Prof Derek Y C Chan

Biography

Personal Chair in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Australia With a background in Theoretical Physics, BSc(Hons) University of New South Wales; and Applied Mathematics, PhD Australian National University; Derek's research interest is in the modeling of material behaviour on the nanoscale with particular emphasis in colloid and surface phenomena. As Deputy Director of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre he works in close collaborations with physical chemists and chemical engineers. He has over 140 journal publications and has given technical and conference presentations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, UK and the US. His research interests and expertise include direct force measurements with the Atomic Force Microscopy and the Surface Force Apparatus, static and dynamic behaviour of thin films, the statistical mechanics of charged systems, the role of surface forces (van der Waals, electrical double layer and steric forces), capillary forces as well as hydrodynamic interactions on the nanoscale. He has served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and as Deputy Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne and on the international panel of the Swedish Research Council on a review of Theoretical Chemistry in Sweden.

Research Interest

Personal Chair in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Australia With a background in Theoretical Physics, BSc(Hons) University of New South Wales; and Applied Mathematics, PhD Australian National University; Derek's research interest is in the modeling of material behaviour on the nanoscale with particular emphasis in colloid and surface phenomena. As Deputy Director of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre he works in close collaborations with physical chemists and chemical engineers. He has over 140 journal publications and has given technical and conference presentations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, UK and the US. His research interests and expertise include direct force measurements with the Atomic Force Microscopy and the Surface Force Apparatus, static and dynamic behaviour of thin films, the statistical mechanics of charged systems, the role of surface forces (van der Waals, electrical double layer and steric forces), capillary forces as well as hydrodynamic interactions on the nanoscale. He has served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and as Deputy Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne and on the international panel of the Swedish Research Council on a review of Theoretical Chemistry in Sweden.