Abigail Bond 

What is your current job / programme of study? 

PhD student in Soft Matter Physics at the University of Leeds 

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do? 

Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology AS Level 

Why did you chose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)? 

Through trying a range of modules on subjects ranging from quantum mechanics to biological systems, I realised that I had a particular interest in soft matter physics and wanted to pursue it further. I knew I wanted to have new challenges everyday and enjoy problem solving, so a PhD in soft matter physics was a good choice. 

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course? (If you didn’t do a MSE course which course did you do and what led to you MSE?) 

I enjoyed completing experiments on a range of different materials, especially on liquid crystals. They have fascinating properties and completing a lab assignment on them taught me that they can be used for a much larger range of applications than their common usage in LCD TVs. 

What is your research about?  

Liquid crystals have a far wider range of applications than their most common usage in LCD screens. My work is focused on confining liquid crystals in varying sizes and shapes of confinement to determine their behaviour. There is a lot of literature that demonstrates the potential of liquid crystals as sensors due to their optical properties and structure, therefore it is hoped than the confining systems I am investigating can be used for this purpose. 

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far? 

I was lucky enough to go to Rio de Janeiro to present my work at the International Liquid Crystal Conference. It was a great experience in terms of gaining experience professionally, but also to develop personally. 

What do you see yourself doing in the future? 

I would hope to continue to work in liquid crystal research, hopefully continuing into a post-doctoral role. 

What is your favourite material (and why)?  

Liquid crystals, as they have some fascinating optical and structural properties that lead them to be versatile materials. 

What advice would you give your 16 year old self? 

You don’t have to have everything decided right now, just keep choosing to do what interests you and things will work out. 

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