Quantum physicist/engineer | Science communicator, writer, and educator
I am a PhD candidate at the University of Surrey, working in the photonics and quantum sciences research group at the Advanced Technology Institute. My research project is in the field of condensed matter physics and focuses on the development of III-V semiconductor spintronics devices for quantum technology and metrology applications. This involves studying quantum transport and spin-orbit interaction in semiconductor heterostructures as well as the development of direct-write fabrication (maskless lithography) techniques for fast prototyping of quantum nanodevices, such as quantum point contacts and nanowires.
I hold an integrated masters degree in Physics with first-class honours from the University of Surrey during which I worked in R&D at the Centre for Integrated Photonics developing semiconductor-based high-speed electroabsorption modulated lasers.
Since starting my PhD I have become more involved with science communication and writing where I explore physics concepts as well as equality, diversity and inclusion topics in STEM. In particular, I cover neurodiversity, disability and mental health in higher education and STEM. In 2021, I won the Institute of Physics Early Career Physics Communicator Award for my work communicating complex quantum physics topics to a broad online audience and my 'Neurodivergent in STEM' project which aims to support and promote neurodivergent people in STEM fields.
I am interested in inclusive pedagogy in higher education and accessibility in STEM. I'm currently working towards a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning alongside my PhD and demonstrate in physics undergraduate and foundation year labs. I'm aiming to develop a truly inclusive teaching practice and hope to make positive change in physics higher education by advocating for equality, diversity and inclusion within the sector and putting student voices at the heart of my work.
Projects
- Navigating Neurodiversity Library CurationThis semester, the Library Student Curator is Daisy Shearer, a Physics PhD student at Surrey. Daisy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the final year of her degree and has been heavily involved in the neurodiversity community ever since; she became the founder of Neurodivergent in STEM and also became the founder of the University of Surrey Neurodiversity Network. Daisy has now worked on an exciting new project on ‘Navigating Neurodiversity’, which will reflect on her own experien
- Neurodivergent In STEMThe project is community-driven and features self-submitted stories as well as profiles of public figures. We also share blog posts exploring neurodivergent experiences in STEM , provide information around neurodiversity, discuss best practices for ensuring that STEM fields are accessible to neurominorities, and have created spaces for neurodivergent people in STEM fields to connect. https://www.neurodivergentinstem.com/
- The Quantum GardenIn 2019 I ran an outreach project called ‘The Quantum Garden’ with the help of the physics department’s outreach team and the university’s public engagement team. The project aimed to raise awareness in the local community about research that the Photonics and Quantum Sciences group at the University of Surrey carries out. I based the design on a paper that explored the wavefunction of phosphorous donors in silicon. The garden also explored various potential applications of quantum computers an
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Projects credited in
- Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women 2022For the second time, Women Beyond The Box is proud to launch the UK’s only list showcasing Influential Neurodivergent Women. It is estimated that at least 10% of the UK population is Neurodivergent, that is Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Autism, ADHD and Tourette’s. The list was born from a desire to amplify the voices of women who are creating ripples of change within their industries by challenging the narrative around Neurodiversity. We are Founders, Scientists, Designers, Creatives, A50
Work history
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InspirerWinchester Science Centre
Winchester, United KingdomPart Time
I am a casual worker at Winchester Science Centre in their ‘Inspirer’ role. This involves a variety of science communication activities including performing live science shows, planetarium shows, and sparking curiosity in visitors.
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Student AmbassadorUniversity of Surrey
Guildford, United KingdomPart Time
As a student ambassador, I take on occasional part-time work for the University of Surrey in the following roles:
•Widening Participation and Outreach Student Ambassador (Oct 2021-present)
This role involves informing prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students about university by delivering activities designed to raise the aspirations and attainment of students from underrepresented groups within higher education. This includes on-campus events, in-school activities, virtual webinars, Summer Schools, and mentoring programmes.
•Postgraduate Marketing Ambassador (Oct 2020-present)
Part of a student team creating strategic and integrated recruitment marketing campaigns across multiple channels, to attract, engage and nurture prospective students. This involves writing blogs, holding Q&A sessions, participating in webinars, and creating social media content to share my student experience.
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Skills
- Research
- Science Communication
- Science Journalism
- Blog Content
- Content Creation
- Presenting
- Problem Solving
- Social Media
- Academic Writing
- Writing
Education
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Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher EducationUniversity of Surrey
Guildford, United Kingdom
A graduate certificate in learning and teaching in higher education consisting of 4 part-time modules over 18 months, leading to accreditation as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). The course consists of compulsory large group sessions, small group tutorials, student-selected workshops, teaching observances, and assignments.
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PhD Condensed Matter PhysicsUniversity of Surrey
Guildford, United Kingdom
Physics researcher in the Photonics and Quantum Sciences Group at the Advanced Technology Institute. My project is focused on developing semiconductor devices to control electron spin for quantum technology applications.
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Awards
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ATI Research Laureate AwardAdvanced Technology Institute
I was awarded an ATI Research Laureate for my contributions to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. These awards recognise the most significant contributions to the activities of the ATI by staff and students on an annual basis.
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/advanced-technology-institute/researchTop 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women 2022Women Beyond The Box
I was named as one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022 in recognition of my work in physics, science communication, and EDI in STEM.
https://www.womenbeyondthebox.com/daisyshearer/+ Show more