Interview with Mariam Ahmad

Mariam Ahmad is a Postdoc at University of Southern Denmark (SDU) at Mads Clausen Instituttet (MCI) in Sønderborg.

What motivated you to pursue a career in physics, and how did you choose your area of specialization?

I have always been curious about our world and loved to do experiments since I was a child. I always felt a need to understand the science behind nature and technology and how things really work- not just on a large scale but on a fundamental scale. This led me to study nanoscience. I liked that the nanoscience program is interdisciplinary, so you get to dive into the fields of physics, chemistry and biology on an atomic scale. 

Where have you studied, and what did your career path look like until now?

I studied my bachelor’s and master’s degree in nanoscience at KU and then I did my PhD at SDU CAPE in Sønderborg, where I am currently employed as a postdoc.

What is the focus of your current research, and why is it significant?

Our group works with organic solar cells, which are 3rd generation thin-film solar cells that are non-toxic, light-weight and can be mass produced at low-cost using large-scale printing techniques. This makes these solar cells a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to the Si-based solar cells that are currently dominating the market. Organic solar cells still lag behind their Si-based counterparts when it comes to long-term device stability and therefore still need some optimization before they can really compete within the photovoltaics market. This is one of the things that we are working on in our group. The focus of my work is to develop new materials (thin films) to be implemented in organic solar cells with the aim of improving the efficiency and stability of devices. The most important part of my work is to study the structure and electronic properties of these materials using X-ray based characterization techniques both in-house and at large scale X-ray facilities (synchrotrons) to understand the role of these thin films in organic solar cells and how they affect the efficiency and stability of devices.

Looking ahead, which area of work are you most excited to explore (in or outside of academia)?

My favorite part of my work is the characterization techniques. I am always amazed at how much information we can get from studying the surfaces of thin films or the interfaces between two or more thin films just by using X-rays. These techniques can provide information about the crystallinity, chemical bonding, electronic properties and structure of thin films and interfaces. I would love to dive even deeper into these characterization techniques and become an expert. 

What keeps you motivated in your research and work, and how do you maintain that drive?

I like to be kept on my toes. Organic solar cells are currently a hot topic and are therefore studied heavily. This also means that developments are happening really fast and you really have to keep yourself updated on the newest published research to not fall behind and to keep your own research relevant. I like the challenge and the fast pace. 

Do you engage in public outreach or science communication related to your research? If so, what does that involve?

I have done several presentations aimed at junior and senior scientists at conferences and summer schools in addition to presentations at events aimed at young people (bachelor students, high schoolers and kids). I like presenting for different target groups and adapting my presentations to fit the knowledge of the specific group of people that I am presenting for. 

Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of work that you are passionate about, and what makes them meaningful to you?

I love cooking and baking. I think of my kitchen as my lab. Baking is very much a science and chemistry plays a big role in the final result. I I like to experiment with different recipes and letting my friends and family test the products and rate them – it’s like peer review but more fun and delicious.

What are your thoughts on the importance of being a mentor and advisor to students and younger scientists, and what is your own approach?

I think it is important for young girls to meet women that are working in male-dominated fields.  Just so they don’t feel intimidated to pursue a study program or a career where they might be a minority. Having a mentor with the same gender or ethnic background can be highly motivating. Representation matters!

Have any mentors played a significant role in your career, and how have they supported you?

A female mentor that I feel is important to mention is my co-PhD supervisor. She is a senior scientist at Sorbonne University and an expert in X-ray based characterization techniques. She has been with me at experiments at different large-scale facilities and taught me everything I know about these techniques. I love that she does not just sit behind a desk but she likes to “get her hands dirty” by conducting experiments, installing equipment and finding creative ways to overcome challenges. 

What advice would you give to young people, in particular women and minorities, who would like to pursue a career in science?

I would say to just have confidence in yourself,  your qualifications, your experience and your skills and don’t be afraid to speak your mind and present your ideas – even if you are the only woman or minority in the room. The fact that you are already in the room, means that you are qualified to offer opinions and contributions. For me, I don’t like to think of myself as a woman in science, but just a scientist, like all my colleagues. We all do similar work and have similar educational backgrounds and skills, so our gender shouldn’t matter.