Damian’s story
As a PhD student in the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, Damian is exploring the potential of trapped-ion computing, supported by a research culture that encourages discovery through experimentation.
Sussex gives researchers the freedom to experiment, and that’s something I really value. We have space to try new ideas and figure out whether they work – our journey is in the discovery. Even as a doctoral student, I feel like I’m making meaningful contributions to my field.” Damian Gimeno
Quantum Information Science and Technologies PhD
“When I tell people I'm a quantum physicist, they often say, ‘Oh, that sounds way too complicated’. I think that’s a huge misconception. You don’t need to be a genius to understand quantum physics - you just need to find it fascinating.
I became interested in physics after stumbling on a YouTube video about particles, which introduced me to a world I never knew existed. I decided to study Engineering Physics at the University of Santiago, Chile, where I took classes in linear algebra and quantum mechanics. These ideas were completely different from any mathematics I’d studied before, and seemed almost impossible to understand at first. Gradually, they started to make sense, and I realised: I can actually do this.
One of my professors encouraged me to explore opportunities overseas, and put me in touch with a contact at the University of Nevada. I headed to the US for what was originally a short internship, but stayed to complete my Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I enjoyed the experience, but my interest in quantum continued to grow. When I started to consider doctoral study, I knew it was time to follow my curiosity.
Studying abroad can feel intimidating. There’s a time difference, you’re away from the people you love, and you’re settling into a new environment. But you also grow as a person. You learn to see the world differently. Everything you gain in life experience is worth so much more than whatever you risk.
After my time in the US, I knew I wanted to explore Europe, and Sussex really stood out to me. It was one of the few universities in the world specialising in trapped-ion quantum computing, and I liked the work being produced across its Centre for Quantum Technologies. It also felt like a good fit for my personality. Everyone here is so relaxed, friendly and supportive, which makes a huge difference when you’re pouring so much time and energy into your research.
One of the things I’ve most enjoyed in the first year of my PhD has been reviving an old ion trap experiment. It’s a great tool to help new students learn the fundamentals of quantum computing, and we believe it still holds a lot of potential. I rebuilt it from scratch, reworking the components until I became the first person here in two years to successfully trap an atom using this experiment. As a researcher, you often have periods where you don’t quite know what to do or where to go next, so being able to generate such tangible results has really motivated me to keep going.
Sussex gives you the freedom to experiment, and that’s something I really value. We have space to try new ideas and figure out whether they work without the pressure of having to transform everything into a commercial product – our journey is in the discovery.
Even as a doctoral student, I feel like I’m making meaningful contributions to my field.”
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