News

CU 51��ý and NIST team use quantum mechanics to make a factory for random numbers

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:05:23 +0000

CU 51��ý and NIST team use quantum mechanics to make a factory for random numbers Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 06/12/2025 - 09:05

A group of scientists from CU 51��ý and NIST have built the first random number generator using quantum entanglement to produce verifiable random numbers. The team includes physics graduate student Gautam Kavuri; CU PREP researchers Jasper Palfree, Dileep Reddy, and Michael Mazurek; alum Mohammad Alhejji (PhDPhys'23); Professor Paul Beale; and NIST scientists and CU physics lecturers Emanuel Knill and Krister Shalm.

Off

Traditional

White

New quantum navigation device uses atoms to measure acceleration in 3D

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:11:59 +0000

New quantum navigation device uses atoms to measure acceleration in 3D Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 06/11/2025 - 10:11

A new quantum device developed by physics graduate student Kendall Mehling, postdoctoral researcher Catie LeDesma, and professor and JILA fellow Murray Holland, could one day help spacecraft travel beyond Earth's orbit or aid submarines as they navigate deep under the ocean with more precision than ever before.

Off

Traditional

White

Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:34:02 +0000

Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 06/09/2025 - 12:34

Arjun Dalwadi, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student, is immersing himself in all things quantum through the Quantum Scholars program and as an undergraduate researcher in the Gyenis Lab. Dalwadi is on the journey to make an impact for quantum computing.

Off

Traditional

White

Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:09:15 +0000

Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 05/27/2025 - 13:09

Kirsten Apodaca

Students are getting a unique perspective on the quantum field and industry through a program they themselves are helping to shape. Quantum Scholars, which launched in 2023, is providing community and fellowships to students in physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

How it began

Quantum Scholars was co-founded through a partnership between the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Michael Ritzwoller, professor of distinction in physics, and Keith Molenaar, engineering dean, modeled the program on the successful Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program in engineering with a focus on getting students engaged in the quantum field.

“The concept of Quantum Scholars is Dean Molenaar's insight,” said Ritzwoller. “He brought the idea to physics and we have worked together to define and then refine the program for the benefit of the students.”

Quantum Scholars advances education and workforce development through professional development, co-curricular activities and industry engagement.

The program has drawn interest from students from all backgrounds in a variety of fields including engineering, physics, mathematics and computer science.

Annalise Cabra, a senior physics major, said one of the best aspects of Quantum Scholars is how it brings together interdisciplinary students. “I’m constantly interacting with peers from various backgrounds and hearing their different perspectives,” said Cabra.

Exploring quantum as a community

Interest in exploring the rapidly growing and changing fields of quantum sciences and engineering, coupled with the opportunity to join a budding community, are two common reasons students apply for Quantum Scholars.

Seniors in the Quantum Scholars program at the end of year meeting.

Luke Coffman, a senior physics and math major, got an early start in quantum information research as a first-year student but admits he didn’t know much about the industry at the time. And he hadn’t met many other students interested in quantum beyond his research group.

“I joined the program for two main reasons: to learn more about quantum science and find a community,” said Coffman.

Several students recalled Professor Noah Finkelstein promoting the new program in their spring 2023 modern physics class.

“It sounded like an invaluable opportunity to explore how quantum concepts are applied in the workforce while also supporting my professional development,” said Cabra.

Aqua Chung was a first-year student in Finkelstein’s class. He remembered thinking it would be a great opportunity to network and broaden his understanding of the quantum industry. And it did.

Through Quantum Scholars, Chung met fellow physics major Luke Coffman who helped connect him to a research opportunity with Xun Gao, an assistant professor of physics and associate fellow of JILA.

Quantum Scholars has also been a draw for prospective students considering CU 51��ý.

“We’ve had several students reach out and ask how they can be part of the program as early as their first semester at CU,” said Finkelstein. “It is clear CU 51��ý is on the map for quantum sciences and engineering, and Quantum Scholars helps us realize our promise for educating the next generation in these fields.”

Students leading the way

One of the unique features of Quantum Scholars is that the scholars themselves are encouraged to guide and shape the future of the program. With leadership from co-directors Ritzwoller and Finkelstein, and graduate student Sasha Novack, students feel a sense of ownership.

Annalise Cabra and Emily Jerris presenting at the December 2024 Quantum Scholars meeting.

“Professors Finkelstein and Ritzwoller are genuinely great people who support and guide us, whether with small goals like running the research expo or long-term goals like graduate school or connecting us with opportunities,” said Chung.

This year, Quantum Scholars have been involved in leading and designing the quantum hackathon, hosting an undergraduate research expo and launching the CU Women of Quantum group. These initiatives have collectively supported hundreds of students across campus.

Cabra, who helped organize the first quantum hackathon and co-founded the Women of Quantum group with Emily Jerris, said “these experiences have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth—strengthening my leadership, communication skills, and confidence to turn ideas into reality.”

“We are so proud of these accomplished students, and grateful to partner with them, campus leaders, alumni and local industry to build a program with and for these students,” said Finkelstein.

Gaining industry perspective

Students in the program are getting an up-close look at the quantum industry through guest speakers and tours of local companies and institutes.

New this year, the program is increasing support for internships and early career job placements with a new team member, thanks to support from the deans of the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Arts & Sciences. Andrew North now serves as assistant director of engineering & quantum employer relations. North is developing relationships with local industry and national labs to support the Quantum Scholars as they explore and engage in life beyond the university.

Elevate Quantum, the regional consortium and designated quantum Tech Hub, aims to create more than 10,000 new quantum jobs in the region by 2030. The 51��ý Chamber Economic Council estimates there are approximately “54 quantum-related companies operating in 51��ý and along the U.S. 36 corridor.” Preparing students for these opportunities and building connections to industry are key components of the Quantum Scholars program.

“This community has opened doors to one-on-one discussions with professionals in fields I see myself pursuing after college,” said Ashlee Snider, a first-year engineering physics student.

Chung added, a highlight for him was getting to talk one-on-one with CEO and co-founder of Vescent, Scott Davis.

Connections go beyond those looking to work directly in the industry.

Megan Finnigan (EngrPhys, MechEng’24), who was in Quantum Scholars for a year leading up to graduation, said it was “interesting to hear from industry coming at physics from such a different lens.” She’s currently pursuing a master’s in technology and policy at MIT and said she’s now seeing quantum through a different lens in how it relates to policy making.

Cabra is pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering and though her path doesn’t directly involve quantum science, she sees how it could play a role and hopes to work in industry one day. “The program has helped me uncover meaningful connections between quantum and aerospace––such as quantum experiments on the ISS and the role of quantum principles in satellite technology and frequency measurements like GPS,” said Cabra.

Expanding sponsored fellowships

Students receive a fellowship of up to $2,500 for participation in the program. Funding for student fellowships is generously provided by alumni, industry and external partners.

“The Quantum Scholars program exists because of the confluence of passionate interest from students in the field of quantum and generosity from donors, who are genuinely interested in the development, success and welfare of the students. Without both, the program could not thrive,” said Ritzwoller.

Student interest in the program has continually outpaced the number of fellowships available.

In its first year Quantum Scholars started with a group of 53 students – but only 21 of those received fellowships. Now at the end of the program’s third year, almost 90 students are participating in the program, with 58 students receiving funding.

The fellowships provide much needed financial support for the scholars, often enabling them to pursue research or academic interests more fully.

“As long as there is interest, we will continue to grow this program that will help shape the future of quantum for our campus, communities, and nation,” said Finkelstein.

Questions about getting involved in the Quantum Scholars Program as a student, industry partner, or supporter can be directed to Professors Michael Ritzwoller or Noah Finkelstein.

Off

Traditional

White

Professor Cindy Regal wins Brown Investigator Award

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 19 May 2025 17:12:33 +0000

Professor Cindy Regal wins Brown Investigator Award Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 05/19/2025 - 11:12

Cindy Regal, physics professor and JILA fellow, is one of eight investigators recognized for curiosity-driven research in chemistry or physics who will receive up to $2 million over five years.

Off

Traditional

White

Chancellor Justin Schwartz in Forbes, "Using Federally Funded University Research To Power America"

Veronica R Lingo — Fri, 16 May 2025 22:45:17 +0000

Chancellor Justin Schwartz in Forbes, "Using Federally Funded University Research To Power America" Veronica R Lingo Fri, 05/16/2025 - 16:45

Support for university research has an impact beyond students, faculty and the local economy—it benefits every American. It drives job creation, protects against reliance on imported critical technology and keeps the U.S. at the forefront of progress.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz writes for Forbes on why federally funded research is smart strategy.

Off

Traditional

White

Disneyland for physicists: Breakthrough Prize honors scientists at world’s largest particle collider

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 15 May 2025 20:25:45 +0000

Disneyland for physicists: Breakthrough Prize honors scientists at world’s largest particle collider Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 05/15/2025 - 14:25

This year's award recognized the work of four international research collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider, including 32 current and former physicists at CU 51��ý.

Off

Traditional

White

Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez Named Department of Physics Employees of the Year

Veronica R Lingo — Mon, 12 May 2025 21:05:19 +0000

Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez Named Department of Physics Employees of the Year Veronica R Lingo Mon, 05/12/2025 - 15:05

Veronica Lingo

Congratulations to Undergraduate Program Professional Maria Martinez and Events and Front Desk Administrator Maura Barcia Figueras for being named the 2025 Department of Physics Employees of the Year!

Maura and Maria are often the first line of service for the department fielding both public and internal requests for service and information. As Events Administrator, Maura is tireless in her commitment to meeting continual rolling deadlines and making sure events like colloquia, student group meetings and faculty seminars are a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Maria serves as the primary coordinator of all undergraduate-related logistics in the department, from scheduling classrooms to working with faculty teaching schedules and helping students register for classes. Both Maura and Maria balance these responsibilities with steadfast kindness and professionalism.

In addition to serving as the primary contacts for the physics main office, Maria and Maura worked together to ensure an efficient and seamless transition as the main office space underwent major renovations from May 2024 through January 2025. They made sure that vital department services continued unhindered while the staff were temporarily relocated to adapted facilities in Duane.

“Thanks to both Maura and Maria for continuing to go above and beyond in supporting our students and our faculty during a disruptive time,” Department Chair Tobin Munsat said. “They do an enormous amount for the department, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, and a lot of appreciation from their colleagues came through in their nominations.”

Because of Maria and Maura’s tireless work, the main office staff is now resettled into the newly renovated Duane main office space.

Maura Barcia Figueras (left) and Maria Martinez (right)

Off

Traditional

White

Physics students, staff and faculty receive recognition

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 12 May 2025 20:31:05 +0000

Physics students, staff and faculty receive recognition Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 05/12/2025 - 14:31

Off

Traditional

White

Incoming graduate student wins prestigious innovators fellowship

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 06 May 2025 20:18:28 +0000

Incoming graduate student wins prestigious innovators fellowship Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 05/06/2025 - 14:18

Tuan Anh Nguyen, an incoming graduate student in physics at CU 51��ý, has won the Hertz Fellowship, a prestigious recognition dedicated to empowering the promising innovators in applied science, engineering and mathematics, the foundation announced.

Off

Traditional

White