Gregory MacDougall

Gregory MacDougall
Gregory MacDougall

Primary Research Area

  • Condensed Matter Physics
Research Assistant Professor
(217) 300-0147
3019 Superconductivity Center

Biography

Professor Gregory MacDougall received a bachelor's degree in mathematical physics from Simon Fraser University in 2002 and a Ph.D. in physics from McMaster University in 2008. His doctoral research focused on exploring the magnetic properties of unconventional superconductors using techniques such as \muSR, magnetometry and neutron scattering. Professor MacDougall went on to work in the Quantum Condensed Matter Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There he used primarily neutron scattering facilities at the Spallation Neutron Source and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor to explore material properties of frustrated antiferromagnets, high-temperature superconductors and thin-film multiferroics. Throughout his research career, Professor MacDougall has maintained a healthy interest in the growth of large single crystals of novel compounds.

Research Statement

Professor MacDougall's research involves the exploration of emergent magnetic properties of novel materials using probes such as neutron scattering and muon spin rotation (muSR). His work at UIUC additionally includes the synthesis of novel compounds and the growth of large single crystals.

Problems of current interest include orbital order, the effects of magnetic frustration, the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in correlated materials, and the coupling between spin, charge and lattice degrees-of-freedom in condensed matter systems.



Projects in this group are varied, but will likely include aspects of materials development, crystal growth and characterization, and the execution of neutron scattering or muSR experiments at national laboratories.

Research Interests

  • Spin-orbital and spin-lattice coupling
  • Orbital order
  • Magnetic frustration
  • Superconductivity
  • Magnetic fluctuations
  • Emergent magnetism

Selected Articles in Journals

Honors

  • Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2017)
  • Center for Advanced Study Fellow (2017-2018)
  • National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award (09/01/2015)
  • Gordon Battelle Award for Scientific Discovery (01/31/2011)

Recent Courses Taught

  • PHYS 101 - College Physics: Mech & Heat
  • PHYS 211 - University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 326 - Classical Mechanics II
  • PHYS 560 - Condensed Matter Physics I

Semesters Ranked Excellent Teacher by Students

SemesterCourseOutstanding
Spring 2016PHYS 225
Spring 2015PHYS 225