Our fourth cohort of 10 students joined us in September 2022!
Yangqian (Fiona) Wang
For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Prof. Huiyun Liu and Dr. Mingchu Tang to design and fabricate a long-wavelength InAs QD laser at UCL. During my free time, I might go for dancing or exploring cities by myself.
*Find Fiona on LinkedIn
Miguel Alvarez Perez
I started reading and doing my research to learn about different technologies and physics topics such as nanotechnologies, semiconductors and microchips, and particle physics, amongst others, by reading books and articles on the internet.
This interest and passion led me to start a 4-years MPhys Physics degree at the University of Hertfordshire, where I specialised in those areas of interest such as Condensed Matter Physics with my 3rd-year project in Optical Tweezers and light-matter interaction, and Quantum Physics with my final year project in Symmetry Breaking and Higgs Mechanism. My PhD project is based in Cardiff, titled “Metrology of multi-photon states for quantum technology”.
Studies on a side, I am interested in cars and motorsport, and I like using my spare time to read, enjoy a trip or just a nice walk around the city.
Venkatesh Chakravartula
Hi, I’m Venkatesh. I’m from India and my masters degree was in Optoelectronic and Quantum Technologies at the University of Bristol, where my research project was studying the coherence times of electron spins in quantum dots. As part of the CDT, I joined the MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics at Cardiff University, and will be progressing for a PhD at UCL. I will be studying on-chip frequency combs for spectroscopy of greenhouse gases. Outside of research, I enjoy backpacking, wildlife documentaries, music and nonfiction.
Chris Dawe
My name is Chris and I am originally from Southampton but grew up in Cornwall. I received my MPhys degree from the University of Liverpool in 2022.
I have a keen interest in experimental physics which strengthened over the course of my master’s project, where I began to work with thin film solar cells. I explored the impact defects had on the performance of CdTe devices, which had been passivated with varying concentrations of selenium. This research was conducted using Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) and Isothermal Transient Spectroscopy (ITS) to highlight the electrically active defects.
For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Professor Matthew Halsall at the University of Manchester with support from IQE. My preliminary project title is: Identification of point defects in GaN materials and their impact on device performance.
During my free time, I enjoy staying active and attending as many football games as possible – although this isn’t always fun being a Southampton fan!
Mark de Quidt
I studied at Cardiff 2018-2021 for a BSc in Physics. During this time, I gained a strong interest in Condensed matter and Semiconductor Physics. I enjoyed completing a research project in my final year, working on characterising the field effects and ferromagnetic properties of an electromagnet for use in semiconductor testing.
My PhD project is based in the Optoelectronics group at Cardiff University, supervised by Dr Sam Shutts. I am working to develop a photonic interface for cryogenic quantum processors. This involves developing a system of Magneto-optic modulation and cryogenic laser operation. During my PhD, I am working on semiconductor fabrication in the UCSB Nanofab and collaborating with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on magneto-optic testing.
Outside of my studies, I’m into hiking. Prior to my PhD, I worked as an instructor and backcountry guide in Revelstoke Canada. I also enjoy reading and cooking.
Max Goodwin
Hi, I’m Max, and I’m from Cheshire, just south of Manchester. I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a bachelors degree in Electronic Engineering where I fostered an interest in semiconductor materials, and their properties.
My final year project focussed on the photoluminescence characgterisation of In/GaAs quantum dots using different spectroscopy techniques. I also have experience in cleanroom processes, which I used to fabricate SAW filters for high speed communications.
My PhD project is based in University of Manchester, titled “Silicon Photonics Inertial Navigation Systems (SPINS)”.
Outside of university, I enjoy going out to see live music at the weekends and have a drink. I have also built a large sound system that I hope will see some use in Cardiff.
Mehdi Ahmadian
My current PhD project, Site-Selective Engineering of III-V Epitaxial Quantum Dots, explores tailoring techniques for the electronic and optical properties of III-V QDs for photonics and quantum applications. I am supervised by Prof. Richard Curry (Manchester) and Prof. Jon Heffernan (Sheffield), in close collaboration with the UK National Epitaxy Facility (NEF) and Ionoptika Ltd. This work combines advanced epitaxy, nanoscale fabrication, and optical characterisation to address key challenges in semiconductor device scalability.
Beyond research, I am passionate about translating high-tech innovations into real-world impact and enjoy travelling, seeking new adventures, and reading about emerging technologies and their societal implications.
Kimberly Nicholson
Hi! For my undergraduate degree I studied Physics at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Specialising in the suitability of deep-ultra-violet micro-light-emitting diode for applications in optical wireless communication.
For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Dr Naresh Gunasekar looking at defect characterisation in III-nitrides materials and devices using multimodal micro-spectroscopy.
Franco Obuseli
Hello! My name is Franco, and I’m from Italy. I studied physics at the University of Nottingham. I consider myself an experimental physicist with a fascination for theory. My interest in physics stems from pop science books I read before starting university. My favourite is ‘Physics of the impossible’ by Prof Michio Kaku; he talks about the science behind sci-fi shows. He breaks down what makes these technologies possible and how close we are to achieving them. In the book, he also talks about the development of semiconductor technology. With this CDT, I hope to be part of this ever-changing industry.
My research project was on the mechanical properties of ultra-thin polymer films. These films play a key role in the semiconductor industry. Reducing the thickness of the films, allows us to make smaller structures.
Other than physics, I have a passion for fitness and Judo.
Kiran Sushil
Hello, I’m Kiran and I have completed a Masters (MEng) degree in Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster University.
I was first introduced to semiconductor science through my third year dissertation topic which revolved around novel III-V semiconductor materials and their applications and implementation in PV cells. In my fourth year I completed a group dissertation on the building of a characterisation system for solar panels. Both of these years were filled with both challenges and highly interesting topics.
My PhD project is based in Cardiff, titled “QD transistors and matrix arrays for wafer scale integration”.
I’m always looking to pick up new activities that I may find fun but outside work, I generally like to play guitar, tennis and basketball.