Clarendon Sixth Form College

29 November 2024

Clarendon Sixth Form College visited by leading physicist to inspire the scientists of the future.

Dr Jessica Boland, senior lecturer and researcher in functional materials and devices at the University of Manchester, visited the college on Wednesday 27th November to deliver a lecture to pupils from Alder Community High School.

The event, which was organised in collaboration between Clarendon Sixth Form College, The Ogden Trust and the school, is part of an initiative to encourage more young females to study physics and STEM subjects.

Dr Boland talked about her unconventional journey to becoming a physicist, first pursuing a career in ballet, then realising her passion for the subject and eventually studying her PHD at Oxford University.

She also talked about her research into developing nanotechnology smaller than a strand of DNA, which has applications in devices such as mobile phones and screens. During her career, Dr Boland helped to develop technology that is used in the devices on the market today.

Josh Selby, physics teacher at Clarendon Sixth Form College and one of the event’s organisers, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Dr Boland to the college and hear her incredible journey from ballet to breakthroughs in physics. Her passion and achievements have truly inspired our visiting pupils to see the endless possibilities in science and STEM careers. A huge thank you to Dr Boland for taking the time to share her expertise and motivate the next generation of scientists.”

Several other projects have been organised with the collaboration, giving female school pupils a flavour of science at the college and higher education level. According to the Institute for Physics, females currently only account for approximately 20% of physicists in academia or industry.

To find out more about A-level courses at Clarendon Sixth Form College, visit the college website or call 0161 908 6600.