About Dr. Morgan Dehnel
Innovation in Accelerator Physics
Dr. Morgan Dehnel obtained his Ph.D. at TRIUMF/UBC in Accelerator Physics in 1995. He has contributed to the accelerator field primarily through D-Pace, Inc. a successful company he founded (1995) specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of ion source technology products, beam diagnostic devices, and beam handling equipment. Since expertise for such a company was scarce, a process was developed to grow talent in the form of graduate student and vocational intern projects aimed at shedding light on publishable discovery science questions, which also had potential commercial applications. In this way students were trained, and became employees or post doctoral fellows. Certain measurements and developments were indeed commercially viable, and others were not. Nevertheless, he and D-Pace were always proud to advance science knowledge and the training of people regardless of whether a commercial outcome occurred or not. Dr. Dehnel remains an investor in D-Pace, and continues to collaborate with D-Pace through Accel-Link. Accel-Link leverages Dr. Dehnel’s substantive network, and the scientific, technical and business knowledge he has gained over the years in 11 or more particle accelerator market segments to advance accelerator science, knowledge, education, communications, and to explore other commercial opportunities within the particle accelerator world.
A Career in Acceleration
Dr. Dehnel’s professional journey began with his research at TRIUMF/UBC, where he developed axial injection systems for H¯ cyclotrons, impacting radioisotope production. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish D-Pace, which under his leadership, has grown to design, commercialize, and manufacture essential equipment for the particle accelerator industry.
His collaboration with major research institutions like TRIUMF, the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Bern enabled his team of students and researchers at D-Pace to develop innovative ion source systems and beam diagnostic devices serving critical sectors including semiconductor production, medical imaging & therapy, and discovery science.
Leadership and Recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Dehnel has contributed to the broader scientific and technological communities in interesting ways. For example, working together with the International Organizational Committee for the Negative Ion beams and Sources (NIBS) group, he spear-headed the NIBS Prize sponsored by D-Pace. His work has not only earned prestigious awards, such as the NSERC Synergy Award (TRIUMF/D-Pace), but also recognition as a Canadian Innovation Leader by the National Research Council of Canada. His contributions to academia are further exemplified by his role as an adjunct professor at UVIC and UBCO, where he continues to mentor the next generation of physicists.
Future Directions and Gratitude
Looking forward, Dr. Dehnel remains committed to advancing the field of accelerator science and technology through Accel-Link. His ongoing research and development projects continue to advance accelerator technology and science, aiming to meet future needs of industry and science in areas where he has special knowledge, connections, or insights. Moreover, Dr. Dehnel’s dedication to education will, he hopes, bring a diverse contingent of young bright minds into the accelerator field. Dr. Dehnel anticipates a lot of future fun in the area of science communication, where it is both satisfying and interesting to discover and share stories about the people involved in the particle accelerator world.
Dr. Dehnel is grateful to exist, and is thankful and grateful for all that has been given to him, taught to him, shared with him, and passed to him from his family, colleagues (D-Pace, Buckley Systems Ltd., TRIUMF, Ebco, Newnes, Selkirk College, UVIC, UBC, UBCO, SFU, U. Auckland, and others), friends, students, mentors, teachers, collaborators, customers, suppliers, representatives, and all who have interacted with him.