Jessamyn Fairfield (born 13 October 1984) is an American physicist who researches biocompatible nanomaterials and neuromorphic devices at NUI Galway.
Jessamyn Fairfield | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 13 October 1984 (age 39) |
| Alma mater | University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of California Berkeley |
| Employer | NUI Galway |
Early life and education
Fairfield earned a BA in physics and applied math at the University of California Berkeley in 2005, before an MSc and PhD in physics at the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.[1]
Research and career
After her PhD, Fairfield joined Trinity College Dublin as a research fellow.[2] Her research focuses on nanomaterials, examining the optoelectronic properties of nanocrystals and nanowires.[1] She is interested in neuromorphic materials, whose function mimics the synaptic connection of the brain.[3] Alongside publishing in academic journals, she is a regular contributor to the popular science magazine Physics World.[4][5][6]
In 2018, Fairfield completed a residency program in the Arctic Circle, where she worked on a project on the effects of climate change on humans.[7][8] In 2019, she participated in the Homeward Bound leadership development program and Antarctic expedition during which she also studied climate change.[8][9]
Public engagement
Fairfield was the lead writer at DARTofPhysics, a campaign prompted a citywide discussion about physics through a series of adverts on public transport.[10] In 2015, she joined Dublin's City of Physics program, acting as a blog editor and taking over management of Bright Club.[7][11][12] She trains speakers and funds the initiative through Science Foundation Ireland.[13] In 2016, she gave the Institute of Physics Summer Session, bringing researchers together with live music, to explore electronics and the brain.[14] Fairfield brought Soapbox Science to Galway in 2017, bringing women in science to public spaces to talk about their research,[15] and returned to organize its 2018 and 2019 events.[16][17]
She is the science reporter for Newstalk's radio show "Futureproof".[18] She gives regular public talks as well as appearing in newspapers and on television.[19][20][21] In December 2017 she spoke at TEDxTUM in Munich.[22]
Awards
- 2017 – Institute of Physics Mary Somerville Medal[23][24]
- 2013 – Institute of Physics Early Career Communicator Award[25]