Jessica Boland

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JESSICA BOLAND

I am currently a Senior Lecturer of Functional Materials and Devices at the University of Manchester. I work in the Photon Science Institute with the Department of Materials and the School of Natural Sciences. I am also the director of the CUSTOM facility at Manchester, which encompasses a suite of state-of-the-art near-field microscopes, and the Research Area Theme Lead for Atoms to Devices at Manchester for the Henry Royce Institute. The main focus of my research is the use of near-field terahertz microscopy and optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy for accurate characterisation of nanomaterials, namely topological materials. This technique allows me to probe phenomena at the surface of these materials, resolving carrier dynamics with both 10nm spatial and 10fs temporal resolution. Not only does this technique allow single nanostructures to be examined but it also provides novel local information as to the underlying physical mechanisms governing the optoelectronic properties of these materials. Utilising this knowledge, I can then provide a direct feedback loop into the optimisation of these materials for use on devices. In particular, I am interested in developing novel THz devices based on nanostructures, such as THz detectors and THz modulators. I am also active in physics outreach and championing accessibility in STEMM for disabled researchers. I am a member of the NADSN STEMM action group and previously co-led the disability sub-group within TigersInSTEMM. I published an article on barriers to research funding for disabled researchers, which has been cite in evidence to House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. I actively engage with the Institute of Physics through branch lectures and participate in science festivals (e.g. New Scientist Live). I have also previously helped organise the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics and given several lectures in schools and at various outreach events and acted as a co-chair of the Disabled Staff Network at Manchester.