Rayf Shiell - Optical Physics Group, Trent University

Welcome!

Rayfcover Prof. Rayf Shiell,
Department of Physics & Astronomy,
Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive,
Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada

T: 1-705-748-1011 x7023
Email: rayfshiell@trentu.ca
Directions to campus can be found here.

Hi, and welcome! My work is a mix of research and teaching, which each bring much joy from what Oscar Wilde termed ‘playing gracefully with ideas.’ Science helps us understand and make useful predictions about nature, through curiosity, measurement, being open to different hypotheses, and weighing up observations. This has led to remarkable advances - from deep inside the human body to far beyond the solar system. Check out the tabs above to read about my research interests, courses I have taught, and our new optics book.

skiingrowingFor leisure I often head outdoors, hiking, coaching or playing sports of the season. Here's a chat I had with Clayton Law, former Trent student and host of the Naturally Curious podcast, about time spent both in and out of the lab. Clayton asked great questions!

 

Research interests Teaching: Fall 2025
  • science: ocular biomechanics
  • education: integrated testlets, and more
  • my papers, and graduate student theses
  • PHYS 1510H: Introductory Astronomy I
  • PHYS 4050H: Advanced Experimental Techniques
  • ... plus resources from other courses
Pedrottis' Introduction to Optics, 4e Miscellaneous
  • comprehensive revision of the 3e
  • phenomena-first approach
  • bundled with pedagogical resources
  • some snippets about science
  • tips for studying physics
  • ... and a brief note about the name Rayf