The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognised annually by UNESCO on February 11, highlights the importance of full and equal access to STEM fields. To celebrate this day, we are proud to spotlight members of our ICAM community who are making significant contributions to materials science and embodying the spirit of this global initiative.
Professor Qian Chen
Professor Qian Chen is a member of the Department of Material Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Her research focuses on imaging, understanding, and engineering soft materials at the nanoscale using advanced electron microscopy methods. Her work encompasses a diverse range of systems, including colloidal self-assembly, protein transformation, advanced battery devices, metamaterials, and energy-efficient separation strategies. In 2019 she shared her research in her ICAM webinar When Soft Materials Meet Electron Microscopy. She also serves as the co-chair of the 2025 MRS meeting in Seattle.
Professor Sarah Haigh
Professor Sarah Haigh is the Director of ICAM. She is a Professor of Materials Characterisation at The University of Manchester, specialising in advanced electron microscopy for catalysis. As Director of the Department of Materials Electron Microscopy Centre, she oversees a state-of-the-art facility with 25 instruments and over 500 users. Leading a dynamic research group, she focuses on unlocking the properties of nanomaterials through cutting-edge transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and analysis. Her expertise lies in developing and applying novel high-resolution in situ liquid and gas cell TEM methods, pushing the boundaries of real-time nanoscale imaging. Learn about Professor Haigh’s groundbreaking work in advanced electron microscopy in this Blavatnik video.
Tara Love
Tara Love is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Co-Founder of NANOPLUME, an advanced biomaterials company developing super insulating bio-aerogel. She is also the CTO and Founder of Shiny Armour a research and development company developing microfluidics as wearable safety technology. As a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge she held an iCASE studentship with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and bp. The bp-ICAM alumna also completed placements with bp at their Sunbury and Houston sites working on fines invasion, formation damage, wellbore strengthening and geomechanics.
Dr Lin Ma
Dr Lin Ma is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, a Co-Investigator with bp-ICAM and Principal Investigator on multiple UKRI and industrial projects at the University of Manchester. Dr Ma specializes in multi-scale imaging and characterization of rocks, focusing on digital rock analysis in geoenergy reservoirs and subsurface energy storage for sustainable energy development. She is also the Faculty Head of International for Student Recruitment and the Academic Lead/co-Chair of the EDI Women@Manchester Staff network, and holds external roles as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Marine and Petroleum Geology and Vice Chair of The Geological Society’s Energy Group.
Dr Sofia Marchesini
Dr Sofia Marchesini is a Senior Materials Chemist in Fuels and Low Carbon Technology at bp. Her background is in nanomaterials, batteries and porous materials for the energy sector, with a strong focus on analytical techniques. She works closely with ICAM to address critical materials challenges and plays a key role on our HSSE and DE&I boards, driving innovation and inclusivity. Her journey with the ICAM began during her PhD in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London as part of the CDT in Advanced Characterisation of Materials. In addition to her research, she hosts our dynamic webinar series, showcasing our research while bringing expert insights to a wider audience.
Professor Magda Titirici
Professor Magda Titirici currently holds the Chair in Sustainable Energy Materials at Imperial College London’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on developing sustainable materials from renewable resources for applications in energy storage and conversion technologies. She assumed the role of Chair of the Publishing Board for the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2024. She recently shared her research in her ICAM webinar Sustainable Materials for a Net Zero Future.
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