International recognition for Swinburne’s Professor Baohua Jia

Professor Baohua Jia is combining nanotechnology, optics and graphene in a number of world-leading projects.
In summary
- Professor Baohua Jia, has been elected one of 118 The Optical Society (OSA) Fellow Members for 2021
- Professor Jia is the Founding Director of the Centre for Translational Atomaterials at Swinburne
- She is combining nanotechnology, optics and graphene in a number of world-leading projects
Founding Director of the Centre for Translational Atomaterials at Swinburne, Professor Baohua Jia, has been elected one of 118 The Optical Society (OSA) Fellow Members for 2021.
The distinction acknowledges significant contributions to the advancement of optics and photonics through education, research, engineering, business leadership and service. Elected by their peers, this year’s fellows include 23 women, the largest number of women ever elected in one year.
“Baohua is a world-leading expert in the field of photonics and nanomaterials and I am thrilled for her to receive this significant recognition,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Bronwyn Fox says.
World-leading research
Professor Jia is combining nanotechnology, optics and graphene in a number of world-leading projects, including an energy storage alternative to batteries that is faster, safer and much longer lasting, a super-thin, lightweight lens to provide 3D focus on tiny details and a nanaostructure ultrathin film that can harvest sunlight into heat within seconds.
The battery alternative, called a supercapacitor and dubbed the Bolt Electricity Storage technology (BEST) battery, stores energy in a thin sheet of graphene that bends like paper. It may be the answer to ensuring a stable supply of solar energy.
The tiny lens is made from a one molecule layer of atomaterials – the next generation of nanomaterials with a thickness about one millionth of a human hair in size.
It could reduce by two-thirds the width of endoscopes used to diagnose medical conditions, leaving a surgical cut of just one millimetre. It could also greatly improve the quality of photos taken by mobile phones, through a graphene lens the size of a pinprick.
The 90-nm ultra-thin graphene film can heat up to as high as 160 °C within 40 seconds under sunlight in an open environment offering efficient solar energy harvesting approach.
“I am glad my work is recognised by the community. I am so fortunate to work on something I love with a group of amazing colleagues in a very supportive research institute. I hope my research could solve some real challenges and benefit everyone’s life.”
Work-life balance
Professor Jia is acutely aware of the demands that female scientists face in balancing work and family. ”It is hard for everybody. But as long as you love it, it is worth the extra effort. If you are able to prioritise and work efficiently, you’ll find the way,” she says.
“My research is important but of course so are my children. At Swinburne, this juggle is possible because we have a very supportive working environment for women.”
The Optical Society
The Optical Society election process is highly competitive. Candidates are recommended by the Fellow Members Committee and then submitted for review and approval by the OSA Awards Council and OSA Board of Directors.
The new Fellows from 24 countries will be honoured at OSA conferences and meetings throughout 2021.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Astronomy
Humans are still hunting for aliens. Here’s how astronomers are looking for life beyond Earth
We have long been fascinated with the idea of alien life. The earliest written record presenting the idea of “aliens” is seen in the satiric work of Assyrian writer Lucian of Samosata dated to 200 AD.
Friday 03 March 2023 -
- Science
- University
More than $1.1mil in funding for Swinburne industry-linked projects
The projects will look at using recycled glass in roads, improving Australia’s 5G network, and boosting quality of life in aged care through technology.
Wednesday 08 February 2023 -
- Astronomy
- Technology
‘We just discovered the impossible’: how giant baby galaxies are shaking up our understanding of the early Universe
“Look at this,” says Erica’s message. She is poring over the very first images from the brand new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Thursday 23 February 2023 -
Breaking down barriers: standing on the shoulders of Australia’s early female chemists
Expected to resign after marriage and faced with sexist attitudes about their capacity for science, Australia’s early women chemists had a constant fight to remain in the field.
Monday 13 February 2023 -
- Health
- Science
Australia’s biggest research trial using psychedelics to treat depression to commence in 2023
Swinburne has signed a $5 million clinical trial research agreement with Woke Pharmaceuticals to embark on Australia’s biggest research trial examining the promise of the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, called ‘psilocybin’, in tackling treatment-resistant depression.
Monday 30 January 2023