2023/24 Cohort

• Yolan Ankaine

  Shaken-lattice interferometry for multi-access inertial sensing
  Yolan is a theoretical physics graduate. She enjoys problem-solving, simulation programming, and equations. Has a passion for inspiring younger students to pursue physics or STEM. Despite specialising in theory she is curious about the experimental world. Her MSc project on 'Assessments at higher-education physics' had an quantum computing/information theory flavour. She recently interned at quantum photonics startup company, Aegiq, as a quantum photonics engineer exploring semiconductor quantum dots. The CDT is an opportunity to enrich knowledge and understanding of quantum engineering before breaking into an industry that piques her interest. Enjoys trading ideas through intellectual or casual conversations with a diversity of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. In her spare time, she reads epic fantasy books, listens to audiobooks, watches anime, and enjoys hiking.

• Hugh Barrett

  Developing Next-Generation Heralded Photon Pair Sources with Integrated Photonics
  Hugh graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 with an MSci in Physics with Industrial Experience. This involved a year's research placement in the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, where he worked on developing a new pump source for high power Ti:sapphire laser gain media. His masters project was centred around integrated photonics, and involved using an on-chip pulse shaper to optimise the trade-off between the spectral purity and brightness of a microring resonator photon pair source. This research has applications in improving the practicality of satellite-based quantum key distribution, a field which he is interested in exploring further on the CDT. Outside of physics, Hugh enjoys playing the guitar, video games, and tabletop games.

• Deepak Bhardwaj

  Generation of GKP (Gottesman - Kitaev - Preskill) States Using Shaken Lattices
  Deepak graduated from NIT Hamirpur with a master's degree in Physics from India. He developed his research abilities at IIT Guwahati as a research assistant, where he studied Yb cold atoms for quantum computing. His interests lie in Alkali cold atoms in optical lattices, which focus on improved interferometry with the goal of harnessing quantum characteristics for useful purposes. Deepak enjoys photography, dancing, singing, and sketching in addition to his academic interests.

• Reece Boulton

  Gas Sensing Nonlinear Interferometry
  Reece graduated from the University of Southampton in 2023 with a master's in Physics with nanotechnology. He primarily worked on simulating quantum states of light in linear optical networks for his master's project, looking at the correlations of multiple photons in N-port interferometers using the generalised Hong-Ou-Mandel effect. He spent much of his undergraduate degree studying photonics and nanoscience from a theoretical standpoint and he is now ardent to apply this knowledge and gain some practical experience. His main research interests lie in quantum information and quantum computation, both theoretically and experimentally, which he intends to explore further in the CDT program. Outside of academia, he enjoys tabletop games, playing guitar and bass, listening to metal and visiting cat cafes.

• Freddie Burns

  Integrating Quantum Hardware in High-Performance Computing Platforms for Multiphysics Modelling
  Freddie graduated from Imperial College London in 2018 with a MSci in Physics. His research focused on modelling the electric field of chip-based CaF molecule traps, which were investigated as qubit candidates. After graduating Freddie worked as a software engineer at Renishaw, developing prototype machine vision algorithms in the manufacturing industry. Freddie then studied for a PGCE and taught secondary school science in Bristol schools. Having taken a step out of academia, he is excited to delve back into studying and research, particularly in quantum computation. In his spare time Freddie enjoys tennis, climbing, and the seaside.

• James Byrne

  Developing the theory of measurement reproduction
  James graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2022 with a Master’s degree in Mathematics. He researched the derivation of Bell’s theorem, and compared it to the more recent PBR theorem of 2012. In the year following, he balanced teaching at the University of Cambridge with a research project investigating scientific computing in the Julia programming language, and digital permanence. He now joins the CDT with a strong passion for quantum information theory and computing, and an interest in finding out what else is out there in the quantum world. Outside of his studies, James enjoys quizzing, watching sports, and riding his bike out into the countryside.

• Joseph Cox

  Measuring the stability of fundamental constants with a network of clocks; Calcium-Fluoride Molecular Optical Lattice Clock within the QSNET collaboration
  Joe graduated from the University of Leeds in the summer of 2023 with a Masters degree in Theoretical Physics, with a focus on quantum optics. For his final year project, Joe studied causality concerns in quantum systems using perturbative analytical techniques, in particular, the Fermi two-atom problem. Joe is interested in Photonic systems and hopes to expand his interests in aspects of Quantum software during his time at the CDT. Outside of studies, Joe enjoys being outdoors and participating in charitable events, this summer Joe completed a sponsored cycle ride from London to Geneva in 8.5 days covering 1032km and raising over £2500 for the charity; Médecins sans frontières.

• Tamanna Dasanjh

  Integrated photonic circuits as parametrized quantum circuits for quantum machine learning
  Tamanna graduated from the University of Durham with an MPhys in theoretical physics. Her masters project looked at first order phase transitions in fields in particle physics and the gravitational wave signals that would be produced by these. During a summer project at Durham university, she looked at continuous-time quantum computing and comparing quantum walk and QAOA algorithms. She is looking forward to taking advantage of all the varied opportunities the CDT has to offer, particularly in more practical and lab-based areas. Her current research interests lie in quantum algorithms and simulation. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, crocheting, knitting and singing in choirs.

• Shivani Datye

  Interpretable quantum machine learning enabled by integrated photonics
  Shivani graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MSc in Quantum Technology in 2022. Her MSc thesis was to investigate the effects of using non-ideal detectors in a Quantum Key Distribution system. She simulated a BB84 protocol using Python and investigated the performances of the cutting-edge superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) and single-photon avalanche detectors (SPAD) in a fibre-based QKD system. After her MSc, she continued her work in the subject through an internship at Capgemini. She compiled a toolkit for satellite QKD which could potentially be used for determining optimal parameters for such systems. She is interested in exploring the other aspects in the field of Quantum Engineering through her CDT. Beyond physics, she enjoys dance, gaming and travelling.

• Tamzin Ellis

  Active integrated photonic nonlinear interferometry
  Tamzin graduated from the University of Exeter with an MPhys in Physics in 2023. Her Master's research explored nonlinear optics in transparent conducting oxide film as a new platform for all-optical signal processing. In 2022, Tamzin worked as a Product Engineer at EFFECT Photonics to introduce standards to a sub-assembly test of optical transceivers, based on integrated photonic technology, for communication networks. As a keen experimental physicist, Tamzin looks forward to applying the theory of quantum information and quantum optics to experiments and developing her practical skills pertaining to quantum technologies in the first year of the CDT. Outside of work, Tamzin plays korfball at regional level and has recently gained her first international cap for Scotland. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, cold water swimming and practising yoga.

• Alex Essery

  Constraints on robust quantum information storage
  Alex graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 with an MSci in Mathematics and Philosophy. In his final year he studied the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and computation and self-directed a project investigating the ontological status of quantum information through the lens of communication theory. Alex is fascinated by the potential quantum technologies represent as problem solving tools and, in particular, the unique challenges that arise when using quantum systems as a computational medium. Despite his theoretical background, Alex is excited to explore experimental methods and how they can inform his approach to research. At the CDT Alex looks forward to working as part of a team whose diverse academic backgrounds are united through a passion for quantum technology. In his free time, Alex enjoys climbing, cooking and eating spicy food, gaming and live music.

• Ben Graham

  Better architectures for photonic computation
  Ben graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2023 with a Masters in Applied Mathematics, having completed a Bachelors in Theoretical Physics at University College Dublin in 2022. His Masters essay reviewed quantum error-correcting codes and the threshold theorem, discussing their significance in relation to fault-tolerant quantum computation. His current research interests are in quantum computation and quantum information. He is excited to explore everything the first year of the CDT offers from group lab work and individual research projects to outreach activities. Outside of his studies, he enjoys running, travelling and playing the trumpet.

• Sam Harding

  Scaling atom-based quantum technologies with photonic integrated circuit
  Sam graduated from the University of Bristol in 2019 with an MSci in Physics and Philosophy. His master's project focused on creating a narrow-band spectral filter using tuneable Fabry-Perot lenses manufactured in the department's cleanroom. After graduating, he worked in Renishaw's Photonics R&D department, designing the next generation of optical encoders, as well as working at Vertical Aerospace (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) as a Battery Cell Engineer. Sam is interested in applying his skills in classical optics to the field of quantum engineering and to gain a greater understanding of the areas of research in the field. When not twiddling mirrors in a dark room, Sam enjoys surfing, easy sudokus, and stroking passing cats on the street.

• Harry Jones

  Fast Feedforward for Integrated Quantum Photonics
  Harry graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 with an MSci in Physics. He comes from an interdisciplinary background, having completed his final year project developing techniques to characterise the magnetic behaviour of iron oxide nanoparticles in Antarctic meltwater samples. Additionally, he completed an internship project with the Biophysics group at Bristol. Here, he investigated the use of acoustic levitation to induce phase transitions in protein solutions. He is looking to utilise the CDT to explore research areas within the field of quantum engineering. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sport, fitness, cooking and being outdoors with friends.

• Zhaojin Liu

  Manufacturability of integrated Photonic Quantum Emitter Devices
  Zhaojin graduated with distinction from the University of Melbourne in 2020 with a MSci in physics. His master's research topic focused on the thin diamond membrane for radiation and colour centre physics, which is related to the photonic application in quantum engineering. The scope of the research comprise both the theoretical modelling of the colour centre generation in diamond and the scable fabrication method of a thin diamond membrane. After graduating, Zhaojin spent four months in a LED company, Xiamen Sanan Optoelectronics Co, Ltd as a research & development engineer for LED chips manufacturing process integration and performance strengthen. He worked as a technology development (TD) engineer in world-leading semiconductor company, Intel, focusing on the process and productivity development of reactive ion etching. In his spare time, Zhaojin enjoys hiking, climbing and reading.

• James McDougall

  Optimising mode-matching between quantum dot micropillars and single mode fibres using micro-lenses
  James graduated from the University of Bristol this year with a BSc in Physics. In his final year project he built a beam monitor for CERN which measured the intensity of particles passing through the monitor. Coming predominantly from an experimental background, James is looking forward to getting a taste of theory in the diverse range of first-year experiments. Outside of the classroom he enjoys playing football, cooking and reading psychology books.

• Elia Sciama Bandel

  Enhancing quantum clocks by exploiting networks and non-commuting conserved quantities
  Elia graduated from the University of Bristol in 2022 with an Msci in physics and philosophy. In his final year project, he worked on a qubit model of quantum thermal machines. He investigated how the entropy production and work oscillations could be fundamentally lower than in classical heat engines. His more experimental work was at the South West Nuclear Hub, where he developed the code of a radiations detector for security purposes. He also has experience in fast electronics for high energy physics, having worked in Bristol on the calibration system of the TORCH detector at the LHCb. Elia is keen to develop his interest in foundational physics and put it to work, exploring the interdisciplinary world of quantum technologies. In his free time, he likes to rock climb, sail, cycle and travel around as much as possible.

• Anton Svetlichnyi

  Study of quantum effects in 2D driven dissipative systems with stochastic methods
  Anton obtained his Bachelor's degree in Quantum Field Theory at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and his Master's in Quantum Science and Technology at Trinity College Dublin. He has an interest in Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Computing, and Quantum Simulations. Anton always dreamed of seeing a tornado in real life, that is why during his previous studies, he worked on simulations of Acoustic Black Holes in the exciton-polariton condensates, the Generation of Josephson vortices in stacked toroidal BEC and quantum vortices in a ring-shaped Bose-Hubbard lattice. In his free time, Anton likes to play flute and guitar, visit musical events, and organize movie nights.