User:Chem24601/Caroline Dessent

Caroline Elizabeth Helen Dessent is a senior lecturer in chemistry at the University of York. Dessent's research applies laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to a broad range of photoactive molecules and ensembles, such as sunscreens. In particular, photoactive biological molecules, as well as molecular systems, where their photochemical properties can be applied to health problems.

Early life and education
Dessent was born in 1969, Gilfach Goch, Wales. She recieved her M.A. in Chemistry from Jesus College, University of Oxford in 1991 and her Ph.D. from Yale University in 1997. Dessent was awarded the Richard Wolfson Dissertation Prize for her work on the structure and dynamics of dipole-bound excited states of anion−molecule clusters.

Research
Following her Ph.D., Dessent worked as a postdoctoral associate with Klaus Müller-Dethlefs at the University of York on REMPI, ZEKE, and MATI spectroscopy of molecular clusters. In October 1999, she was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship to continue that allowed her to continue her work at the University of York.

Equality and diversity
Dessent is chair of the Equality and Diversity Group in the Chemistry department at the University of York. While in the role, Dessent headed the successful renewal of the department's Gold Athena Swan award and has given a number of talks discussing gender equality in science.