Frank Elson

What inspired you to pursue this research topic, and how has your understanding of it evolved throughout your PhD journey?

I was initially drawn to this research because I had enjoyed studying similar topics during my master’s, particularly phase transitions. The idea of exploring these processes experimentally was very exciting. At the start, I thought the main challenge would be making measurements and interpreting results. However, my perspective shifted once I realized that the majority of difficulties in experiments are actually addressed during preparation, designing setups, refining samples, and anticipating problems. This taught me that careful planning and preparation are just as important as the experiments themselves, shaping how I approach scientific questions today.

Can you describe a key finding or insight from your research that you’re especially proud of—and why it matters in your field?

A key finding from my research has been studying the superconducting states of transition metal dichalcogenides under extreme conditions such as high pressure. These experiments allowed me to highlight novel features in the superconducting state, which were not previously well understood. What I found particularly rewarding was being able to place my results in the broader context of work carried out by other groups. It gave me the sense that I was not only adding new knowledge, but also directly contributing to the shared understanding of a growing research community interested in these materials.

How do you hope your research will be used or built upon after your defense—whether in academia, industry, or society at large?

I hope that my research will be built upon to further uncover the properties of the material classes I studied, particularly superconductors and magnetic systems. Beyond advancing fundamental knowledge, it would be deeply satisfying if my work eventually contributed to the development of new technologies. Because superconductivity and magnetism are central to many applications, from energy storage to quantum devices, I believe insights like these could play a role in shaping more efficient and climate-conscioussolutions. Even if indirectly, the possibility of contributing to sustainable technologies makes this line of research especially meaningful to me.

What role has SwedNess played in your journey?

SwedNess has played a pivotal role throughout my PhD journey. It not only provided excellent training in neutron scattering but also offered access to a welcoming community of researchers. This sense of belonging was especially important for me as an international student moving to Sweden. Through SwedNess, I met peers and mentors across different universities, which helped me feel connected to a larger

Thesis: Low Dimensional Systems: Order and Disorder on the Quantum Scale