Roselle Ngaloy: "These materials are incredibly exciting"
Roselle Ngaloy is one of the young researchers involved in the 2DSPIN-TECH project. She is working on device-level characterization of 2D magnets, loves clean room activities and got inspired by her mother – and the Queen of Carbon.
⏹ Could you describe the specific 2D materials you are working with and why you chose them for your research?
➡️ – I am a PhD student at Quantum Device Physics Laboratory, at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. In my research, I focus on the spintronic devices using 2D magnets with Curie temperature beyond room temperature, such as Fe₅GeTe₂ and Fe₃GaTe₂. These materials are incredibly exciting because they fundamentally challenge traditional ideas of magnetism, opening new avenues in the rapidly advancing field of spintronics, says Roselle Ngaloy and continues:
– What makes 2D magnets particularly fascinating is their ability to retain long-range magnetism even in structures just a few atoms thick, far thinner than conventional magnets. Imagine a fridge magnet that's so thin it's just a few atoms thick — even 1000 times thinner than a sheet of paper!
– Beyond their unusual magnetism, these materials also offer the unique ability to control their magnetization with high precision. 2D magnets can be manipulated by various external factors such as electric fields, temperature, light, pressure, and even strain. In addition, they can also be integrated into heterostructures with other 2D materials. By combining 2D magnets with other 2D materials, like graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides, we can design new hybrid and multifunctional spintronic memory and logic devices.
⏹ What is the most exciting part of your daily work as a researcher in this field?
➡️ – One of the aspects of my work I truly enjoy is the opportunity to design and fabricate devices in the state-of-the-art cleanroom facility at Chalmers (MyFab) and high precession spin and quantum transport measurements at Quantum Device Physics laboratory. It’s a hands-on, creative process where every step counts.
– However, what truly keeps me continually engaged and motivated is the challenge of translating ideas into measurable outcomes. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing concepts transform to results that we can quantify, analyze, and piece together. An added bonus is the opportunity to work alongside and learn from my brilliant colleagues at Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience at Chalmers.
⏹ Who were some of your role models or inspirations that encouraged you to pursue a career in science, particularly in physics?
➡️ – My mother had a significant influence on my decision to pursue science. She worked as a forester, and as kids, we often spent time in her office after school. I vividly remember seeing petri dishes filled with seeds being germinated and plant cuttings for identification — my earliest memory of science in action. However, while I was exposed to botany at a young age, my curiosity led me towards mechanics and electronics, which I found especially engaging in school projects.
– When I pursued physics during my undergraduate studies, I got exposed to materials research on carbon nanotubes which turned to be the gateway for me into condensed matter physics, graphene, and 2D materials. I got to learn about Mildred Dresselhaus, the Queen of Carbon, and her pioneering research on carbon nanotubes, graphite, and other carbon-based materials. I find her particularly inspiring not only for her incredible work but also for her dedication in mentoring young scientists and advocating for women in STEM.
⏹ What do you think are some of the most effective ways to encourage more girls to study science and pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)?
➡️ – I feel fortunate not to have faced gender-related barriers in science during my formative years, though I understand that this isn't the experience for everyone. Ideally, careers should not be defined by gender, but achieving true equality is still a challenge today. One significant step forward is offering early exposure to STEM and creating accessible opportunities for children to explore, collaborate, and foster a curiosity-driven environment. I was also fortunate to have a supportive family that encouraged my career choices, especially when I was selecting my undergraduate degree.
– Moreover, connecting with other women in the field, particularly senior researchers, has been incredibly inspiring. Their experiences are relatable, and their insights provide invaluable guidance. I would also like to encourage my fellow women in STEM to embrace their visibility as scientists, engineers, and innovators. By stepping into the spotlight, we not only pave the way for greater representation but also offer a sense of possibility for young women who may not yet see themselves in these roles, says Roselle Ngaloy.
Text: Jonas Löfvendahl
✅ Read more about 2DSPIN-TECH here.
