Group

Current Group Members

Carlos Borges Camacho

Carlos Borges Camacho PhD Student, University of Birmingham
Email: cbc805 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

My current research interests include exploring the effects of topology in quantum mechanical systems, using Floquet engineering to produce experimentally feasible models with gauge fields, and investigating models that involve Non-Abelian lattice gauge fields.

I previously completed my MSci in Theoretical Physics at the University of Birmingham. During my master’s project, I explored the infinite U Fermi-Hubbard model on the Pyrochlore lattice.

Holly Middleton-Spencer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
Email: h.a.j.middleton-spencer (at) bham.ac.uk

Thomas Sheppard

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: txs306 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

My research interests may broadly be described as the study of topological phases of matter. My current work applies the topological properties of zero-dimensional quantum mechanical systems to investigate associated effects occurring in the presence of a time or space-time interface where the topological properties change.

Before joining the group, I completed my BA and MSci in the Natural Sciences Tripos at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

Oliver Ashfield

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: oxa998 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

Currently, my research looks at what happens when interactions, or non-linear terms, are introduced to topological quantum models. Specifically, I am interested in the formation and behaviour of solitons as a non-linear phenomenon in these systems. My goal is to study these solitons as a probe into the topology of the underlying model, using a balance of analytical and computational work, the latter being primarily done in Python.

I originally completed my MSci in Theoretical Physics at the University of Birmingham before joining the group. My masters project explored an inverted harmonic oscillator model and the scattering states associated with it. I also completed an internship with the University of Birmingham Mathematics Department, studying the properties of super-symmetric systems of fermions.

Huanzhi Hu

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
Email: h.hu.4 (at) bham.ac.uk

Broadly speaking, I’m interested in the phase transitions in quantum many-body systems. Currently, I’m studying the topological phase transitions and many-body physics of some driven theoretical models in lower dimensions, which could be realised experimentally with cold atoms in optical lattices.

I did my PhD with Dr. Frank Krüger and Dr. Michal Kwasigroch at University College London. By then my research focused on using theoretical methods to study the quantum fluctuation-induced phenomena in some strongly correlated systems, such as Kondo materials and Kitaev quantum spin liquids. In particular, I focused on a group of Dirac fermion-induced quantum criticality which could be described by the so-called Gross-Neveu-Yukawa theory.

Dylan Gower

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: dxg122 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

Sohail Dasgupta

Sohail Dasgupta Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
Email: s.dasgupta (at) bham.ac.uk

I am interested in the theoretical exploration of quantum many-body simulators with large local Hilbert spaces, focusing on how dimensionality, geometry, and exotic quantum statistics shape their behavior. These systems offer a rich landscape for discovering novel emergent particles and advancing quantum engineering. Unlike spin-1/2 systems, the added complexity of a large but finite local Hilbert space introduces unique quantum phenomena. Platforms such as Rydberg atoms and polar molecules make these ideas experimentally viable, combining intricate internal structures with long-range interactions—an ideal setting to investigate topological order and long-range entangled states. My approach emphasizes a strong dialogue between theory and experiment: learning from experimental insights to refine models and, in turn, guiding experimental design with informed predictions of key parameters.

Past. Aug 2025 [PhD, Rice University, Houston, TX USA] – Title: “Collective quantum phenomena in strongly correlated multi-level systems” – Supervisor: Dr. Kaden Hazzard

Joseph Young

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: jxy230 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

Past Group Members

David Reid

PhD student, University of Birmingham. Graduated 2026.

Enrico Martello

PhD student, University of Birmingham. Graduated 2023.
Now a Postdoc at the University of Catania.

Chris Oliver

PhD student, University of Birmingham, Graduated 2023.
Now a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Strathclyde. Chris’ Personal Website

Ben McCanna

PhD student, University of Birmingham. Graduated 2022.

Hannah Price