John O

Biography

Principal research experience is in materials analysis (editor of "Surface Analysis Methods in Materials Science") with particular emphasis on ion beam techniques ranging from 100eV to 1GeV. These tools have been applied to study the structure and composition of the first few atomic layers of materials. In the areas of low energy (0.1 - 10keV) and medium energy (50 - 200keV) I have a recognised international standing reflected in conference organisation, publication and research grant reviewing. I have made fundamentally contributions to the development of reliable interatomic potentials (most highly cited paper with over 150 citations) which has been recognised as the most valuable contribution to reliable computer simulation. In some groups the conclusion I arrived at is termed the OConnor potential. A second growing area of research interest is in the field of science communication and outreach. I have been involved in this activity alongside my research for my whole career but my main concern has been that there has not been sufficient attention paid to measuring and optimising the effectiveness of such activities. With a PhD student I commenced a project on this which developed into a broader involvement. In 2001, I brought together the AIP (of which I was president at the time), the RACI, Engineers Australia and the Australian Council of Mathematical Societies to highlight to the Federal Government the declining participation in senior secondary school chemistry, physics and mathematics. This has developed into the current DEST focus on these enabling sciences. At the same time we developed (at University of Newcastle) the Science and Engineering Challenge which won the Sir William Hudson award for Engineering Excellence in 2003. This program has been funded by DEST for $1.8M to take it Australia wide. In 2002 Institute of Physics (UK) awared me (with T Burns and R Nelson) the Public Awareness of Physics Award recognising not only the Science and Engineering Challenge but other activities in this area of endeavour. Further research in science and engineering outreach is being undertaken through an ARC Linkage Project with Engineers Australia and Ampcontrol. My publications have an average 13 citations per paper and my Hirsch index is currently 21. I have presented 5 invited presentation at national and international conferences in the past 5 years.

Research Interest

Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Physics