Duality is the ability to describe the same physics in two (or more) distinct ways. A dual description can sometimes provide physical insight -- not readily obtained within more conventional approaches -- that is needed to yield a solution to a particular problem. In this talk, I will describe the application of recently discovered dualities to certain two-dimensional electronic systems: quantum phase transitions in the two-dimensional electron gas and in disordered thin film superconductors. I will describe how emergent symmetries and duality provide a deep connection that links these two distinct physical systems and conclude by outlining questions we hope these insights might help us answer.

Argonne Physics Division Colloquium Schedule