CV

My Curriculum Vitae.

Contact Information

Name Richard Aguiar
Professional Title Phd Student
Email aguiarphys@gmail.com
Location Kelvin Building, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ
Website https://aguiarphys.github.io/

Professional Summary

I am a Phd Student in Atom Optics working in the Optics Group, University of Glasgow

Experience

  • 2023 - Present

    Glasgow

    Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
    University of Glasgow
    Teaching Assistant in student labs, and tutorials.
  • 2023 - 2023

    Glasgow

    Student Researcher
    FRAUNHOFER UK RESEARCH LIMITED
    Student researcher in the Quantum Technologies division of Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics. Working on cold atom systems for precision sensing applications.
  • 2021 - 2021

    Glasgow

    Academic Undergraduate Mentor
    Institute of Physics (IOP)
    Mentor for Year 12 students in the Improving Gender Balance (IGB) research trial of the Institute of Physics. Supporting the development of young and underrepresented people in their physics academic path.
    • Mentored female students to develop knowledge and confidence to aid them in completing their A‑levels.
    • Developed a professional relationship with the mentee.
  • 2019 - 2019

    Glasgow

    Summer Research Intern
    Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma‑based Accelerators (SCAPA)
    Worked with a research team studying Laser‑Wakefield Acceleration to generate high acceleration gradients by harnessing the power of a 350 TW ultra‑short laser.
    • Used target characterisation techniques to measure the density profile of a gas nozzle using wavefront sensors.
    • Performed a Particle in Cell (PIC) simulation in EPOCH to analyse the laser‑wakefield behaviour.
  • 2024 - Present

    Glasgow

    Vice-President
    Glasgow Optical Society
    We organise networking, and outreach events for students and academics in the field of optics and photonics at the University of Glasgow
    • Scottish Conference in Optical Technologies (2024)
  • 2021 - 2021

    Glasgow

    STEM Researcher Role Models
    STEM Equals - Glasgow Life
    Participated in the STEM Equals See Yourself in Stem impact project focused on creating more inclusive STEM communities for women and LGBTQ+ people in both academia and industry.
    • Organised several talks with S1 students at Smithycroft Secondary School focused on Climate Change, Meteorology, Environmental Protection and Recycling.
  • 2021 - 2022

    Glasgow

    President of the Strathclyde Physics Society
    Strathclyde Students’ Union
    Lead a group of outstanding volunteers to engage Strathclyde students interested in Physics in an environment of inclusion and joined responsibility.
    • Planned a series of academic talks in liaison with the Strathclyde Physics department to showcase the latest research being done in the university.
    • Organised a plethora of social events, including trips, programming workshops, Q&As with students and Physics News Articles on social media.

Education

  • 2017 - 2023

    Glasgow

    MPhys Physics with Specialisation in Quantum Optics
    University of Strathclyde
    Physics with Specialisation in Quantum Optics
    • Research Skills
    • Advanced Topics in: Quantum Optics, Quantum Information, and Laser‑Plasma Physics
    • Topics in: Quantum Optics; Atomic, Molecular And Nuclear Physics; Theoretical Physics; Photonics; Nanoscience, and Solid State Physics

Skills

IT (): Windows and GNU/Linux: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Python: NumPy, SciPy, SymPy, Matplotlib, Jupyter, MATLAB, Git/GitHub, LaTeX typesetting, MS Office, Limited use of Julia and Mathematica
Soft Skills (): Management, Administration, Health & Safety Procedures, Data Collection and Analysis, Teaching, Tutoring, Presenting

Languages

English : Bilingual Proficiency
Spanish : Native Proficiency
French : Minimum Professional Proficiency
BSL : Limited Working Proficiency

Interests

Physics: Quantum Optics, Spectroscopy, Bose Einstein Condensates, Structured Light, Quantum Communication, Magnetometry

Projects

  • Theoretical Modelling of Magneto‑Optical Traps

    Wrote a numerical model in Python to predict the number of atoms trapped in a standard 87 Rb MOT. Performed multi‑variable optimisation to find trap parameters and increase efficiency. Expanded on the theoretical understanding of Grating Magneto‑Optical Traps to further develop an accurate model.

    • Technical Skills: Python (Matplotlib, NumPy, SciPy, SymPy), Jupyter Notebook, Git, LaTeX typesetting.
    • Soft Skills: Time Management, Presentation skills, Report writing.
  • Magneto‑Optical Trap Modelling

    Analysed the behaviour of a standard 6‑beam MOT taking a numerical approach from first principles. Established physical relationships between trap parameters in order to optimise for a large number of atoms. Studied modern approaches to achieve miniaturisation for use of cold atomic clouds in a range of applications, such as the Pyramid MOT (PMOT) and the Grating MOT (GMOT) developed at Strathclyde.

    • Technical Skills: Python (Matplotlib, NumPy, SciPy, SymPy), LaTeX typesetting.
    • Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Time Management, Presentation skills, Report writing.