Rate My Professor Mick Gladys

Dr Mick Gladys is a Lecturer in Physics in the School of Science at the University of Newcastle, Australia, part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. He earned his PhD, Bachelor of Science with Honours, and Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle. His career includes serving as a Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge from 2004 to 2006, Chevening Fellow in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick from 2003 to 2004, and Research Associate at the University of Newcastle in 2004. Since February 2017, he has been Scholarly Teaching Fellow in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, advancing to his current Lecturer role. Gladys teaches extensively across physics courses such as PHYS1200, PHYS1210, PHYS1220, PHYS2170, PHYS3330, PHYS3345, and others including STAT1070 and OHSE6060. He has developed innovative teaching tools, including demonstrations for first-year physics, cross-platform mobile apps for peer instruction and instant feedback, and lightboard technology integrated with demonstration equipment to boost student satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

His research focuses on surface chemistry and organic films on surfaces, encompassing reactions involving water, surface and nanostructure analysis, biofunctionalized films for device technologies, and chiral catalysis. Affiliated with the Centre for Organic Electronics, Gladys employs advanced techniques like ion scattering spectroscopy, density functional theory, and photoelectron spectroscopy. Notable publications include 'Investigating gender bias in first year physics examinations' (2025), 'Enantiospecific Adsorption and Decomposition of Cysteine Enantiomers on the Chiral Cu{421}R Surface' (2019), 'Adsorption differences between low coverage enantiomers of alanine on the chiral Cu{421}R surface' (2017), chapters on 'Surface Characterization by Ion Scattering Spectroscopy' and elastic/inelastic ion scattering techniques (2015), 'First year physics at Newcastle: A longitudinal study' (2015), and 'Driving Course Engagement Through Multimodal Strategic Technologies' (2022). With over 50 publications and 692 citations, his work contributes significantly to surface science and physics education.