Student stories: building quantum futures
Investing in Regional Talent to Build Queensland’s Quantum Future
Emma Naumann, JCU Townsville.
James Cook UniversityAs a regional student and woman in quantum science, Emma Naumann represents the growing diversity shaping Queensland’s future workforce. Born and raised in Townsville, North Queensland, Emma completed her undergraduate studies and is now undertaking her PhD at James Cook University.
Emma is a recipient of two Talent Building Program awards: the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Postgraduate Pipeline Scholarship and the Quantum and Advanced Technologies PhD Top‑up Scholarship.
Her PhD research focuses on controlling quantum transport through a junction with external periodic driving—a niche area of quantum physics that underpins modern quantum technologies, with applications across circuit quantum electrodynamics, molecular electronics and optomechanical systems.
This specialised research focus is not currently offered at other universities in Queensland, making her work at JCU particularly significant for the state’s research capability.
The financial support provided through the Talent Building Program enabled Emma to continue studying in regional Queensland, while remaining connected nationally and internationally.
I was originally considering changing to a different specialty within quantum mechanics to pursue my PhD in Sydney (closer to industry) or moving to Europe for a PhD within my current specialty (closer to academic network). However, receiving the PhD top-up scholarship enabled me to remain in Northern Queensland to continue my studies…. This scholarship was essential for me to stay in regional Queensland and continue my studies.
By supporting students like Emma, Queensland is strengthening diversity and building the skilled workforce needed to grow its quantum and advanced technologies ecosystem.
Empowering Talent and Diversity in Advanced Technologies
Christine Little presenting her poster at the Young Researchers’ Meeting of the European Theoretical Spectroscopy Facility in Italy.
The Quantum and Advanced Technologies Talent Building Program is designed to strengthen Queensland’s talent pipeline in this cutting-edge ecosystem, providing funding to universities to support PhD, Masters and Honours students. The Talent Building Program also aims to strengthen participation of students from underrepresented groups within the sector, particularly those who identify as women, are non-binary, are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, or are from regional areas.
Christine, a PhD student from James Cook University Townsville, is a recipient of a PhD top-up Scholarship. Christine is making strides in the field of quantum and advanced technologies and with the support of a travel allowance from the Talent Building Program, recently attended the Young Researchers’ Meeting of the European Theoretical Spectroscopy Facility in Italy. This annual event brings together early-stage researchers, including Masters and PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, to network, share knowledge, and present their work in a collaborative and supportive environment. Christine described the experience as transformative:
The Queensland and Advanced Technologies PhD Top-up scholarship has been a rewarding part of my PhD experience so far. It has provided me with opportunities to travel and attend conferences which have allowed me to network with other like-minded people in my field and to grow valuable skills needed for a career in quantum research.
Through initiatives like the Talent Building Program, the Queensland Government is fostering the next generation of researchers and innovators, ensuring Queensland remains at the forefront of quantum and advanced technologies.