Robert Armstrong I studied my MPhys at the University of Hull. My undergraduate dissertation involved the modelling of Plasmonic Crystals, the field of Plasmonics being a branch of the field of nanophotonics. I then joined the Condensed Matter CDT. Condensed matter physics is a really interesting and wide-spanning field of physics. I have enjoyed learning more about this area of physics and look forward to learning even more as I continue. When not working I enjoy listening to music, reading books and watching films.
William Campbell I graduated from Cardiff University with a Masters Degree in Physics. My project work first revolved around using the Hall effect to characterise various Indium Antimonide heterostructure devices from 3-300K and then I employed the use of a spectrometer to measure the photoconductivity of these devices. I joined the CDT and I will be collaborating with Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology where I shall be growing and characterising various transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
Chloe Clear I graduated from the University of Bath in 2017 with an integrated Masters in Physics. It was during my Masters placement which I undertook in the theory department at the ESRF, which made me realise I want to continue research within the area of Condensed Matter physics. I am particularly interested in superconductivity and magnetism and chose the CDT as it allows me to explore these topics in further depth before choosing a PhD project. In my spare time I enjoy exploring hanging out with friends, rock climbing and cheerleading.
Giuseppe Guarino Joining the CDT-CMP was the natural continuation of my undergraduate Masters degree from the University of Bath. I am very interested in the technological applications of condensed matter physics, such that I did my final Masters project in the design of a TMR scanner for the imaging of magnetic vortices in superconductors. However, I am also attracted by the more theoretical work that underlies new technologies such as topological materials. I my spare time I am a member of the Bath University Surf Club and the Bristol University Kitesurf Club.
Sean Harding I completed my MChemPhys at the University of Edinburgh. As an undergraduate, I undertook a year’s research placement at the University of Chicago, working on applying ultrafast optics to study energy transport in condensed systems and clusters. My interests lie in theory, specifically studying correlation in the many-electron problem. To this end, I am interested in both the nature and interplay of the single-particle and collective degrees of freedom in metallic, superconducting, and strongly correlated model systems.
Joseph Hitchen At Bristol University, I studied the Hall Effect in Heavy Fermion Materials with the Correlated Electron Systems group for my degree of MSci. Upon graduation, I travelled to the High Field Magnet Laboratory in Nijmegen with the CDT, where I achieved some of the lowest temperatures in the world via dilution refrigeration for my extended project in industry. Now, after exploring options proposed from the CDT-CMP, I work in Chemistry in the Hall group where I am investigating the effects of crystal structure on electronic properties of organic compounds. In my spare time, I enjoy representing the University of Bristol esports team “Bristol Big Brains” in Rainbow Six Siege.
Taylor Moule I studied my MPhys at the University of Warwick. For my dissertation I studied order dependent phase transitions in perovskite ferroelectric relaxors. I have also studied Nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond with Warwick’s diamond research group. I joined the CMP-CDT in order to gain an in depth understanding of condensed matter physics. My research interests include spintronics and high temperature superconductivity.
Lukas Ohnoutek After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Physics at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, I continued my studies with a Master’s programme in Optics and Optoelectronics at the same university. During my studies, I developed an interest in magnetism and studying novel materials through optical methods. The CDT-CMP provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about fields of condensed matter physics outside of my previous research before choosing my final PhD project. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running and I have recently joined the University of Bristol’s Archery Society.
Israel Osmond Before I started in the CDT, I studied for my undergrad at the University of Warwick, where I spent my masters researching unconventional superconductivity in transition metal dichalcogenides, characterizing the different chemical structures of Tantalum Diselenide at low temperature. After graduating, I spent a year working and traveling southeast Asia and now excited to get back into lectures and lab work before deciding on a project.
Simon Payne I thought one saucy MPhys baked straight from the ovens of Southampton’s laboratories was going to be enough. I was wrong. The CDT in CMP is a fantastic way of sharpening up ones research skills in prep for a PhD. The CDT idea is relatively new, refreshingly social and gives a year to find out ones calling. Hopefully come 1st years fall, I’ll know exactly what that’ll be.
Alexander Petsch I joined the CDT in Condensed Matter Physics after I graduated from the Humboldt University of Berlin and worked on transport properties in thermoelectric materials at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. I am interested in neutron scattering studies and computational physics, so I joined the CDT to get the possibilities to try new techniques and get my hands on other fields of Condensed Matter Physics. Besides doing physics I enjoy kayaking, swimming and travelling around the world.
Matthew Reeves I graduated from Cardiff with my fourth year project focusing on the protein-protein interaction between the human growth hormone and growth hormone receptor. I joined the CDT-CMP to further my understanding on other areas of Condensed Matter such as Laser Physics, Photonics and Magnetism. In my free time, I try to cycle as much as possible as well as go cross country running.
William Rowe I graduated with an MPhys degree from University of Bath. I then worked in London for two years before joining the CDT-CMP. I am most interested by theoretical and computational problems but I am still to choose the specific area of Condensed Mater Physics. I expect the first 6 months of the CDT will help me identify my areas of interest.
Benjamin Smith I studied undergraduate physics at the University of Bristol, during which time I also studied for a year at INP Grenoble in France. My final year project involved looking at the formation of uranium hydride in nuclear waste, and at the moment I am looking at developing nanostructures in III-nitride semiconductors. My other interests include squash, football and foreign languages.