FEATURESPONSORED: TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The city of San Francisco proved an inspiring backdrop for the biggest photonics show on the planet, with record attendance again this year
industry are very keen to work with us. I even managed to speak to someone from the US government! The Quantum Leap programme has been really fascinating. I have had a great learning experience and have enjoyed the support given by QuantIC, Anchored In and my colleagues on the course.
Mark Cunningham, University of Glasgow As a third-year PhD candidate, I specialise in anisotropic hyperbolic natural crystals, particularly crystal quartz, using attenuated total reflection (ATR) techniques. My research aims to pioneer applications in advanced sensing and control of light, bridging the gap between photonics and practical technological solutions. Parallel to my academic pursuits, I am honing my entrepreneurial skills through a Level 7 CMI course in Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurial Practice. This is sharpening my abilities in leadership, strategic thinking, and innovative problem- solving, essential for my goal of founding a deep-tech venture. When I first started the programme, I believed a start- up might have been a future path for me, but taking part in
18 Electro Optics March 2024
Quantum Leap has had a bigger impact on my immediate plans than I imagined. I was one of three of the group that pitched to the panel here at Photonics West. That was a very helpful process to go through. The other thing that strikes me is how much just networking and meeting people can impact your work. We met representatives from the British Consulate over here who were really insightful. Getting to meet other
like-minded people on the programme has been incredibly useful. All of these people are really driven and intelligent – I wouldn’t be surprised if, in a few years, I end up working with some of them!
Robert Graham, University of Glasgow I am a research associate in Glasgow’s Quantum Circuits group, specialising in cryogenic engineering and superconducting electronics. My expertise encompasses a variety of dry HE cooling systems, extending down to millikelvin temperatures. Throughout my research journey, I have taken part in diverse projects, including superconducting single photon detectors and
quantum computing using superconductors. Currently, I am focused on advancing CryoCMOS technology to enhance and scale-up low- temperature applications. What was interesting about
the programme? It was so focused... in contrast to other training I have taken part in, this has been very hands-on. Having us engage with our technologies and receiving constructive criticism was really useful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our business proposition. What will I take away from
the programme? Just how many jobs are connected to science. Quantum Leap has enabled me to rethink my future and consider a breadth of opportunities.
Matthew Jordan, Cardiff University I am a graduate researcher studying towards a PhD in engineering. Although physics is my focus, my skill set and interests span a very broad spectrum – from Python, coding to graphic design and languages. I have enjoyed Quantum Leap, as a lot of the structural work in the programme was focused
“The other thing that strikes me is how much networking and meeting people can impact your work”
on working out our value proposition. That was very useful to give me an idea of where to start a pitch. I echo many of my colleagues
on their thoughts of the benefits of the programme and Photonics West in general. I have been glad to have worked on my networking skills and I have had a lot of opportunities to practise that during the trip. I have even been able to send my CV around!
I am coming to the end of my
PhD, but had never discussed spin-out opportunities and now have my eyes open to that. It has helped a lot. One thing that has impacted me is the applicability of photonics. It’s seeing the applications in-situ, as you can do at a show such as this. That was really interesting to me and has really shaped my thinking.
Eleni Margariti, University of Strathclyde I am a research associate at the university’s Institute of Photonics, where I have
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