Oleg Rubel

Dr. Oleg Rubel is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair (Undergraduate) in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at McMaster University. His research group focuses on predictive computational modeling and supercomputing to evaluate material properties using first-principles methods, particularly density functional theory (DFT), targeting optoelectronic and quantum materials. Rubel holds a Ph.D. and M.Eng. from Zaporizhzhja Technical University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada.

His research specialization includes materials modeling, solar cells, lasers, LEDs, quantum materials, and 2D materials, with interdisciplinary applications in energy systems and biomaterials. Key methodologies involve advanced DFT simulations and high-throughput computational studies to explore material properties such as optical transitions, defect tolerance, and electrochemical stability.

Dr. Rubel teaches courses such as MATLS 3M03 (Mechanical Behaviour of Materials), MATLS 4K06 (Senior Thesis), and MATLS 4NN3 (Computational Modelling in Materials Engineering at the Nano-scale). His recent publications span topics like kagome lattice analysis, 2D material optical transitions, and zinc-ion battery cathode design, reflecting a strong focus on computational materials discovery and energy storage solutions.

While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his work contributes to innovations in energy systems and nanotechnology. Advising and grants are tied to his research group’s activities, with a focus on training students in computational materials engineering.

His research group actively explores labs and teams advancing computational approaches to material design, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration across energy, photonics, and nanotechnology domains.