Don Lincoln

Don Lincoln is a particle physicist, author, and science communicator whose career has been dedicated to exploring the fundamental building blocks of the universe. A senior scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Lincoln is widely recognized for his contributions to experimental particle physics as well as his exceptional ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. His research has focused on testing the Standard Model of particle physics and searching for new phenomena that could deepen our understanding of matter, energy, and the origins of the cosmos.

After earning a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a PhD in physics from Rice University, Lincoln joined Fermilab, where he became a member of major international particle physics collaborations. He worked on the DZero experiment at Fermilab and later on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Among his most notable scientific achievements are his contributions to the discoveries of the top quark in 1995 and the Higgs boson in 2012—two landmark milestones in modern physics.

Beyond the laboratory, Lincoln has become one of the world's most respected science communicators. He has authored several popular science books, written extensively for outlets including CNN, NOVA, Scientific American, and Live Science, and produced more than one hundred educational videos for Fermilab's widely viewed YouTube channel. Through his writing, lectures, and media appearances, he has helped millions of people better understand particle physics, cosmology, and the scientific process.

Lincoln's contributions to both research and public outreach have earned him numerous honors, including the European Physical Society's Outreach Prize, the American Institute of Physics' Andrew Gemant Award, the American Physical Society's Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach, and fellowship status in both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Equally respected by scientists and the public alike, Lincoln has built a career that bridges cutting-edge discovery and public understanding, making him one of the most influential voices in contemporary science communication.