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.
I am currently pursuing a PhD at Cardiff University under the supervision of Dr. Roberto Quaglia, where my research focuses on the design, modelling and characterisation of satellite transmitter components in III–V integrated circuits. In my free time, I enjoy reading, travelling, playing board games, cooking and practicing calligraphy.
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. After the master, then I started to work at Peking University as an engineer for one year before I joined the CDT.
I am currently a PhD student at the University of Sheffield. My doctoral research focuses on supply chain resilience and sustainability in compound semiconductor manufacturing, integrating life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy modelling, and industrial systems analysis. My work is conducted in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc., bridging advanced manufacturing technologies with strategic supply chain decision-making.
My PhD is supervised by Professor Lenny Koh (primary supervisor) and Professor Peter Smowton (co-supervisor), combining expertise in sustainable supply chain systems and compound semiconductor device technologies.
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
I am Robert Dimitrov, originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, and currently based in the United Kingdom. I completed my BSc in Physics with a professional placement at Cardiff University, where my final year dissertation investigated Hofstadter’s Butterfly in optical ring resonator arrays. The work explored topological phenomena in photonic systems using both tight binding models and coupled mode theory, supported by FDTD simulations implemented in Python and MEEP. Through this research I developed a strong interest in complex quantum systems, computational modelling, and nanoscale device physics.
Following this, I joined the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing at Cardiff University. I completed the MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics as part of the programme and am now continuing into the PhD phase, where my research focuses on neuromorphic computing hardware based on quantum dot electronic devices. My work investigates memristive and transistor based architectures formed from thin film quantum dot solids, with the aim of developing devices capable of analogue switching and synaptic behaviour suitable for event based sensing systems.
This research sits at the intersection of semiconductor device physics, nanomaterials, and neuromorphic engineering. It combines experimental fabrication and electrical characterisation with computational modelling to understand charge transport, trap mediated conduction, and switching dynamics within quantum dot systems. The broader objective is to contribute towards energy efficient neuromorphic processors capable of interfacing directly with event based cameras.
Outside of research, I enjoy rock climbing and riding my electric longboard.
Douglas Murray-Lendering
I’m Douglas Murray Lendering. I’m originally from Cardiff but now continuing with the CDT-CSM research at the University of Manchester (UoM).
I’m currently working with the Defect Group at UoM where I use junction spectroscopy techniques measure defects in Ultra-Wide Bandgap materials; Namely, Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy and Deep Level Optical Spectroscopy. These are used to characterise and quantify electrically active defects in semiconductors with extremely small detection limits compared to other techniques (as low as one part in ten trillion depending on the sample).
The project aim is to characterise defects in Ultra-Wide Bandgap semiconductors in order to provide further insight into their nature and origins using a range of techniques whilst also collaborating with semiconductor growers to show how varying growth parameters introduces or eliminates defects in their material.
Rhys Copner
I am Rhys Copner from the Head of the Valleys in South Wales. I graduated with a B.Sc. in Physics and an M.Sc. in Compound Semiconductor Physics from Cardiff University. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong interest in semiconductors and their wide-ranging technological applications, particularly where research and development can benefit society and the environment.
My PhD focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterisation of wide-bandgap semiconductor photodetectors for space applications. The material at the centre of this work is monoclinic gallium oxide, whose radiation tolerance, thermal stability, and intrinsic solar-blind properties make it a promising candidate for space-based detection and high-voltage electronics.
To support the development of gallium oxide photodetectors, I use analytical modelling alongside numerical simulation tools such as FDTD and CHARGE solvers to inform device design. Fabrication is carried out in the Institute of Compound Semiconductors cleanroom facilities, and I am also contributing to the development of a standardised photodetector characterisation system in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory. The goal is to ensure reliable and consistent measurement of key performance metrics, including responsivity and response time.
Outside academia, I enjoy challenging myself physically through high-volume and high-intensity running, complemented by strength training. I regularly compete in 10 km races, half-marathons, and marathons, and I am particularly looking forward to the Eryri Marathon in October 2026. I also enjoy reading history and philosophy, especially Roman history and Stoic thought, including works such as Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Tacitus’ Annals of Imperial Rome. I maintain an interest in long-term investing and the role of emerging technologies in shaping future industries.
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 developed a strong interest in condensed matter physics, particularly compound semiconductor materials and device design.
My final year undergraduate project focused on the integration of III–V core–shell nanowires onto silicon-on-insulator platforms, where I gained experience in MOCVD selective area epitaxy fabrication and photoluminescence characterisation. The integration of III–V materials with silicon is an exciting avenue of research that I was keen to explore further through the CDT.
As part of the CDT, my current research focuses on photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). The project aims to develop a C-band integrated light source on silicon without the need for regrowth. My work involves a combination of optical simulation, device fabrication and experimental characterisation to investigate and optimise the performance of these semiconductor laser devices.
In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, training in the gym, and playing golf.
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. During this time I used photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy as measurement methods and worked on my data analysis in particular. I am doing a PhD in, ‘Finger-printing defect states in wide-bandgap semiconductors with advanced spectroscopic techniques’ for Anthony Bennett, sponsored by Spaceforge.
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, I’m Tomas, originally from Manchester and currently doing my PhD at the UoM.
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. Following this I did my MSc in Compound Semiconductor Physics at Cardiff University with the CDT. My PhD project, supervised by Dr. Huanqing Ye, co-supervised by Dr. Bo Hou, focuses on colloidal quantum dots within the context of photonic circuits and explores lanthanide doping as well as strategies for locating individual colloidal quantum dots at prescribed sites on chips. Providing a multidisciplinary challenge.
In my spare time I enjoy 3D design/printing, milling and other manufacturing, climbing, hiking, photography, fixing and maintaining cars when I get the chance… Generally having some fun solving problems that matter to me or exploring something new.
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.