Rodrigo de Miguel

Rodrigo de Miguel is a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. His research bridges theoretical physics and science education, with a focus on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics applied to nanosystems. He is currently active in the department (though planning to be on leave during 2025/2026) and serves as a supervisor for master's students in science education.

Professor de Miguel's research interests center on the theoretical foundations of thermodynamics, particularly as applied to small systems where classical thermodynamic frameworks break down. His work spans nanothermodynamics, strong coupling effects, non-extensive systems, and statistical mechanics at the nanoscale. He has made significant contributions to understanding how traditional thermodynamic principles must be modified when dealing with systems that are too small for classical thermodynamics but too large for quantum mechanical descriptions. His research has important implications for nanotechnology, molecular physics, and the teaching of modern physics concepts in educational settings.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory exploring the boundaries of thermodynamic theory. His work demonstrates how systems at the nanoscale exhibit non-extensive and non-additive properties, challenging conventional thermodynamic paradigms. The research shows increasing sophistication in modeling thermophilic motion, surface properties at nanoscales, and the statistical mechanics of finite systems. His publications span prestigious journals including Physical Review Letters, Journal of Chemical Physics, and Nanomaterials, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work which bridges physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Professor de Miguel has been vocal about academic standards in teacher education, particularly criticizing what he terms 'self-accreditation' practices where faculty without proper subject didactics credentials supervise master's theses. He has argued that the mandatory master's thesis requirement for all primary school teachers in Norway may not be serving its intended purpose, as many supervisors lack the necessary academic credentials in specific subject didactics.

As a supervisor, de Miguel offers master's projects focused on describing small systems, particularly examining how nanoscale phenomena challenge classical physics paradigms taught in schools. His current project description emphasizes the need to modernize science curricula to incorporate emerging understandings of nanosystems and their seemingly anomalous properties. He requires students to have strong backgrounds in quantum, statistical, and thermal physics before undertaking these advanced projects.