Jessamyn Fairfield
Jessamyn Fairfield is an American physicist who researches biocompatible nanomaterials and neuromorphic devices at 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.Research and career
After her PhD, Fairfield joined Trinity College Dublin as a research fellow. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, examining the optoelectronic properties of nanocrystals and nanowires. She is interested in neuromorphic materials, whose function mimics the synaptic connection of the brain. Alongside publishing in academic journals, she is a regular contributor to the popular science magazine Physics World.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. In 2015, she joined Dublin's City of Physics program, acting as a blog editor and taking over management of Bright Club. She trains speakers and funds the initiative through Science Foundation Ireland. In 2016, she gave the Institute of Physics Summer Session, bringing researchers together with live music, to explore electronics and the brain. Fairfield brought Soapbox Science to Galway in 2017, bringing women in science to public spaces to talk about their research.
She is the science reporter for Newstalk's radio show "Futureproof". She gives regular public talks as well as appearing in newspapers and on television. In December 2017 she is speaking at TEDxTUM in Munich.Awards
2017 - Institute of Physics Mary Somerville Medal
2013 - Institute of Physics Early Career Communicator Award
