About

David Campbell is a Professor of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Boston University, serving as the Director of Graduate Studies. His research interests encompass correlated electronic systems, nonlinear excitations, and non-equilibrium phenomena. He has investigated correlated electronic systems in reduced spatial dimensions, including conducting polymers, superconducting organic charge transfer salts, graphene, and other two-dimensional electronic membranes, often employing a version of the functional Renormalization Group (fRG) that he developed with colleagues. Campbell has a long-standing interest in solitons and nonlinear excitations, studying intrinsic localized modes (ILMs) in solids and Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) trapped in optical lattices. Additionally, he explores non-equilibrium problems, particularly the metastable states in Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou (FPUT) simulations, which delay or prevent the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium. His contributions have significantly advanced understanding in these areas, supported by numerous publications and recognition through prestigious awards and fellowships.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Physics
• Classical mechanics
• Medicine
• Statistical physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Aerospace engineering
• Surgery
• Structural engineering
• Mathematical physics
• Internal medicine
• Epistemology
• Cardiology
• Theoretical physics
• Mechanics
• Simulation
• Mathematical analysis
• Quantum electrodynamics
• Marine engineering
• Engineering
• Philosophy
• Mechanical engineering
• Mathematics

Selected publications

• Adiabatic Gauge Potential as a Tool for Detecting Chaos in Classical Systems

  arXiv (Cornell University) · 2025-02-17

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  The interplay between chaos and thermalization in weakly non-integrable systems is a rich and complex subject. Interest in this area is further motivated by a desire to develop a unified picture of chaos for both quantum and classical systems. In this work, we study the adiabatic gauge potential (AGP), an object typically studied in quantum mechanics that describes deformations of a quantum state under adiabatic variation of the Hamiltonian, in classical Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou (FPUT) and Toda models. We show how the time variance of the AGP over a trajectory probes the long-time correlations of a generic observable and can be used to distinguish among nearly integrable, weakly chaotic, and strongly chaotic regimes. We draw connections between the evolution of the AGP and diffusion and derive a fluctuation-dissipation relation that connects its variance to long-time correlations of the observable. Within this framework, we demonstrate that strongly and weakly chaotic regimes correspond to normal and anomalous diffusion, respectively. The latter gives rise to a marked increase in the variance as the time interval is increased, and this behavior serves as the basis for our probe of the onset times of chaos, which is interpreted as a ``mixing" time. Numerical results are presented for FPUT and Toda systems that highlight integrable, weakly chaotic, and strongly chaotic regimes. Further, a hierarchy of $t_{\text{Lyapunov}} < t_{\text{chaos}} < t_{\text{thermalization}}$ is found in these models. We conclude by commenting on the wide applicability of our method to a broader class of systems.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Diffusion as a Signature of Chaos

  ArXiv.org · 2025-07-24

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  While classical chaos is defined via a system's sensitive dependence on its initial conditions (SDIC), this notion does not directly extend to quantum systems. Instead, recent works have established defining both quantum and classical chaos via the sensitivity to adiabatic deformations and measuring this sensitivity using the adiabatic gauge potential (AGP). Building on this formalism, we introduce the ``observable drift" as a probe of chaos in generic, non-Hamiltonian, classical systems. We show that this probe correctly characterizes classical systems that exhibit SDIC as chaotic. Moreover, this characterization is consistent with the measure-theoretic definition of chaos via weak mixing. Thus, we show that these two notions of sensitivity (to changes in initial conditions and to adiabatic deformations) can be probed using the same quantity, and therefore, are equivalent definitions of chaos. Numerical examples are provided via the tent map, the logistic map, and the Chirikov standard map.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Natural Materials in Regenerative Orthopaedics: A Historical Perspective

  Regenerative medicine and dentistry. · 2025-04-16

  articleOpen access

  Review Natural Materials in Regenerative Orthopaedics: A Historical Perspective Olivia Vasilev 1,*, David Campbell 2,3 and Ruurd L. Jaarsma 4 1 Endeavour College, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide 5095, Australia 2 Centre of Orthopaedics and Trauma Research, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia 3 Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic, 120 Angus Street, Adelaide 5000, Australia 4 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide 5042, Australia * Correspondence: olivia.vasilev@endeavour.sa.edu.au Received: 18 March 2025; Revised: 31 March 2025; Accepted: 3 April 2025; Published: 16 April 2025 Abstract: The use of natural materials in regenerative orthopaedics has undergone significant evolution over many centuries. What began as the use of simple animal sinews and plant fibers for stabilizing fractures has now expanded into sophisticated biomaterials that are integral to modern regenerative medicine. Natural substances like collagen, silk fibroin, chitosan, and cellulose are now crucial in tissue engineering, providing innovative bone and cartilage regeneration solutions. Despite their promise, natural materials face challenges such as mechanical limitations, biodegradation rates, and immunogenicity. Additionally, advancements in 3D printing allow for the replacement of complex bone defects, particularly in trauma and tumour cases, but these remain non-biological solutions that lack permanent integration with host tissues. The emergence of hybrid materials—combining natural and synthetic components—offers new opportunities to enhance biomechanical properties and biocompatibility. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as gene editing and bioactive scaffolds are paving the way for more personalized and regenerative approaches. In this review paper, we will explore the historical progression of natural materials, their current applications, and the challenges that must be overcome to maximize their therapeutic potential in orthopaedic regenerative medicine. Ethical and sustainability considerations are also discussed. The review concludes with the authors’ vision for the future of the field.

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• Definition, investigation and management of gastrointestinal dystonia in children and young people with neurodisability

  Archives of Disease in Childhood · 2025-04-29 · 3 citations

  article

  BACKGROUND: Children and young people with severe neurodisabling conditions (CYPSND)experience severe functional gastrointestinal symptoms and dependence on artificial nutrition. 'Gastrointestinal dystonia' (GID) has been applied by clinicians when symptoms become debilitating and potentially life-limiting. Evidence is lacking regarding the definition and appropriate management of GID. METHODS: We therefore assembled a RAND appropriateness panel. We performed a systematic review, created an online survey and distributed this to a panel of 27 experts from five stakeholder groups from 13 UK specialist centres across the British Isles (gastroenterology, neurology/neurodisability, surgery, palliative care and allied health professionals). A Disagreement Index ≥1 indicated disagreement. FINDINGS: The panel rated the appropriateness of 250 statements covering the following in GID: definition, clinical evaluation, nutritional assessment/feeding strategies, investigations, medications and prescribing, surgical interventions, safeguarding, palliative care and ethics. Agreement was reached except in selected statements regarding uncommon diagnostic features. There was uncertainty in specific clinical scenarios regarding: investigation, the use of blenderised diet, certain pharmacological agents and surgical interventions. The only intervention deemed inappropriate was antireflux surgery in the context of GID and gastrointestinal dysmotility without reflux disease. The remaining statements (198) were considered appropriate. INTERPRETATION: We present a comprehensive review, agreement on the definition of GID and recommendations on management pathways agreed by a selected panel of multidisciplinary experts. Clear diagnostic criteria will enable important epidemiological work to record outcomes for this complex patient group. Identifying the associated morbidity, burden of care and mortality will help advocate for appropriate health resources and support to carers and families.

  PublisherDOI

• Zeptonewton and attotesla per centimeter metrology with coupled oscillators

  Chaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science · 2024-07-01 · 2 citations

  article

  We present the coupled oscillator: A new mechanism for signal amplification with widespread application in metrology. We introduce the mechanical theory of this framework and support it by way of simulations. We present a particular implementation of coupled oscillators: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) that uses one large (∼100mm) N52 magnet coupled magnetically to a small (∼0.25mm), oscillating N52 magnet, providing a force resolution of 200zN measured over 1s in a noiseless environment. We show that the same system is able to resolve magnetic gradients of 130aT/cm at a single point (within 500μm). This technology, therefore, has the potential to revolutionize force and magnetic gradient sensing, including high-impact areas such cardiac and brain imaging.

  PublisherDOI

• 13. Poststructuralism

  Oxford University Press eBooks · 2024-06-17

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  This chapter examines how and why poststructuralism engaged International Relations (IR) from the 1980s to today. It begins by analysing the interdisciplinary context of social and political theory from which poststructuralism emerged, along with the misconceptions evident in the reception of the poststructuralist approach among mainstream theorists. It then considers what the critical attitude of poststructuralism means for social and political inquiry and draws on the work of Michel Foucault to highlight the importance of discourse, identity, subjectivity, and power to the poststructuralist approach. It also discusses the methodological features employed by poststructuralists in their readings of, and interventions in, international politics. The chapter concludes with a case study of images of famines and other kinds of humanitarian crises that illustrates the poststructural approach.

  PublisherDOI

• Bempegaldesleukin Plus Nivolumab Versus Sunitinib or Cabozantinib in Previously Untreated Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Phase III Randomized Study (PIVOT-09)

  Journal of Clinical Oncology · 2024-06-05 · 23 citations

  article

  PURPOSE Bempegaldesleukin (BEMPEG) is a pegylated interleukin (IL)-2 cytokine prodrug engineered to provide controlled and sustained activation of the clinically validated IL-2 pathway, with the goal of preferentially activating and expanding effector CD8 + T cells and natural killer cells over immunosuppressive regulator T cells in the tumor microenvironment. The open-label, phase III randomized controlled PIVOT-09 trial investigated the efficacy and safety of BEMPEG plus nivolumab (NIVO) as first-line treatment for advanced/metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with intermediate-/poor-risk disease. METHODS Patients with previously untreated advanced/metastatic ccRCC were randomly assigned (1:1) to BEMPEG plus NIVO, or investigator's choice of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; sunitinib or cabozantinib). Coprimary end points were objective response rate (ORR) by blinded independent central review and overall survival (OS) in patients with International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) intermediate-/poor-risk disease. RESULTS Overall, 623 patients were randomly assigned to BEMPEG plus NIVO (n = 311) or TKI (n = 312; sunitinib n = 225, cabozantinib n = 87), of whom 514 (82.5%) had IMDC intermediate-/poor-risk disease. In patients with IMDC intermediate-/poor-risk disease, ORR with BEMPEG plus NIVO versus TKI was 23.0% (95% CI, 18.0 to 28.7) versus 30.6% (95% CI, 25.1 to 36.6; difference, –7.7 [95% CI, –15.2 to –0.2]; P = .0489), and median OS was 29.0 months versus not estimable (hazard ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.61 to 1.10]; P = .192), respectively. More frequent all-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) with BEMPEG plus NIVO versus TKI included pyrexia (32.6% v 2.0%) and pruritus (31.3% v 8.8%). Grade 3/4 TRAEs were less frequent with BEMPEG plus NIVO (25.8%) versus TKI (56.5%). CONCLUSION First-line BEMPEG plus NIVO for advanced/metastatic ccRCC did not improve efficacy in patients with intermediate-/poor-risk disease but led to fewer grade 3/4 TRAEs versus TKI.

  PublisherDOI

• Zeptonewton and Attotesla per Centimeter Metrology With Coupled Oscillators

  arXiv (Cornell University) · 2024-02-22

  preprintOpen access

  We present the coupled oscillator: a new mechanism for signal amplification with widespread application in metrology. We introduce the mechanical theory of this framework, and support it by way of simulations. We present a particular implementation of coupled oscillators: a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) that uses one large (~100mm) N52 magnet coupled magnetically to a small (~0.25mm), oscillating N52 magnet, providing a force resolution of 200zN measured over 1s in a noiseless environment. We show that the same system is able to resolve magnetic gradients of 130aT/cm at a single point (within 500um). This technology therefore has the potential to revolutionize force and magnetic gradient sensing, including high-impact areas such cardiac and brain imaging.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH PRESCRIPTION OF DIABETES MEDICATION WITH CARDIORENAL BENEFIT: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS FROM ALBERTA, CANADA

  Canadian Journal of Cardiology · 2024-10-01

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Nanoscale antibacterial coatings incorporating silver nanoparticles derived by plasma techniques – A state-of-the-art perspective

  Materials Today Chemistry · 2024-10-01 · 18 citations

  articleOpen access

  The challenges presented by medical device associated infections have triggered enormous efforts to design, produce and integrate antibacterial surface coating technologies. Amongst other methods, plasma-based coatings have generated considerable interest due to their unique technological and sustainability advantages. In this perspective, we provide a concise overview of the different plasma-based approaches that were developed over the last two decades for generations of nanoscale antibacterial coatings incorporating silver nanoparticles. We begin with discussing the need for antibacterial coatings and the specific benefits of plasma technology and antibacterial silver. We then classify the reported approaches in terms of direct and multistep methods and critically assess the pros and cons of each approach. We conclude this assessment with a discussion and the authors perspective for the future of the field. • Plasma polymerisation is an environmentally friendly procedure to coat surfaces. • AgNPs are potent antimicrobial agents with high potential for translation. • AgNPs are an attractive non-antibiotic solution to antimicrobial resistance. • AgNPs have been incorporated into plasma-polymer coatings through varied methods. • Rational fabrication can promote antibacterial activity and minimize toxicity.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• D. J. Bishop

  Royal Society of Chemistry

  56 shared

• Matthias Imboden

  51 shared

• A. H. Castro Neto

  National University of Singapore

  48 shared

• Lawrence Barrett

  Boston University

  45 shared

• Ros Draper

  36 shared

• Simon Chowdhury

  St Thomas' Hospital

  34 shared

• Andrea Loehr

  Clovis Oncology (United States)

  32 shared

• Ray McDermott

  32 shared

Awards & honors

• J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellow, Los Alamos Scientific Laborato…
• American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow…
• American Physical Society, Fellow (1990)
• Toshiba Lecturer, Keio University Tokyo, Japan (1994)
• Stanislaw M. Ulam Scholar, Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los…