MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

"For my MSc project I am looking at quantum repeaters and entanglement. My supervisor is Pieter Kok from the physics department, however I also had the option to study an MSc project in the mathematics and statistics department. When quantum information is sent over large distances it can be affected by noise and losses, meaning that communication is not possible. Quantum repeaters allow for quantum communication over large distances using entanglement. We are looking at how entanglement is shared and distilled for use in quantum communication.

"I have really enjoyed the academic stimulation of the course. Even though I came to the course with a mathematical background, I have enjoyed the more challenging physics modules because they have allowed me to learn about many new concepts. I have also really appreciated having regular online meetings with the current cohort of students and our course coordinator, Sam Dolan, for us to discuss our progress and answer questions together. This allowed us to build a sense of togetherness, despite the unusual circumstances of lockdown and online learning."

"I really enjoyed my dissertation. Professor Pieter Kok was an amazing supervisor and he guided me from the initial reading stage, all the way to turning the dissertation report into a paper. The course also allowed me to learn a lot more about quantum optics and gain invaluable research skills.

"I have been working as a quantum scientist in a Singapore-based start-up company developing quantum algorithms for real world optimisation problems. This is thanks to machine learning knowledge I obtained during my time at Sheffield, which allowed me to work with some of the world’s quantum computing pioneers including Professor Pieter Kok, my MSc dissertation supervisor, and Dr Earl Campbell, who gave me a lot of advice on my MSc literature review. I now have a PhD position in quantum computing at University of Southern California, Los Angeles."