TYC Alumni Pathway Panel

The TYC is hosting the second in a series of alumni events, led by recent former TYC member Vas Fotopoulos (now at MIT), at which former members come together to form a panel to present their career trajectory, and to answer questions from current TYC students and PDRAs.

They will give a brief introduction to themselves, share their journey so far and discuss their current work. The focus will be on career paths, pursuing postdocs or industrial positions after completing a PhD, and answering students’ questions.

The panel will be structured as an in-person event.

Vas has handpicked our panel, who we believe will inspire you, and provide a multitude of fascinating insights into life after PhD.

The event will be followed by a drinks social.

Registration is free but required

Panellists

Chair: Rashid E A M Al-Heidous – Lecturer at Qatar University
Rashid achieved his Masters in nanotechnology at Imperial College London, followed by a PhD. He took up a position as lecturer at Qatar in 2024.

Abhishek Khedkar – Quantum Material Scientist at Phasecraft, London
Abhishek’s interest lies in studying complex molecular and material systems, particularly those that feature strong electron correlation. He currently works as a Quantum Material Scientist at Phasecraft, a company building the mathematical foundations for quantum computing applications that solve real-world problems.

Daria Kieczka, Ansys
After Daria obtained her PhD she found opportunity at Ansys as an Academic Program Engineer, working alongside the team on ways to support education and research. She is also working on a Horizon Europe-funded project called CE-RISE, which explores ways in which information transparency can help products be more sustainable and circular (reducing waste).

Joe Willis – Quantum Policy Adviser, Office for Quantum, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Joe is a policy adviser in the Office for Quantum, part of the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He leads work on regulation, supply chains, and quantum sensing for critical national infrastructure applications. Joe holds a Doctor of Engineering in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science from University College London, where his research focused on simulation of defect chemistry in transparent conducting oxides, power electronics materials, thermoelectrics and photocatalysts.