Plasma Theory and Confinement Research in the field of magnetic confinement fusion at Utah State University includes the theoretical development and experimental realization of minimum-energy confinement configurations possessing substantial electric fields. These configurations hold promise as neutron and energy sources and are being developed as a collaborative effort between Dr. Farrell Edwards and Dr. Eric Held. In addition, Dr. Held is involved in developing improved hybrid fluid/kinetic models for terrestrial and astrophysical plasmas. This work provides theoretical support for next-step fusion experiments such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). (Faculty: Edwards, Held)