebrate the society’s legacy, and expand its impact,” Searles said. “I will leverage these global and historical events to highlight the importance of Black physicists in shaping the future of technology and science.”
Searles has collaborated with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to create opportunities for Black students throughout his career. He is the founding director of the IBM HBCU Quantum Center, which is establishing a pipeline of talented physicists specializing in quantum technology. He is active with the American Institute of Physics TEAM UP project, which aims to drive systemic change and increase successful outcomes for African American physics and astronomy majors. He also established the Banneker Quantum Summer School for high school studentsin collaboration with the University of California at Santa Barbara, which introduces underrepresented students to physics.
During his tenure, Searles will prioritize the importance of physics in national initiatives such as the CHIPS Act, the National Quantum Initiative, and developments in AI.
“These initiatives offer transformative opportunities where Black physicists must be leaders. By building strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academia, we can ensure our community is well-represented in these critical areas,” Searles said.
Past presidents of NSBP include Walter E. Massey, Shirley Ann Jackson, S. Jim Gates, Stephon Alexander, and Peter Delfyett.
“To be named in that fold is a dream come true,” Searles said. “This is a great honor and opportunity to continue to show the great work that we all are doing at UIC.”