After moving to Australia from Sri Lanka, Samadhi found her calling in quantum technology — and is now in her second year at UTS, where she balances hands-on lab sessions with leadership roles and a love of community.
"UTS puts a big emphasis on lab time, and tutors are always available during open lab sessions to help you work through problems with the actual equipment.
Getting that hands-on experience is genuinely one of the highlights of the course."
Samadhi Herath
Tell us about yourself.
I moved to Australia from Sri Lanka with my family three years ago. My sister and I completed our HSC here and have had the opportunity to pursue our dreams and our passions at university.
Before coming to Australia, I studied A-level Chemistry in Sri Lanka and was introduced to the Schrödinger equation, which relates to the inner workings of an atom. This inspired me to study Quantum Technology and Physics at UTS.
What degree are you studying at UTS?
I’m currently in my second year of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Quantum Technology). What I love about this course is that it inspires a new way of thinking, while the engineering electives require taking a scientific concept and applying it to the real world.
What do you enjoy most about studying at UTS?
I enjoy teasing out my curiosity while troubleshooting problems during my physics and electronics lab sessions in the Science Super Lab.
What other activities do you get involved in at Uni?
Balancing study with community and leadership
To keep a balance with my studies, I also like to lead and participate in volunteering and club activities, where I am open to different people with rich perspectives and cultures. There are ample opportunities to meet like-minded people who are driven towards success in both academics and in our social life.
Leadership roles in science societies
I am the club secretary at the UTS Science Alliance and the UTS Aerospace Society – both of which provide opportunities to meet people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and to connect with more girls studying science.
Supporting new students through Peer Network
I am also a member of the Peer Network at UTS. We are a team of current UTS students who assist commencing students with the initial transition into university life. Being a member of this community allows me to improve my communication skills and to meet students from different faculties, such as Business and Arts students. We all have common goals and can share our experiences with new students and with each other, which is so fantastic!
What is Quantum Technology?
To me, quantum technology is about applying the principles of quantum mechanics which is the study of very small particles to build real-world technologies.
Physics helps us understand how matter behaves, and quantum technology takes that understanding and turns it into practical applications. For example, MRI imaging relies on principles from quantum physics.
What is it like to study Science and Quantum Technology at UTS?
Flexible learning that suits my pace
At UTS, lectures are recorded so you can revisit them in your own time — which works really well for me personally, as I learn best when I can pause and rewind.
This means you can save your energy for tutorials, workshops and lab sessions, where the real hands-on learning happens.
A strong focus on hands-on lab experience
UTS puts a big emphasis on lab time, and tutors are always available during open lab sessions to help you work through problems with the actual equipment.
Getting that hands-on experience is genuinely one of the highlights of the course.
Exposure to cutting-edge ideas in physics
As a Physics and Quantum Technology student, you also get to attend the Physics Insight Series — a program where students are invited to hear talks on some pretty mind-blowing topics in physics, advanced science and technology.
For someone like me who is endlessly curious about the field, it's been an incredibly exciting part of the uni experience!
What would you like to do once you complete your degree?
Exploring the engineering side of quantum technology
I am interested in pursuing the engineering aspect of the Quantum field, where I can get closer to working with and building quantum devices, such as medical devices or in optics.
Interest in quantum applications in healthcare
Currently, I am really interested in recent research on improving brain imaging with quantum sensors and what it could potentially mean for diagnosing chronic brain disorders and monitoring neural activity.
Is there any advice you would give students studying Quantum Technology at UTS?
Quantum Technology is an emerging field with genuinely exciting career opportunities.
You don’t need everything figured out.
I think being interested in the field that you want to pursue, or having your career path figured out is definitely not a prerequisite coming into university. Part of the experience at UTS is helping you figure out your career path through career-related and social opportunities.
The only tool you need in your arsenal in studying Science at UTS is determination and grit, especially when it comes to solving problems as a budding scientist.