Start date: 01-10-2013
Academic department: Mathematics
Title of research project: Topological phases of ultracold atoms in optical lattices
Academic supervisor: Dr Ryan Barnett
Native country: Republic of Moldova

How has the scholarship award enabled you to pursue your ambitions? 

The Schrodinger Scholarship covered my tuition fees at Imperial College. This allowed me to pursue a PhD at Imperial College, and do exciting research at the cutting edge of science in the field where mathematics and physics join forces.

Why did you choose to study at Imperial? 

I applied to Imperial College because I wanted to work at the border of two branches of science: topological phases of matter and ultra-cold atomic gases. At the time I was looking for a place to do a PhD, to my knowledge scientists were mainly working in one of these directions. At Imperial College, however, I was able to pursue research under the supervision of an expert who had experience in both of the fields that interested me the most.

What are your plans now that the programme has finished? 

I am currently writing up my thesis.