About

Portrait of Guy Leckenby

Guy Leckenby

I am a nuclear physicist interested in how the smallest details of nuclei craft the abundances of elements in our galaxy and our solar system.

My PhD research at TRIUMF and the University of British Columbia focused on exotic nuclear decays measured with heavy-ion storage rings. The unique capability of the storage ring to prepare fully-ionised, radioactive beams of outstanding quality allowed us to measure the bound-state beta decay of thallium-205, a decay mode that only occurs in the cores of dying stars. Before moving to Canada, I completed a PhB (Science)(Honours) at the Australian National University, where I worked on Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) to answer questions about supernova-produced nuclides archived in deep-sea sediments.

Modern science is a social endeavour and collaboration matters: experiments at facilities like TRIUMF, GSI/FAIR, and partner labs worldwide are how we stress-test astrophysical models with real nuclear data. I am also interested in modern physics teaching—classrooms that emphasize active learning, scientific reasoning that is broadly applicable, and equitable teaching.

Outside the lab, I spend as much time as I can in the mountains (both on skis and on rocks).

Appointments

  • Marie Curie Postdoc Fellow — LP2i Bordeaux (2027—2028)
  • Postdoc — LP2i Bordeaux (2025—2026)

Education

  • Doctorate, Physics — University of British Columbia / TRIUMF (2019—2024)
  • Bachelor (Science)(Honours), Physics — Australian National University (2014—2017);

Awards