PhD, MPhil PhysicsLorenzo Carfora
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Italy, and I discovered my interest in physics at a young age.
Once I finished high school in Italy, I found out about Strathclyde while searching for Universities abroad that leaned more into the field of Quantum Physics. It was also a great opportunity to experience living independently and away from home.
Because of this, my Masters project was also integrated with an exchange student program with the University of Stuttgart in Germany. This opportunity allowed me to meet many new people and learn Physics with a different approach, as the project was intended to be supervised by both a Physics and a Mathematics professor.
I try cultivating as many interests as possible; I used to do Karate when I was younger, and shifted towards gym training and recently bouldering. I'm also an amateur piano player, and am currently picking up guitar too. My hobbies also include reading, with format and genre largely varying.
Why did you choose Strathclyde for your postgraduate research study?
I came back to Strathclyde as I wanted to finally focus on more applicable projects with colleagues I knew were incredibly competent. I also decided it was a good point to eventually continue my career after my PhD.
Tell us about the nature of your research
My research focuses on many-body interacting quantum systems, which are fundamental to better understanding condensed matter physics and the physics of materials at a quantum level. More precisely, I focus on studying the influence of the dimensionality on an ultracold bosonic gas, and what novel phases of matter this can lead to. To do this, my theoretical endeavours have focused on studying the case of a ladder lattice potential, that is, two 1D chains coupled to each other. My work is in collaboration with the experimental team working with the quantum gas microscope, as we plan to apply the studied theory to the experimental research.
What do you like about your research area?
What I like the most is the possibility to explore many physical concepts by slightly tweaking the original system of study, allowing for many talks and discussions with colleagues, both from Strathclyde and not, working on similar projects. It also allows a more “grounded” approach to physics, as I mainly concern myself with the feasibility of an experimental realisation and observation.
What’s the Strathclyde research community like?
The Strathclyde research community can be very varied, with members of the same team also focusing on largely different topics. This has allowed us to share ideas we otherwise would not have had any way to find.
What are the Strathclyde facilities like?
Working on campus is made easier by the many places we can use to work on our research. These include the Library, the Teaching and Learning building and the many available student spaces around campus.
Tell us about the support from your supervisor and the wider Strathclyde team
Although the challenges of my particular case, the supervisors and team here in Strathclyde have been incredibly helpful during my PhD to help me find my direction in research. Hence, I found myself to be supported and helped by the many people around me, easing the initial hurdles I found myself against.
What's the best thing about Strathclyde?
The sense of community it offers, along with the possible connections it offers to many ventures, both in academic and industrial research
What would you like to do after your PhD?
It would probably be industrial research, although it may depend on whether I think I can give academia a try.
What are the main differences between studying in Italy and in the UK?
I moved here immediately after High School, but I noticed how Italian schools have a much more “over-the-books” approach, compared to the more practical learning Strathclyde was giving to their first-year students.
What was it like moving to Scotland?
Exciting: it was my first time moving away from my home country to pursue my studies.
What is it like being a student in Glasgow?
It is nice to have so many things to do and venues to visit. Glasgow feels like a proper student city, with many of the people I could meet around the city being students.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like going to the gym and going bouldering. I also enjoy walking around the City Centre or the many green areas around, where I have the chance to sit down and read.
What do you like most about the city?
I like how the gigs and music in general are a big part of the nightlife, or of the free time in general. There are many places with live music and many shows that are being organised all the time.
What’s your favourite Scottish word/phrase, and why?
The way “’mon’en!” is used always has a lot of energy and bravado. It makes me feel like it is time for action.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
This is a great place to meet new people and build many everlasting connections. Visit Glasgow, get into your passion project and don’t forget to have fun!
Interested in learning more about studying a PhD or MPhil in Physics?