What do you know about Material Science?

Could you explain what your work involves?
“I am a researcher and my job involves using electron beams to interrogate the structure, defects and light emission from solids; developing novel applications of the scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction, electron channelling contrast imaging and cathodoluminescence imaging. In particular, my team has developed new techniques to rapidly and non-destructively analyse defects in the nitride semiconductors used for production of UV, visible LEDs and transistor structures,” Carol tells us. Sounds complicated? Well it's not. All Carol is really trying to do at the moment is identify materials that would reduce the cost of LEDs, whilst making them more efficient than normal bulbs. She's also helping develop UV lighting that is strong enough to purify water. How is she doing this? By identifying which material limits performance and which works better for a particular task—whether lighting up a room, running an electric car or using silicon to build more efficient solar cells. In her own words, Carol is “developing better materials to make better devices”.
When she's not busy researching the microscopic properties of materials, she lectures on solid state physics, electron and scanning probe microscopy and teaches in the third year laboratory. She's also quite active in public engagement, giving lectures, writing articles, running workshops and quizzes, street busking, leading science street tours and providing science kits to schools.

What does one have to study to do what you do? And what are the various career opportunities in this field?
“I am a Physics Major, but my colleagues are specialised in electrical engineering, chemistry, material science and other fields,” Carol tells us. Teamwork clearly matters in scientific discovery. She has classmates who have gone on to design Oscar-winning lenses for cameras, build MRI ultrasound scanners and work with environmental agencies to measure the properties of sea water. The opportunities are endless.  

Why do you think the general public is so disengaged with science and technology and what do you think can be done to change that?
Actually, I think the public is very engaged with science and technology. I come from the UK. If you just look at the number of science programmes on BBC, you'll know that the public wants to know more.
I got involved in public engagement after I started helping out with a workshop run by a professor of mine at Glasgow University, when I was studying undergraduate Physics. The workshop was meant to get children involved in physics and help them understand what options were open to them when they were choosing subjects.
Now, because I don't expect the public to come to me, I go to them, conducting workshops at museums, shopping malls, street busking about science...

Could you shed some light on being a woman in science? Have you observed an increasing number of girls taking to the field in recent years?
When I was in my senior year, we were just three girls in a class of 40. Now about 25 per cent of our students are women and I try to encourage more girls to make the most of the opportunity.

What characteristics must one posses to be a successful scientist?
You must be curious and always want to know why. One must want to make a difference and to make life better for people. I like to solve puzzles and find out why
things happen.
@AverilNunes