James Dolan

James' scientific research lay at the intersection of nanophotonics and soft matter physics. He investigated ways to use the (directed) self-assembly of liquid crystals and block copolymers to create two- and three-dimensional optical metasurfaces and metamaterials with dynamically reconfigurable optical properties. James' current research, however, focuses on science communication. He is interested in how scientists’ conceptions of science—what it is, how it works, and what its for—affect how and why they communicate their science. In addition, he is interested in science communication and improvised comedy (improv), exploring the use of improv both as a form of science communication training and as a novel form of public engagement.