In the 20 years since earning her PhD in pure mathematics, Professor Jessica Purcell has developed an international reputation for her ground-breaking contribution to low-dimensional topology and geometry. She specialises in three-dimensional manifolds, which have important practical applications to fluid dynamics, crystallography and materials science, computer vision, and other fields. Her contributions have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards and invitations to present at high-profile national and international events. Professor Purcell has been involved in significant leadership and mentoring activities and the promotion of science, particularly mathematical sciences, throughout her career. She has strong communication skills and enjoys outreach activities such as speaking about mathematics to high school students.