Currently a Reader in Nanoscale Engineering at University of Cambridge. Obtained degree and PhD (Physics) from TCD, designed and constructed first scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) in the country.
In 1997 moved to Cambridge. Was head of Nanoscience centre for two years, published over 60 papers, over 100 talks, a textbook on Nanoelectronics.
Funding from several companies and government, of over £3 Million in the past few years.

Obtained PhD in China and followed it up with a Post Doctoral appointment at the University of Oxford. Then research associate at the NanoScience Centre, Engineering Department of University of Cambridge. She has two years of industrial experience and five years teaching practice in China. over 10 years of research experience in nanotechnology and biosensors.
Nan has co-authored a chapter in the book, Advances in Nano Engineering.

Graduated from Trinity College Dublin, trained as a fund manager at Hill Samuel before acting as a consultant to Rockwell, United Technologies and Northwest Industries.
Was co-founder of Pipex Ltd, the first British Internet company. When it was taken over by UUNet, an American VC-backed concern, she left and took over the responsibility for running the rival company PSI Inc. Has been a serial entrepreneur for last 15 years.