Victoria Uttaree Bashu

PhD student
CDM
Australian National University
Road-tripping around QLD (2023)

What do you do?

I’m developing a tool to look for something we have never seen. My team and I are trying to get hold of this ‘thing’ by making a device that can give us extra power to look in the environment around us and find the hiding matter that we call dark matter. I am very excited to be part of this search as the universe that we live in, we can see only 5% of it. And trying to look for dark matter will increase our horizon to the universe five times more.

How did you get to where you are today?

I studied science in school and did a Bachelor’s degree majoring in physics. After my undergraduate degree, I finished my Master’s degree in nuclear science. While doing my Master’s, I got to know about the dark matter research and did my Master’s thesis with the dark matter group at ANU. Now I am continuing with the group as a PhD student. The main strength for me to get where I am today will be the ability and boldness to dream, even if you don’’t share the dream with anyone else. So keep dreaming and continue pursuing towards it 🙂

What’s the best thing about your work?

The best part about my research is being part of a team where we share a common goal while doing different aspects of the project and sharing intellectually among the team. It gives a sense of community. Also, analysing data, and connecting the theory with the experiment is challenging and fun.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying science?

Don’t give up. Work hard and most of all enjoy the science as it makes you understand the world around you. Sometimes it can challenge you, but nothing is impossible!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love music and exploring nature. So listening and practising music, and being in the nature while reading a book are the top two things I do beside work. I also love to cook for my friends.