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Dr. João Rodrigues
- Director of Studies at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge
- Fellow at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge
- Physics and Mathematics Supervisor at the University of Cambridge
- Designs and teaches undergraduate Physics and Mathematics curricula for multiple colleges of the University
Dr. João Rodrigues
- Director of Studies at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge
- Fellow at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge
- Physics and Mathematics Supervisor at the University of Cambridge
- Designs and teaches undergraduate Physics and Mathematics curricula for multiple colleges of the University
João Rodrigues received his PhD in High Energy Physics from the University of Amsterdam, where his early research focused on nucleon structure and fundamental interactions, providing him with a strong foundation in theoretical physics and advanced mathematics. In 2002, he joined the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge (DAMTP) as a Research Associate, marking the beginning of a research and teaching career at Cambridge spanning more than two decades.
After arriving at Cambridge, Dr Rodrigues gradually shifted his research focus from microscopic particle physics to macroscopic complex systems in climate and environmental physics. His primary research interest lies in the mathematical modelling of polar climate systems, with particular emphasis on the thickness and long-term evolution of Arctic sea-ice cover. His work investigates how Arctic sea-ice structure has changed over recent decades in response to global warming, contributing to a deeper physical understanding of polar processes that are central to climate prediction and global climate model development.
A unifying theme throughout Dr Rodrigues’ academic career is the use of advanced mathematical methods to decode complex physical phenomena. He applies tools from partial differential equations, continuum mechanics, statistical physics, and numerical modelling to describe sea-ice thermodynamics and dynamics, as well as their coupling with oceanic and atmospheric systems. This approach highlights the power of applied mathematics in addressing major real-world scientific challenges.
In addition to his research, Dr Rodrigues is a Senior Tutor/Director of Studies for Natural Sciences undergraduates at the University of Cambridge, with over 20 years of teaching experience. He plays a central role in teaching and designing undergraduate courses in physics and mathematics, and is actively involved in shaping the undergraduate physics curriculum. His teaching is known for its emphasis on rigorous theoretical training and for helping students build strong conceptual links between mathematical formalisms and physical intuition.
Overall, Dr Rodrigues represents a distinctive Cambridge academic profile, spanning theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and climate science, and exemplifying how deep mathematical thinking can illuminate some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time.
Publications:
- Modelling Quark and Gluon Correlation Functions — Focuses on simulating quark and gluon correlation functions to investigate the internal structure of nucleons.
- Seasonal sea ice cover as principal driver of spatial and temporal variation in depth extension and annual production of kelp in Greenland — Examines how changes in sea ice coverage affect the depth distribution and productivity of kelp along Greenland’s Arctic coast, revealing ecosystem responses under climate warming.
- Beamwidth effects on sea ice draft measurements from U.K. submarines — Investigates the impact of beamwidth on the accuracy of sea ice thickness measurements, addressing wave propagation and signal processing challenges in polar observation.
- Arctic sea ice thickness characteristics in winter 2004 and 2007 from submarine sonar transects — Compares winter sea-ice thickness and trends using sonar data for climate and ecological risk assessment.
Professor Jessica Gwynne
- Director of Studies at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge
- Professor of Teaching and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
- Deputy Head of the School of Physical Sciences
- Responsible for designing and delivering undergraduate courses in Materials Science and Physics across multiple colleges of the University of Cambridge
Professor Jessica Gwynne
- Director of Studies at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge
- Professor of Teaching and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
- Deputy Head of the School of Physical Sciences
- Responsible for designing and delivering undergraduate courses in Materials Science and Physics across multiple colleges of the University of Cambridge
Professor Jessica Gwynne read Natural Sciences (Materials Science) at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, where she received systematic training in mechanics of materials, polymer science, and biomaterials. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued doctoral and postdoctoral research, establishing a focus on biomedical materials and tissue engineering that bridges fundamental materials science with clinical needs.
Her research centers on polymeric and composite biomaterials for human tissue repair and regeneration, with particular emphasis on the interplay between microstructure, mechanical properties, and biological function. In the field of intervertebral disc replacement, she develops polymer systems capable of mimicking the mechanical behavior of natural discs under complex loading, aiming to improve the long-term stability and reliability of spinal implants. For ligament and tendon regeneration, her work investigates the structural organization and mechanical response of collagen fibers, exploring their role in soft tissue repair. In bone regeneration, she focuses on the structural design and mechanical tailoring of porous scaffolds to promote osseointegration and tissue regrowth. Her contributions hold significant value for regenerative medicine and biomechanics, while also providing a scientific foundation for the rational design of next-generation medical implants.
Beyond her research, Professor Gwynne is highly committed to teaching. She is actively involved in undergraduate education and curriculum development in Natural Sciences and Materials Science, integrating cutting-edge research into her teaching to cultivate students’ engineering mindset and interdisciplinary understanding. In recognition of her excellence and innovation in teaching, she was awarded the Pilkington Prize for Teaching in 2019, a distinguished accolade for educators at the University of Cambridge.
Research Focus & Publications:
- Collagen Scaffolds for Tendon and Ligament Regeneration: Published the paper Collagen fibre implant for tendon and ligament biological augmentation. In vivo study in an ovine model, which validated the efficacy of collagen scaffolds in a sheep model, provided key in vivo evidence for clinical translation, and identified cross linking control as a crucial factor for optimizing implant performance.
- Bone Regeneration Scaffolds: Developed a novel biodegradable polymer scaffold fabricated via Two Photon Polymerization, demonstrating good biocompatibility and effective support for the proliferation and differentiation of human bone precursor cells. This work highlights the potential of advanced manufacturing in enhancing bone scaffold performance and lays the groundwork for subsequent in vivo studies and clinical translation.
Cambridge physics for undergraduate covers core topics such as the foundation of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, and the uncertainty Relations. In those courses, students delve into the mathematical models and theoretical frameworks supporting physical phenomena, developing logical thinking and analytical skills.
| Topics | The Origins of the Quantum Theory | Foundations of Quantum Mechanics | The postulates of Quantum Mechanics and Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Learn the origin of new theory | Learn the milestones in the development of quantum mechanics | How to Solve Practical Problems Using Quantum Mechanics |
| Content* | ● The black body radiation and the ultraviolet catastrophe ● The photoelectric effect ● The Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom ● de Broglie Waves |
● The Einstein - Podolsky -Rosen paradox ● The Bohr-Einstein debate ● Bell’s Theorem ● Aspect Experiment |
● Quantum states and the wave function ● Wave Function Collapse ● Motion of Classical Particles in a Central Potential ● Motion of Quantum Particles in a Central Potential |
| Topics | Schrödinger Equation | Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Relations | Angular Momentum |
| Target | Learn the Core Tool of Quantum Mechanics | How Quantum Mechanics Changing the Traditional Understanding | Master the calculation methods and model analysis. |
| Content* | ● Stationary states and the time-independent Schrödinger equation ● The infinite potential well ● The Finite Potential Well ● One Dimensional Harmonic Oscillator |
● The statistical interpretation of Quantum Mechanics ● The position-momentum uncertainty relation ● Uncertainty Relation and the Measurement Process ● Feynman’s Double Slit Experiment |
● Angular momentum in classical mechanics ● Commutation relations ● Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics ● Orbital Angular Momentum ● Spin |
- Hydrogen Spectrum and Energy Quantization Verification: Using a professional spectrometer, students will observe the Balmer series of hydrogen, calculate the Rydberg constant and ionization energy, and experimentally validate the core concepts of the Bohr model and energy quantization.
- Crystal Structure and Bragg’s Law Experiment: By operating an X ray diffractometer, participants measure diffraction angles of various crystals and apply Bragg’s law to determine interatomic spacing, gaining a practical understanding of wave particle duality in materials science.
● Inside the Proton: Quantum Chromodynamics: Explore how QCD describes proton/neutron structure and how lattice QCD calculations reveal quark behavior.
● The Higgs Boson & the Standard Model: Follow LHC research to understand how the Higgs discovery completes the particle physics model and explains mass origin.
● Search for Exoplanets & Life: Learn detection methods like transit and radial velocity, and evaluate scientific evidence for extraterrestrial life.
Live in St Catharine's College, Cambridge
Cambridge Formal Dinner
Punting in River Cam
VI Oxford & London Journey
