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Dr Jessica Boland
Job Title: Senior Lecturer in Functional Materials and Devices, University of Manchester
Disability: Hard of Hearing
Why did you want to work in STEM?
I thought I would never get bored! I loved problem solving and working as part of a team on a project, which is exactly what working in STEM is like!
What’s your favourite thing about your job or about working in STEM?
The freedom and variety! I love being able to try different solutions and experiments and look at new exciting materials every day. I also love working with lasers and enjoy playing with them in the lab.
What are your top tips for a young disabled person interested in STEM as a career?
Go for it! STEM is so varied and there are several ways of contributing to solving a problem, whether that’s modelling, data analysis or hands on in the lab. Seek support and find good mentors and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
What advantages has your disability given you in the field?
I think my disability has made me better at communication! I use a lot of visual cues, such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, and structured conversations to aid communication, which has helped me chair debates, discussions and meetings effectively. It has also helped my teaching, as I am always thinking of how I can make lectures and research supervision more accessible.
Useful Links
Accessibility Resources – Terahertz Characterisation Group (allthingsterahertz.com)