Dane Van Tol
Short Bio
I'm originally from Boulder, CO. My interest in fusion energy is to help develop a cleaner and cheaper energy source in order to help alleviate climate change, poverty, and other problems faced by people around the world. This is a response to my faith in Jesus and His compassion. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, frisbee, video games, and 3D printing.
Education
BS Mechanical Engineering Colorado School of Mines 2020
MS (Non-thesis) Physics Auburn University 2026
Professional Experience
| Company | Location | Year | Role | Description |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 2018-2019 | Mechatronics Builder | Helped build a CNC stirring machine to agitate barley while it was malting |
| Swisslog Healthcare | Broomfield, CO | 2019-2020 | Software Intern | Developed python code to analyze system performance and perform statistics to help myself and others assess system reliability. Helped identify a few different patterns that were happening and led to the discovery of an error in the system. |
| Robauto | Longmont, CO | 2021 | Mechatronics Engineer | Developed PCBs for several projects from motor drivers, IoT boards, and battery management systems (BMS). |
Innovation
My research involves studying plasma-material interaction utilizing spectroscopy, especially with regards to tungsten. I utilize the Compact Toroidal Hybrid, or CTH, to create plasmas, insert tungsten into them, and study the spectral emission coming from this tungsten. I'm particularly interested in magnetic re-deposition, where eroded material ionizes and this charged material is directed back into the surface by electric and magnetic fields. The novel aspect of my research is the utilization of tungsten 2+ to better infer re-deposition rates.
Engagement
I've participated in multiple gameday physics events, where physics demos are shown to Auburn Football fans at home games. I've also judged a SCORE robotics competition and showed physics demos for science fair attendees.
