​I’m part of the RAL Space Quantum Sensors group where we’re developing quantum technology and its applications. This includes using atom interferometers to implement gravity gradient sensors for Earth observation, as well as using quantum technology to answer fundamental physics questions about gravitational waves and dark matter. In practice, this involves days full of lasers and vacuum chambers, running experiments and trying to find the best solution to various technical challenges. 

My background is in ultracold atoms. I did a PhD in quantum gases, focussing on those with tuneable interactions, and from there I went on to work in several postdoctoral positions in the UK and the US. I heard about a place in Oxfordshire trying to put a particular type of quantum gas, a Bose-Einstein condensate, into space – and here I am! 

There’s a huge amount of variety in my work, from considering atomic physics phenomena that need to be accounted for in any particular experiment, to puzzling over the best way to mount optics or detectors. Particle physics collaborations are often known for their huge facilities and in the future, the current detector project we’re working on will need to move to a larger scale facility to build the next generation 100m tall detector. However, for the current stage of the project, all our equipment is on site at RAL Space, meaning we can access it whenever we want. This is a huge advantage. 

Working at RAL Space not only surrounds you with a huge number of amazing people doing incredible things but also connects you with an even bigger network of world leading experts that you get to call colleagues. There is so much exciting science going on that it can be difficult to decide which direction you want to go in, but hearing about other people’s experiences and ​interests has been really helpful for me.​