About
Kenneth J. Ragan is a Professor of Physics at McGill University, affiliated with the Department of Physics within the Faculty of Science. He holds the William C. Macdonald Chair in Physics (though currently commented out in the HTML). His research focuses on gamma-ray astrophysics using Cherenkov detectors like VERITAS and STACEE, and he contributes to particle physics and detector technology. He has led the McGill Astrophysics group alongside Prof. David Hanna, overseeing postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates.
Education: B.Sc. (University of Alberta, 1980); D.Sc. (University of Geneva, 1986).
Teaching: Known for innovative physics education methods, he teaches PHYS 131 (Mechanics and Waves) and has received multiple awards including the Leo Yaffe Award and Principal's Prize. He is involved with SALTISE, a Quebec initiative advancing science education through technology.
Research: Active in the VERITAS collaboration at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (SAO), studying high-energy gamma-ray sources like Active Galactic Nuclei and Supernova Remnants. Previously led the STACEE experiment in New Mexico. His work bridges accelerator-based particle physics and non-accelerator methods.
Awards: Extensive recognition for both research and teaching, including national and institutional accolades for pedagogical innovation.
Labs/Teams: Coordinates the McGill gamma-ray astrophysics group, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in detector development and cosmic ray studies.
