Student story: Mihail from Physics

What do you do now?

I am on track to start my doctoral studies in atom optics as part of the TWISTION experiment in the Experimental Quantum Optics group led by Professor Robert Fickler, whose mentorship and support have been invaluable in pursuing my scientific goals. My work focuses on the development of systems and devices for beam shaping and imaging of charged matter waves.

In parallel, I conduct independent research in data science and collaborate with the Antimatter Experiment on Gravity, Interferometry, and Spectroscopy (AEgIS) at CERN on the synthesis of antiprotonic atoms and the spectroscopy of nuclear fragments.

I also give talks at schools and universities across Latin America to inspire scientific curiosity among young people. My mission is to encourage young minds to break the chains of nihilism and pursue their potential while contributing positively to society.

Why did you choose the BSc programme? What did you major and minor in?

I chose the Science and Engineering programme because it offers students the opportunity to engage in world-class research from the beginning of their studies. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students from different backgrounds to tailor their academic paths according to their interests and goals. I majored in Physics and minored in Information Technology.

What kind of research experience have you gained during your studies?

From my second semester onward, I have been actively involved in research through the university’s research training programme. My first project, under Professor Arri Priimagi in the Smart Photonic Materials group, focused on interference lithography of photoresponsive polymers. It was a rewarding experience that introduced me to scientific research and showed me that science makes us stronger together.

For my Bachelor’s thesis, I studied charged matter wave propagation dynamics in electrostatic fields as part of the TWISTION project, which aims to create the first structured matter waves with ions. I also worked on the development of electrostatic lenses for charged matter microscopy.

Later, I fulfilled a childhood dream by joining CERN as a Physics Trainee. There, I contributed to the development of long-term protocols for synthesizing antiprotonic atoms and performing high-precision spectroscopy on nuclear fragments resulting from the annihilation of highly charged ions in electrostatic traps.

Currently, I am part of the TWISTION experiment. My work involves developing imaging systems for the experiment and nanofabricating system-on-chip devices to explore fundamental phenomena such as structured coherent matter beams. The devices are fabricated at Micronova, the largest cleanroom in Northern Europe, and tested in our experimental setup at Tampere University.

What’s been the best part of your studies or student life so far?

One of the best parts of my studies has been becoming part of an environment filled with brilliant minds and world-class research. Working toward life goals and dreams has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am glad that Tampere University has been part of it.

At the same time, the student culture at Tampere University is truly unique—full of creativity, friendship, and tradition. The university offers a strong balance between academic excellence, vibrant student life, and respect for individual growth.

I believe the international Science and Engineering programme provides an excellent foundation for an international career, validating Tampere University’s slogan of ‘Human Potential Unlimited’.”