Title: Professor of Physics
Company: Drake University
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Athanasios N. Petridis, PhD, Professor of Physics at Drake University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Particle and Nuclear Physics.
Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than two decades at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, since 2000, Dr. Petridis has established himself as a leading authority in particle and nuclear physics. His tenure as a professor of physics has been marked by a commitment to both teaching excellence and groundbreaking research. Space physics remains a popular subject among Dr. Petridis’s students, reflecting his ability to inspire curiosity across diverse areas of science.
For over five years, Dr. Petridis also served as chair of the department on campus, a period during which he oversaw significant curriculum expansion and facility renovations. Under his leadership, the department experienced increased student enrollment and heightened visibility within the academic community. Dr. Petridis takes particular pride in fostering an environment where students thrive and faculty collaboration flourishes.
Before joining Drake University, Dr. Petridis contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge as a research associate and research scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory from 1992 to 2000. During this formative stage of his career, he engaged in high-level research that laid the groundwork for his later achievements in academia.
Dr. Petridis is widely recognized for his expertise in particle and nuclear physics, a distinction earned through decades of rigorous inquiry and scholarly output. Among his most notable research accomplishments has been his collaboration with the Phoenix team on the discovery of the Quark-Gluon Plasma, published in 2005. Dr. Petridis also values his theoretical work demonstrating that quantum mechanics does not support exponential decay and has led long-term investigations into time-dependent quantum mechanics with students. Recently, his efforts have converged toward developing a new theory unifying quantum mechanics and relativity, an endeavor he regards as one of his most meaningful pursuits.
Possessing a rich educational background, Dr. Petridis’s academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in physics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece in 1986, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy from Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1992. These credentials have underpinned his achievements as both an educator and researcher. Additionally, Dr. Petridis holds certification in teaching English as a second language, further enhancing his ability to communicate effectively with diverse student populations.
Dr. Petridis has held professional affiliations with organizations like the American Physical Society and the Society of Free Thinkers. He has also become known for his philanthropic commitments as a donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Doctors Without Borders.
Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Petridis has published extensively on fundamental questions in physics, choosing depth over breadth in pursuit of lasting contributions rather than incremental refinements. His collaborative ethos has extended to involving students in all research projects since joining Drake University, a practice he credits as central to both his success and theirs.
A hallmark of Dr. Petridis’s career has been his dedication to teaching and mentorship. He finds profound satisfaction in communicating complex concepts to students and guiding them toward their own academic successes. One highlight has been instructing students in material often considered beyond their grasp. Through effective methodology and strong communication, Dr. Petridis has enabled them to master challenging subjects that many thought to be impossible to learn at their level. This approach has underscored his belief that with the right support, students can achieve remarkable outcomes.
In 2026, Dr. Petridis received the Windsor Professorship, a testament to his impact on both research and education within the field of physics. He attributes much of his success to an enduring curiosity and unwavering persistence, qualities that have driven him to continually revisit fundamental questions throughout his life and career. Dr. Petridis draws continuous inspiration from renowned physicists, such as Paul Dirac, Lev Landau and Marie Curie, as well as his wife, a distinguished physicist herself, and a former high school teacher of Greek literature who exemplified what it means to be an educator.
Looking ahead, Dr. Petridis aims to complete several longstanding research projects focused on foundational questions in quantum mechanics and relativity as well as time-dependent quantum mechanics, endeavors he considers essential contributions to the discipline. To those aspiring to enter the field of science or academia, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, persistence and maintaining one’s curiosity despite challenges or setbacks. Dr. Petridis encourages students not only to pursue their passions but also to question received wisdom actively, believing that true learning arises from engagement rather than passive absorption. Through decades of achievement as an educator, researcher and mentor, he continues to inspire colleagues and students alike with his dedication to advancing knowledge while nurturing the next generation of scientists.
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