Our sixth cohort of 12 students joined us in September 2024!
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.
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.
Angelo Davis
Hi there, I’m Angelo. I grew up in Lewisham, south east London. I graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Imperial College in 2022. During my degree, I enjoyed computer programming most. Since graduating, I’ve worked in developing online A-Level and GCSE courses and as a freelance graphic designer, making mission patches for aerospace companies. I lived in Brighton, where I’m volunteering as a bike mechanic and as a gardener and working as a brunch cook. I really enjoy working with people, helping people and getting feedback on my work, and these experiences have grown my abilities and confidence. Knowing that I had an interest in computers and a degree in chemistry, the semiconductor industry seemed like a good bet. So here I am, hoping I can make the most of what is on paper the perfect opportunity for me. Otherwise, you’ll probably find me carving a wooden spoon or tinkering with my still-to-be completed bike.
Paulo Constantino
My name is Paulo and I am from Italy, and I have been living in the UK for about 15 years now. I studied Mathematics for my bachelor’s and Microelectronics for my Msc both from the University of Liverpool. Since I was a child I have been in love with electronics. To me Electronics is the closest thing we have to magic in the world, and nothing has generated more progress, and frankly more beauty, than the field of Electronics did and continues to do. It is as if Electronics has become this embedded structure both visibly and silently distributed throughout our world, that makes everything more efficient, more interactive, and more interesting. It has made it possible for us to interact with the universe itself in a more profound way. The main invention responsible for all this progress has been the Transistor, and for this reason, I have always been fascinated with the Transistor, and have dedicated a lot of time to studying it. The Transistor is my main research interest and I hope to be able to continue my research of transistors in the field of compound electronics. Another passion of mine is computers and CPU’s. I have a long term project going, Sol-1, a 16 bit CPU/Minicomputer designed and built from scratch using 74 series logic IC’s. It’s a monstrous project where I designed and built the CPU itself and a Minicomputer system around it, where the CPU has features like supervisor/user modes, 256 parallel processes, prioritized interrupts, virtual memory, and runs at 2.5MHz. The Minicomputer itself has 4MB of RAM, serial and parallel communication ports, a timer chip, a real time clock, an IDE drive, and recently a 5.25″ floppy drive! The system is built using wire-wrap, which you won’t know what it is unless you are into retro technology. It is also connected to the internet and anyone can access it. The website is http://sol-1.org where more information is available.
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.
Rishav Bose
Hello. I am Rishav from India. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur in India, I pursued a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, specialising in Automation and Robotics.
I worked in Denmark on developing personal food computers and medical devices. I focused on firmware and control system development, with an emphasis on integrating sensors into microcontroller-based embedded systems. During this time, I developed an interest in the lower-level functionality of electronic devices and decided to shift my career towards semiconductors.
I was drawn to this CDT because it offers extensive coursework and lab training in the first year before starting the PhD, along with a strong focus on industrial collaborations.
My hobbies are playing bass guitar, rock climbing, cooking, baking, and watching Manchester United’s games.
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.
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.