When Cara Faulkner arrived at the University of Birmingham to begin her Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy, she stepped into a global research community at the forefront of quantum discovery.
As the 2025 Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholar and an aspiring world-leading quantum researcher, Cara envisions herself stewarding Australia’s future in quantum technologies while championing diversity in STEM.
Cara’s research explores quantum geometry and topology of dynamic systems.
“It’s all about digging into the underlying behaviour of physical systems that will drive the next generation of quantum technologies.
“I’m striving to find the next major link between the mathematical theories we use to describe our world and the physical behaviour of dynamic condensed matter systems – peering deeper into how our Universe works on a fundamental level.”
The University of Birmingham’s contribution to the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics – on topological phases of matter – established it as a powerhouse in topological quantum physics.
“A decade on, it’s amazing to work alongside world-leading researchers tackling everything from ultracold atomic systems to large-scale quantum materials.”
Beyond the lab, Cara is immersing herself in her PhD cohort and campus life, joining Volleyball and Triathlon communities, the latter with the goal of training for an Olympic distance triathlon. International experiences, like a winter school in Benasque, Spain and the John Monash Scholars’ Regional Symposium in Copenhagen have strengthened her research perspective and global connections.
Looking ahead, Cara plans to secure a postdoc that develops her research and leadership skills, aiming ultimately to become an Australian professor.
“I also want to share the incredible work happening across the world and spark curiosity about the beauty and applications of fundamental quantum dynamics.”
Cara will continue her PhD at the University of Birmingham on the 2025 Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholarship through to 2028.
