Uncovering Nature’s Mysteries With Quantum

TREERAT SRIVIPAT remembers the moment like it was yesterday: a small lecture hall in Thailand, a speaker on quantum computing, and the sudden realisation that she was about to step into a world far stranger than anything she’d imagined.

That seminar sparked a fascination with a world where classical rules don’t apply, and tiny particles can exist in multiple states at once. It led her to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she now pursues a PhD with support from an Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) Scholarship.

Exploring the Quantum Frontier

Her research focuses on developing frameworks that make digital quantum simulations more efficient and scalable. By advancing these techniques, she aims to unlock the ability to model incredibly complex quantum systems, from tiny particles in materials to molecules.

“Classical computers struggle with this because the amount of information grows exponentially as the system gets bigger,” she explains. “Quantum computers speak the same language as quantum systems, so they can potentially handle that complexity far better.” 

It’s that real-world potential that motivates her most. “These frameworks could accelerate the discovery of new materials, help develop more effective drugs and deepen our understanding of complex quantum systems,” she says. “Quantum could bring us closer to understanding nature and has the potential to solve real-world problems.”

Her approach is inspired by physicist Richard Feynman: "Nature isn’t classical, dammit, and if you want to make a simulation of nature, you’d better make it quantum mechanical."

A move to Sydney – a global hub for quantum research

Treerat’s supervisor, Associate Professor Nathan Langford, encouraged her to apply to UTS. But it was Sydney’s reputation as a global hub for quantum research and the support of the SQA that sealed the decision. "With cutting-edge technology, a thriving ecosystem, and strong collaborations between universities, research institutes, and industry, it felt like the right place.  Plus, Sydney’s a beautiful city to live in!"

“The SQA is one of the main reasons I chose to do my PhD here,” she adds. “It offers a collaborative, supportive research community, giving me the chance to learn from experts.”

Life as a PhD scholar

Her weeks are a mix of coding, debugging simulations, analysing results, reading papers, and meeting with her supervisor. “Some weeks include hands-on lab work,” she says. “It is especially exciting because our Circuit Quantum Science research group’s lab is being built, and every day starts with a coffee or a matcha” she laughs.

Beyond her own research, she stays plugged into the wider quantum community, attending seminars, workshops, and SQA events.

She has presented at major conferences, including Quantum Australia, AIP Congress and the SEA Quantum Hackathon 2025. These events have helped her build confidence and connections. “These events are not just about presenting research—they’re opportunities to learn, collaborate, and see how the global quantum community works,” she says.

The value of connection

For Treerat, the people she has met through SQA have been invaluable. “I’ve made friends at different universities, working on a wide range of quantum research topics,” she says. “Those connections have been crucial for both professional growth and personal support. Quantum research is challenging, but it’s also incredibly collaborative.”

Advice for future quantum researchers

Her advice for anyone considering a PhD in quantum? “Stay curious,” she says. “This field is huge and constantly evolving. Be ready for a marathon – doing a PhD takes time and can get tough sometimes. There will be frustrating moments, but also many rewarding ones. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, make connections, build your skills, and celebrate the small wins along the way.”

Find out more about our PhD scholarship programs. Or search our database of more than 100 quantum experts working on quantum technologies in Sydney who are available to supervise PhD students.

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