Dr. Hong Guo is a preeminent theoretical physicist renowned for his transformative contributions to quantum transport theory and nanoscale materials physics. He currently holds the distinguished title of James McGill Professor in the Department of Physics at McGill University, a position reflecting his exceptional scholarly achievements and leadership in theoretical physics. Dr. Guo earned his B.Sc. in Physics from Sichuan Normal University in China before pursuing advanced studies in North America, where he obtained dual M.Sc. degrees in experimental atomic physics and software engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 and 1987 respectively. Completing his Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics under Professor David Jasnow at the University of Pittsburgh in 1987, he subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at Temple University with Professor Jim Gunton and at McGill University with Professor Martin Grant, establishing the foundation for his distinguished academic career.
Professor Guo's pioneering theoretical frameworks for quantum transport in mesoscopic and nanoscopic systems have fundamentally reshaped the understanding of electron behavior at the atomic scale, establishing him as a world leader in nanomaterials physics. His development of first-principles computational methodologies has provided essential tools for predicting electronic properties of nanoscale devices, enabling significant advances in the design and functionality of next-generation electronic components. The profound impact of his theoretical models extends across multiple disciplines including condensed matter physics, semiconductor technology, and molecular electronics, where his work has become foundational for researchers worldwide investigating quantum phenomena in nanomaterials. His innovative approaches to nonequilibrium transport theory have solved longstanding challenges in modeling charge and heat flow through atomic-scale junctions, catalyzing new research directions that bridge theoretical physics with practical applications in nanoelectronics.
Beyond his seminal research contributions, Professor Guo has profoundly influenced the global physics community through his mentorship of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have established successful careers across academia and industry. His election as Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2004 and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2007 recognizes his exceptional contributions to theoretical physics, while his receipt of the Killam Research Fellowship Award in 2004, the Brockhouse Medal for Excellence in Condensed Matter Physics in 2006, and the CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical Physics in 2009 underscores the transformative nature of his scholarly work. Currently, Professor Guo continues to advance the frontiers of theoretical physics with research that integrates quantum transport theory with emerging areas of nanotechnology, maintaining his position at the cutting edge of discoveries that will shape future quantum technologies and nanoelectronic devices.
