Duncan O'Dell

Roles and Affiliations: Duncan O'Dell is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at McMaster University. He joined the faculty in January 2007 after postdoctoral research at institutions including the University of Bristol, Weizmann Institute, and Imperial College London. His research focuses on quantum catastrophes, Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), cold atoms, and many-body quantum systems.

Education:

• BSc in Physics, Imperial College London (1990–1994)
• PhD in Physics (Thesis: The diffraction of atoms by light), University of Bristol (1994–1998)

Research Interests: O'Dell explores quantum catastrophes (phase singularities in quantum fields), dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates, and ultra-cold atomic systems. His work bridges quantum mechanics, optics, and condensed matter physics, with applications to quantum field theory and gravitational physics. Key areas include quantum caustics, Hawking radiation analogs, and many-body systems with long-range interactions.

Publications: Over 65 publications span topics like quantum chaos, light-matter interactions, and theoretical models of quantum systems. Recent work emphasizes topological states, dynamical phase transitions, and geometric phases in optical systems.

Students and Advising: He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, many now in academic or industry roles. Current students include Denise Kamp (rotating toroidal traps), Liam Farrell (acoustic black holes), and Sriram Sundaram (pair production).

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on quantum catastrophes and many-body dynamics. Collaborates internationally on experimental and theoretical projects in AMO physics.