Bashra Mahamed

Profile

I am a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds researching solar energy at the nanoscale, focusing on high-resolution mapping of light harvesting proteins using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). My research investigates the potential of advanced nanoscale imaging techniques to better understand and optimise natural light harvesting systems.

I graduated from the University of Leeds with a First-Class Honours degree in Philosophy and Physics (Bsc). My final-year undergraduate project was titled ‘Understanding the Difference in Interactions Between Animal and Plant Proteins Using Colloid Probe Force Microscopy’.

During my undergraduate studies I completed a research internship at the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, contributing to a project on bio-inspired nano/micro-structured materials for water harvesting. This work was published as ‘On the Formation and Dynamics of Micro Dew Droplets on Grass: the Role of Epicuticular Wax’ in Nano Micro Small (Aug 2025). Alongside my research, I served as Editor and later Editor-in-Chief of the Leeds Policy Institute Student Publications, leading editorial strategy, mentoring junior researchers, and overseeing interdisciplinary research outputs.

Research interests

I am interested in nanoscale characterisation of biological systems, including biophysics, nanotechnology, materials science and molecular biology. I focus on imaging and force-mapping techniques to study protein structure, dynamics, and interactions with applications in bioinspired solar materials.

Qualifications

• BSc Philosophy and Physics