Anna Cusick

Summary

PhD candidate in Quantum Physics with hands-on experience in quantum systems, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and advanced modelling of photon dynamics. Experienced in bridging theoretical physics with experimental techniques and large-scale data analysis. Skilled in Python, MATLAB, and Mathematica for both simulation and experimental data handling. Strong record of academic teaching, research collaboration, and project management. Actively seeking to apply my expertise in quantum technologies, data science, or research-intensive roles within academia or industry.

Overview

years of professional experience

years of post-secondary education

Work history

PhD Researcher

University of Surrey

01.2021 - 04.2025

Thesis: Developing Bio-Quantum Technologies Towards Quantum Enhanced Biosensors

Supervisor: Dr Youngchan Kim

Responsibilities:

Supervised and mentored PhD and undergraduate students,
Delivered lectures and tutorials; assessed lab reports and coursework,
Managed lab-based experiments and tutorials,
Organised workshops and contributed to faculty operations
Responsible for operation and safety of a femtosecond laser system (valued at ~£1 million)
Developed ultrafast spectroscopy experiments using two-photon excitation and TCSPC
Modelled decoherence and energy transfer in fluorescent proteins
Built theoretical frameworks for photon-atom interactions in biological environments
Analysed high-resolution experimental data using Python and MATLAB

Bar & Hospitality Roles

Pollards Inn/Baa Baa

01.2018 - 01.2021

Held bar and waitressing roles during academic breaks
Gained experience in managing shifts, cashing up, and handling customer service in high-pressure environments including during the Covid-19 pandemic

Education

MPhys - Integrated Master’s in Physics

Swansea University

09.2019 - 06.2021

Skills

Quantum optics and open quantum systems
Scientific computing (Python, MATLAB, Mathematica)
Experimental techniques: TCSPC, FLIM, ultrafast lasers
Data analysis
Signal processing
Statistical modelling
Time management
Organisation
Task prioritisation
Effective communication
Academic writing
Stakeholder and teamwork
Teaching
Supervision
Mentoring
Quantum Theoretical Mathematics: Density matrix methods
Lindblad master equations
Perturbation theory

Tensor formalism
Coherence modelling
Spin dynamics
Python (SciPy, NumPy, Seaborn)
LaTeX
Jupyter
Git
Origin
LabVIEW (basic)
PowerPoint
Excel
Fluorescence lifetime fitting
Single-molecule detection
Experimental optics
Curve fitting
PCA
Clustering
Multivariate analysis

Industry Relevant Skills

Industry-Relevant Tools & Techniques

My expertise spans advanced theoretical modelling, programming, and experimental techniques—equipping me to tackle complex challenges in research and industry. Proficiency in quantum mathematics, data science, and lab instrumentation ensures precise analysis and problem-solving, while my adaptability with industry-standard tools allows me to deliver efficient, data-driven solutions.

Quantum Theoretical Mathematics: Density matrix methods, Lindblad master equations, open quantum systems, perturbation theory, tensor formalism, coherence modelling, spin dynamics
Languages: Python (SciPy, NumPy, Seaborn), MATLAB, Mathematica, LaTeX
Tools: Jupyter, Git, Origin, LabVIEW (basic), PowerPoint, Excel
Techniques: TCSPC, FLIM, fluorescence lifetime fitting, single-molecule detection, experimental optics
Data Science: Curve fitting, PCA, clustering, multivariate analysis, signal processing on request. Key referees include.

Confereneces

Conferences & Presentations

SPIE Photonics West (2024)
Fluorescence Quenching Effects on Decoherence and Energy Transfer in GFPs
Physics of Life (Institute of Physics) (2023)
Modelling Non-Markovian Decoherence in Fluorescent Proteins
Quantum Effects in Biological Systems (QuEBS) (2022)
Fluorescence Quenching and Energy Transfer Between Fluorescent Proteins

Timeline