Laura was among a group of six students who presented lively talks ranging from topics such as Ocean Energy, Colon Cancer, Functional Food, Quantum vs Classical Worlds, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Ultra Cold Atoms

Laura’s talk titled “The coldest place in Ireland” refers to the Quantum Optics Laboratory in the Tyndall National Institute which also happens to be the coldest place in Ireland.  Laura explained:  “We use lasers to push atoms in such a way as to slow them down. When an atom gets slowed down, its temperature also decreases. This technique is called laser cooling and was first demonstrated in 1978. Laser cooling allows us to dramatically cool a gas of atoms down to temperatures of -273 Celsius, or just above the coldest temperature that can theoretically be reached, Absolute Zero Kelvin.”  Laura’s research supervisor is Dr Sile NiChormaic.

Laura, a native of Cork, has an undergraduate degree in Physics from UCC. Laura is also a qualified pilot and has been competing in aerobatic competitions in the UK for 3 years. She also enjoys doing artwork and webdesign.

The competition was jointly organised by the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Tyndall National Institute, UCC. This year’s competition has been sponsored by the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, the Tyndall Institute, and Snap Printing.

Picture:  Laura Russell

 

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