Profile
Viviene Dela Cruz
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About Me:
Lasers in space–this is my current work!
Hiya, my name is Viviene and I used to work with big, powerful lasers, and automation but now I focus on lasers for space (internet in space maybe?) and sometimes work on lasers that could be used for healthcare. I’m a small girl who likes plants and double cream Oreos. I spend time reading and watching science-related stuff and when I’m not, I’m usually spending time with family and friends.
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I am doing my PhD in lasers in space and am building my own lab in Nottingham. I enjoy walking a lot (hiking would be a plus) and enjoy nature all around me. I like looking at the sky and wonder about stars and galaxies but it’s also because I’m a very short girl and looking up is my default when talking to people.
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My Work:
I’m building a lab where I could build lasers for space communication! 🙂
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I’m a PhD student in Space-Ground Laser Communications and the Communications at the University of Nottingham. I build systems to check if my lasers are the right brightness and can carry signals/information well. I am also the representative of the newly established Institute of Physics Space Group in the UK. Before these jobs, I led two automation and building projects for high-energy lasers at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory while doing my integrated master’s in engineering in London.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Science anywhere you go! If I win the prize money, I will host a podcast that talks about how scientists and engineers draw inspiration from nature!
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Education:
Finished my integrated master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at City, University of London and now I am pursuing my PhD in Space-Ground Laser Communications at the University of Nottingham. I worked briefly as an intern (placement year) during my undergrad building lasers at the Central Laser Facility at Oxfordshire and in quantum computing in the University of Oxford which contributed to me pursuing my PhD 🙂
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Work History:
Research Assistant at the Ion Trap Quantum Computing Group at the University of Oxford
Student Ambassador for City, University of London
Marketing and Communications Assistant at a start up company based in London
Barista for a local coffee shop in a town in the Philippines
Customer Service Representative for a call centre company -
Current Job:
PhD student in Space-Ground Laser Communications (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
I'm funny sometimes
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wanted to be a radio show host and engineer
Who is your favourite singer or band?
It changes from time to time but currently, I like Lifehouse
What's your favourite food?
RICE (fried, steamed, etc)
Tell us a joke.
Why can't skeletons play music at church? Because they don't have organs!
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