Kristan L. Corwin is Chief of the Applied Physics Division in the Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Division, located in Boulder, CO, performs research in measurement science at the fundamental and practical limits, and translates that capability to industry in quantum science, semiconductors, advanced computing, medical imaging, space-based sensing and other technology sectors.  

Corwin initially joined NIST Boulder Laboratories as a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow working with optical frequency combs, and returned to NIST after a full career at Kansas State University. Starting as an Assistant Professor, she held the role of Ernest K. and Lillian E. Chapin Professor of Physics, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Arts and Sciences, and was elected to the faculty senate. Her research interests center on in nonlinear optics, frequency metrology, and novel laser systems, emphasizing gas-filled hollow optical fibers.

She is a Fellow of Optica (formerly the Optical Society), has co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, holds several patents, received multiple teaching awards, and has served as principal investigator for many research grants, including leading a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. In 2015, she was a visiting fellow at JILA, University of Colorado and NIST. She serves the American Physical Society Division as Speaker Elect of the Council of Representatives, and formerly as Chair of the Division of Laser Science (APS DLS); she is a recipient of the APS Five Sigma Physicist Award.

Dr. Corwin received a B.S. in Physics from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1993, and earned both a M.S. and Ph.D. degree at the University of Colorado in laser trapping and cooling, followed by a postdoctoral position at l’École Normale Supérieure in ultracold quantum gasses.