Skinner’s research program focuses on new quantum materials and finding ways that these materials can do things traditional materials cannot. He also applies concepts from solid state and material physics to different settings, ranging from quantum information to the dynamics of human groups. He received BS degrees in physics and mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and a PhD in physics from the University of Minnesota. After completing postdoc positions at Argonne National Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Skinner joined the Ohio State physics faculty in January 2020.