Our sixth cohort of 11 students joined us in September 2024!
Sabrina Rahman
Hello, I am Sabrina Rahman. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Dhaka, Bangladesh. My undergraduate thesis primarily focused on the investigation of electrical properties and optical absorption of multilateral transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) stacks with plasmonic layers. I have professional experience as a Lecturer at Daffodil International University and Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) in Bangladesh. My research interests include VLSI, Nano Electronic Devices, Semiconductor, Analog and Digital Circuits, Optoelectronic Devices and Photonics, Circuits and Systems.
I enjoy reading, traveling, playing board games, cooking and drawing calligraphy in my free time.
Aria Yu
My name is Aria (Xin) Yu, and I’m from China. I studied BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering at University College London (UCL) and dove into MSc Nanotechnology there. I have a strong research interest in nanotechnologies and physical science. My third-year project focuses on SLUG amplifier mode and studying SLUG amplifier’s performances and properties. Doing this project deepened my understanding of superconducting quantum circuits and equipped me with simulation experience. My master’s year at UCL allows me to receive leading-edge training in nanotechnology. Then, I started to work at Peking University as an engineer in September of last year. Outside of academics, I enjoy practicing Chinese calligraphy and playing the violin.
James Hughes
Hi, my name is James and I’m from Caerphilly, a town in South Wales. I completed a BSc in Physics at Cardiff University in 2024, and I’m progressing to a MSc in Compound Semiconductor Physics also at Cardiff University.
My third year project was titled III-V nanowires on silicon-on-insulator for advanced photonic devices, supervised by Dr. Qiang Li of Cardiff University. The project piqued my interest in the optical properties and applications of compound semiconductors. During the 24/25 year I will be completing my masters project on III-Nitride nanowires for energy harvesting, supervised by Dr. Manoj Kesaria of Cardiff University. I am excited to further my knowledge and experience in a field that is so interesting and important.
My current PhD is with UCL, titled Modelling broadband optical isolators on a silicon photonics platform with Dr. Lalitha Ponnampalam, funded by Photon Design.
In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, DJing, and travelling!
Robert Dimitrov
Hi, I’m Robert Dimitrov. I’m originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, but I’ve been living in Poole, Dorset since moving to the UK in 2016. I recently completed my BSc in Physics with a professional placement at Cardiff University. My final year dissertation explored Hofstadter’s Butterfly in optical ring arrays, focusing on both tight-binding models and coupled mode theory using FDTD simulations.
The dissertation deepened my interest in quantum phenomena, computational physics, and photonics. I developed skills in Python programming and MEEP simulations, investigating complex systems from 1D and 2D Su-Schrieffer-Heeger models to arrays of optical ring resonators.
I am now pursuing an MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics, building on the interest in semiconductors I developed during my final BSc year. The vast range of applications and interesting science behind semiconductors have amazed me, inspiring me to contribute to the cutting-edge research in this field. I am excited to expand my knowledge and expertise in semiconductor technology.
Outside of academia, I enjoy rock climbing and riding my electric longboard.
Douglas Murray-Lendering
Hello. I’m Douglas and I’m from Cardiff. I completed my undergraduate degree (Msci Chemistry) at The University of Glasgow.
During my thesis project at The University of Glasgow, I worked on developing cathode materials for applications in storage batteries and this is where my enthusiasm for Solid State Science really took off. Wanting to continue with research in the field of solid state devices but moving away from electrochemical cells due to their limited application, I saw semiconductors as extremely interesting and expanding area of research in which I could become involved.
A key aspect of the CSM-CDT program that appealed to me was the (1+3) PhD structure which offers an initial training year; being from a Chemistry background, I’m hoping that this first year will patch up any holes in my understanding of Semiconductor Science and allow me to conduct my research project without impedance.
Rhys Copner
Hello/Shwmae, I am Rhys from the Head of the Valleys in South Wales. I have just graduated from Cardiff University this academic year (2023-24) with a B.Sc in Physics.
Throughout my recent studies, I developed a strong interest in the semiconductor field, recognizing the wide range of technological applications that benefit society and the environment through ongoing research and development. This aligns with my ambitions to contribute to technologies that positively impact society and the environment.
My 3rd year project explored the chaotic dynamics of the Newtonian Three-Body problem, a simple Chua circuit, and, to a lesser extent, the Logistic map. During this project, I not only improved my Python skills but also learned new techniques, such as performing FFT analysis using Python. I am eager to apply and further develop this knowledge throughout this studentship.
Outside of academia, I have a range of interests that keep me occupied. I enjoy learning about history, which fuels my passion for traveling especially to archaeological sites and museums where I can immerse myself in different cultures and historical periods. I’m also an avid reader of fiction, with Timothy Zahns Thrawn trilogies topping my list. To stay fit and connected to nature, I enjoy camping, hiking, and running.
Elis Pitcher
Hi, my name is Elis and I’m from Caerphilly, a small town north of Cardiff.
I graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in physics in 2024, where I discovered an interest in condensed matter physics, specifically in compound semiconductor physics and device design.
My final year undergraduate project focused on the integration of III-V CS nanowires onto silicon-on-insulator platforms, where I gained experience in MOCVD selective area epitaxy fabrication and photoluminescence emission experiments. The integration of III-V onto silicon is an exciting avenue of research that I’m excited to further explore through the CDT.
In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, video games and training in the gym.
Jacob Wakley
Hello, my name is Jacob and I am from Bristol.
I achieved a first in a Bachelors of Physics from Cardiff University. During my time I took particular interest in semiconductor photonics with my research project based on InAs quantum dots, grown via MOVCD. 46. During this time I used photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy as measurement methods and worked on my data analysis in particular. I would like to work on the future integration of III/V semiconductors onto silicon and help tackle the challenges they create.
In my free time I enjoy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, video games and cooking.
Rishav Bose
Hello, my name is Rishav and I’m from India. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur, I pursued a Master’s in Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark, specialising in automation and robotics.
I then worked in Denmark on developing personal food computers and medical devices, with a focus on firmware and control systems. During this time, I became increasingly interested in the lower-level operation of electronic devices, which motivated me to shift my career towards semiconductors.
I was particularly drawn to this CDT because it offers extensive coursework and laboratory training in the first year before starting the PhD, as well as a strong emphasis on industrial collaboration. I subsequently moved to the University of Manchester to begin my PhD in Dr Jessica Boland’s group. My project, sponsored by NPL, is titled “Quantum Nano-Polaritronics in Compound Semiconductors in the Visible and NIR Range.”
Outside of research, my hobbies include playing bass guitar, rock climbing, cooking, baking, and watching Manchester United matches.
Angelo Davis
Hi there, I’m Angelo. I grew up in Lewisham, south east London and I graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Imperial College in 2022. Since graduating, I’ve worked in developing online A-Level and GCSE courses and as a freelance graphic designer and furthered these skills by making mission patches for aerospace companies. Before moving to Cardiff, I spent a year in Brighton where I worked as a brunch cook and volunteered as a bike mechanic and a gardener. These experiences grew my abilities and confidence. With an interest in the semiconductor industry and a degree in chemistry, this CDT seemed like a good choice for a career start. So here I am, hoping I can make the most of this great opportunity. So far, I have enjoyed myself; the CDT cohort is great and I’m learning a lot.
I’ve also taken up rock climbing and bridge since I moved here! Having made it through the MSc in compound semiconductor electronics, I’m now doing a PhD in GaN HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) design and fabrication. I’m really excited about this project due to its multidisciplinary nature; I have the opportunity apply my knowledge of chemistry to fabrication while getting hands-on in the cleanroom, and combine this with RF design and simulation to create high power, high frequency electronic circuits incorporating my transistor design.
Tomas Blaxall
Hi! My name’s Tomas Blaxall, and I’m from Manchester,
For my undergraduate degree I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Salford where my final year project focused on designing, developing, and subsequently demonstrating a maskless photolithography system out of standard optical components; which provided a multidiscipliniary challenge (optical design & simulation, manufacturing & mechanical design, logic circuit design, electronics, MATLAB coding & interrogating .dll files) and crystalised my interest in the broad field of semiconductors into a desire to pursue a career in compound semiconductors. I’m excited to tackle the challenges that the CDT will provide & use the lessons learned along the way as a springboard for research.
In my spare time I enjoy 3D design/printing, climbing, hiking, photography, & generally having some fun solving a problem that matters to me [amongst other things of course.
Join us!
The Centre for Doctoral Training is currently funded for ten intakes, from 2019-2028. If you would like to join us, visit our how to apply page and get in touch if you have any questions.