From the foundational legacy of pioneers to the quantum frontiers of today, the next highlight of our series #PushingTheBoundaries features Professor @Farsane Tabataba-Vakili and her groundbreaking work in 2D materials.
Engineering the Invisible
Professor Tabataba-Vakili’s research focuses on discovering and creating 2D heterostructures with exotic physical properties. By precisely adjusting the twist angle between adjacent atomic layers, she uncovers intriguing behavioral shifts to lay the groundwork for the next generation of quantum metrology and sensing.
A Legacy of Carbon and Courage
The path Farsane walks was blazed in part by Mildred Dresselhaus, a pioneer whose story remains a source of inspiration. Known as the "Queen of Carbon Science," Dresselhaus’s experiments at MIT were fundamental to our understanding of the electrical structure of semimetals. Her research into carbon nanotubes eventually led to the Nobel Prize-winning isolation of graphene by Geim and Novoselov. Beyond the lab, Dresselhaus was a fierce advocate for women in physics—a mission Farsane continues today as she navigates the modern landscape of academia.
Visibility and Support
Transitioning from historical legacy to modern reality, Farsane reflects on the nuances of being a woman in physics. While she notes that society has become much more supportive—highlighted by her own recognitions like the French Bourse L’Oreal – the experience remains complex. "I occasionally find myself wondering: would I be treated differently if I were a 40-year-old man instead of a 34-year-old woman?"
It is often difficult to distinguish between the influences of gender and age. This sense of being "more visible than is comfortable" is balanced by a robust community of peers and mentors. From colleagues at TU Braunschweig to long-term mentors like Michael Kneissl, Philippe Boucaud, and Alex Högele, Farsane credits her success to those who believed in her potential early on.
The long Path to Equality
Looking toward the future, Farsane believes that achieving true gender equality in German physics requires addressing both cultural and structural barriers. She points out that the "science is for boys" narrative is unfortunately still present in schools, often reinforced by outdated teaching perspectives. Furthermore, she highlights the systemic challenge of balancing an academic career with family life. Germany still has a long way to go in providing the kind of early-age, full-time childcare infrastructure that she observed working so effectively in France. For Farsane, bridging this gap is essential to ensuring that the next generation of researchers can thrive without compromise.
