Chelsey Zhang obtained her DPhil from the University of Oxford, where her doctoral research focused on optoelectronic devices based on van der Waals materials. Prior to this, she completed a BSc in materials science at Central South University and an MSc at Imperial College London.
Since joining NPL in 2023, Chelsey has developed a broad range of technical expertise, including electrical transport measurements under variable environmental conditions, magneto-optical characterisation and quantum transduction between microwave and optical photons. She has been closely involved in establishing advanced magneto-optical measurement capabilities at NPL, including work using the UK’s first OptiCool system.
Chelsey is the recipient of the 2025 NPL Explorer’s Award, which supports high-risk, high-reward “seed corn” research. Her project focuses on developing magneto-optical metrology and devices, addressing a key challenge in the advancement of quantum technologies.
In addition to her research role, Chelsey served as Secretariat for the NPL Senior Science College from 2025 to 2026, supporting the coordination of scientific leadership activities across the organisation.
Chelsey contributes to the wider scientific community as a reviewer for journals published by the Institute of Physics and the American Chemical Society. She has also served as a grant assessor for the Henry Royce Institute Industrial Collaboration Programme.
Chelsey welcomes opportunities for collaboration with both academic and industrial partners.
Areas of interest