Pride Month: Research Spotlight
As part of Pride Month, Andrew's research was highlighted by the Department of Materials.
Summary: Dr Andrew Cairns is a Research Fellow in the Department of Materials. He is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and Mental Health First Aider. In our latest blog post, Dr Cairns explains more about his current research, his motivations for studying Materials Science and the impact of having an LGBTQ+ role model in STEM.
My research investigates materials that behave in the opposite way than you might expect: so, instead of expanding when heated, they shrink. Even more bizarrely, under pressure, they expand, rather than compressing in every direction. We have found examples of these behaviours that are very extreme in a class of materials called molecular frameworks, and we continue to look for larger and even more unusual properties, as well as linking properties together to engineer multi-functional materials. The challenge that drives me is how to manipulate matter — atom by atom — to realise advanced functionality.
To investigate the atomic structure of materials, and how this changes when we heat or compress, I use X-ray crystallography. The materials we’re interested in are made up of a regular, repeating pattern of molecules so when we expose them to an intense beam of X-rays the waves interfere in a systematic way to give a beautiful pattern of smaller X-ray beams. When we measure these the resulting diffraction pattern can be interpreted to tell us the original arrangement of molecules. The process is at once simple (with some complicated maths!) and beautiful (but powerful). Sitting watching the diffraction patterns appear on the screen for a previously unknown material can be mesmerising, exhilarating, and nerve-wrecking all at once!
Motivating this work further is the impact such unusual materials could have on future technologies. These properties—today mostly seen as curiosities—could enable more sensitive touch screens, devices with variable-pressure recognition, more accurate sensors, or more efficient data storage. We aim for a step-change in device performance that will only be possible with radically different materials than those currently used. So, alongside making new materials, we are working to fabricate these materials into prototype forms (like very thin coatings) that could be integrated into devices.
What do you enjoy most about your research?
Like most of us in science, there is huge joy when you discover something no one else has ever seen before. I remember the first time this happened during my doctoral studies: my supervisor and I were both staring at an Excel workbook, systematically inputting numbers as the machine outputted our diffraction patterns, and not believing our eyes. We worked in almost silence until we went to lunch and could say ‘is it true?… This is amazing!’ Who knew an Excel file would ever be that interesting?
Of course, not every day is eureka-central: it takes a lot of patience and a lot of failed experiments to get to that point. In those times the things I enjoy most are the people and amazing facilities and institutes I am very fortunate to work with. I worked previously at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), one of the most intense sources of X-rays in the world, and was blown away with the dedication of the scientists there and the ingenuity of the engineers who keep such a massive machine working (it has a circumference of over 800 m). Today I continue to work with groups close to home, such as the Henry Royce Institute, as well all around the world. Getting involved in projects and seeing ideas develop with others is rewarding every day, including supporting students and colleagues to achieve great results.
How has having an LGBTQ+ role model in STEM impacted you?
I was extremely fortunate that my doctoral supervisor, Prof Andrew Goodwin, is one of only a few LGBT+ academics in STEM. I was not aware of this when I first met him — I was interested in the science! — but I am sure that having this role model has changed my experience in science. On one level, having someone to look up to, who is extremely successful, gives confidence that my sexuality shouldn’t hold me back. This makes it easier each time I have to come out in a professional context. On another, I know that if ever I did experience hostility (I am fortunate this has never happened) I have a large group of people who would make it clear that such behaviour was not acceptable. There is huge power in knowing you are not alone.
