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.

鈥淭he concept of Quantum Scholars is Dean Molenaar's insight,鈥� said Ritzwoller. 鈥淗e brought the idea to physics and we have worked together to define and then refine the program for the benefit of the students.鈥�

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. 鈥淚鈥檓 constantly interacting with peers from various backgrounds and hearing their different perspectives,鈥� 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鈥檛 know much about the industry at the time. And he hadn鈥檛 met many other students interested in quantum beyond his research group.

鈥淚 joined the program for two main reasons: to learn more about quantum science and find a community,鈥� said Coffman.

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

鈥淚t sounded like an invaluable opportunity to explore how quantum concepts are applied in the workforce while also supporting my professional development,鈥� said Cabra.

Aqua Chung was a first-year student in Finkelstein鈥檚 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 天美传媒 Boulder.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had several students reach out and ask how they can be part of the program as early as their first semester at 天美传媒,鈥� said Finkelstein. 鈥淚t is clear 天美传媒 Boulder 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.鈥�

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.

鈥淧rofessors 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,鈥� said Chung.

This year, Quantum Scholars have been involved in leading and designing the quantum hackathon, hosting an undergraduate research expo and launching the 天美传媒 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 鈥渢hese experiences have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth鈥攕trengthening my leadership, communication skills, and confidence to turn ideas into reality.鈥�

鈥淲e 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,鈥� 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 Boulder Chamber Economic Council estimates there are approximately 鈥�54 quantum-related companies operating in Boulder and along the U.S. 36 corridor.鈥� Preparing students for these opportunities and building connections to industry are key components of the Quantum Scholars program.

鈥淭his community has opened doors to one-on-one discussions with professionals in fields I see myself pursuing after college,鈥� 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鈥�24), who was in Quantum Scholars for a year leading up to graduation, said it was 鈥渋nteresting to hear from industry coming at physics from such a different lens.鈥� She鈥檚 currently pursuing a master鈥檚 in technology and policy at MIT and said she鈥檚 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鈥檛 directly involve quantum science, she sees how it could play a role and hopes to work in industry one day. 鈥淭he program has helped me uncover meaningful connections between quantum and aerospace鈥撯€搒uch as quantum experiments on the ISS and the role of quantum principles in satellite technology and frequency measurements like GPS,鈥� 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.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� 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 鈥� but only 21 of those received fellowships. Now at the end of the program鈥檚 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.

鈥淎s 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,鈥� said Finkelstein.

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

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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.

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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鈥攊t 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.

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

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

Disneyland for physicists: Breakthrough Prize honors scientists at world鈥檚 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 天美传媒 Boulder.

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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.

鈥淭hanks to both Maura and Maria for continuing to go above and beyond in supporting our students and our faculty during a disruptive time,鈥� Department Chair Tobin Munsat said. 鈥淭hey 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.鈥�

Because of Maria and Maura鈥檚 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)

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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

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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 天美传媒 Boulder, has won the Hertz Fellowship, a prestigious recognition dedicated to empowering the promising innovators in applied science, engineering and mathematics, the foundation announced.

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Two engineering physics seniors receive College of Engineering awards

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 01 May 2025 22:04:37 +0000

Two engineering physics seniors receive College of Engineering awards Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 05/01/2025 - 16:04

脕ngel Hern谩ndez

Engineering physics seniors 脕ngel Hern谩ndez and Denali Jah have been recognized by the 天美传媒 Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science with graduating student awards. The awards celebrate student achievement in several categories including academics, community, culture, perseverance and research.

脕ngel Hern谩ndez received two awards, for culture impact and community impact. These awards recognize his commitment to improving the environment both within the Department of Physics and on a broader college and campus level.

When asked what these awards meant to Hern谩ndez, he said, 鈥渢hese awards are for my grandparents who crossed borders with nothing but hope. They are for my parents who worked long hours and still found time to support my dreams. These awards are for anyone who has ever felt different, out of place, or overlooked when entering a new space. This recognition tells me to keep going, to keep pushing back against doubt, and to continue lifting others as I climb. This is for my family, my community, and for me."

Hern谩ndez was also thankful for others that contributed to his journey. 鈥淚鈥檓 also deeply grateful to the 天美传媒 Physics Department and the many mentors and advisors who supported me throughout this journey. Your guidance helped me grow into the scientist I am becoming,鈥� said Hernandez.

Denali Jah

Denali Jah was recognized with the Academic Engagement Award. The award honors Jah鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and the way in which he elevated his own and other students鈥� learning experiences.

Jah was honored to receive the award and recognized the supportive communities and collective effort. He said, 鈥渞eceiving the Academic Engagement Award honors not only my pursuit of academic excellence but also the steadfast support of the communities that I'm a part of. It reminds me that success is never built alone 鈥� it's crafted through the work of people who desire to create systems that are sustainable, efficient, liberating, and flexible so that everyone progresses together.鈥�

Both Hern谩ndez and Jah are graduating with degrees in engineering physics this spring and will be recognized for these awards at the Department of Physics Recognition Ceremony on May 9.

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Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:16:40 +0000

Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/30/2025 - 10:16

Quantum Scholars Emily Jerris and Annalise Cabra started 天美传媒 Women of Quantum to help women interested in careers in quantum to network and share experiences.

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Sean Gopalakrishnan receives top honor for plasma research

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:50:58 +0000

Sean Gopalakrishnan receives top honor for plasma research Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/30/2025 - 06:50

Kirsten Apodaca

Sean Gopalakrishnan

Sean Gopalakrishnan, a senior physics and astrophysics student, has been recognized for his outstanding research with a Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award. The award is one of the top honors for graduating students in the Department of Physics.

The award was established in 2013 by alumnus Dr. Stephen White (Phys鈥�63) to recognize exceptional undergraduate research projects. During his undergraduate studies at 天美传媒 Boulder, Dr. White鈥檚 research experiences made an impact on his future career and led him to create the award.

Studying lava tubes on the moon

Gopalakrishnan said 鈥減hysics has always been a fascination of mine, ever since I learned that we can predict the motion of the planets."

Pursuing his interests, Gopalakrishnan enrolled at 天美传媒 Boulder and double majored in physics and astrophysics. He joined the Institute for Modeling Plasma, Atmospheres and Cosmic Dust (IMPACT) at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) in 2023. Dr. Xu Wang, research scientist at LASP, served as Gopalakrishnan鈥檚 research advisor.

Wang said, 鈥淪ean鈥檚 work addresses the charging and subsequently the possible dust environment inside lava tubes on the moon鈥檚 surface.鈥� Lava tubes are tunnel-like passages that are created as basaltic lava channels under the surface.

鈥淭hese structures have long been thought to be natural habitats for future lunar exploration. But recent numerical simulations predicted a hazardous plasma environment inside,鈥� Gopalakrishnan explained.

He investigated the interaction between lunar lava tubes and the solar wind. The results showed that the charging environment isn鈥檛 as hazardous as the simulation suggested, making the structures more viable for lunar habitation.

鈥淭his work is timely and important for NASA鈥檚 Artemis mission,鈥� said Wang. The series of missions are designed to send humans to the moon and eventually establish a long-term presence.

Research project earns top honors

Gopalakrishnan鈥檚 outstanding research project received a summa cum laude designation from the College of Arts & Sciences Honors Program. The Physics Honors Council Representatives selected him to receive one of two Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Awards awarded this semester.

Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics, served as the Physics Honors Council Representative for Gopalakrishnan. Munsat said 鈥淪ean turned his work into a top-quality honors thesis, which really showed his independence on the project and his expertise in the subject matter.鈥� He added, 鈥淚鈥檝e also seen him present his work at a scientific conference, and it makes me proud that he鈥檚 representing our department.鈥�

To Gopalakrishnan, the award is an incredible honor. 鈥淚t's truly a gift to see my research and hard work pay off,鈥� he said.

What鈥檚 next?

After graduating this spring, Gopalakrishnan will stay in Boulder to pursue a PhD in physics at 天美传媒 Boulder. He plans to continue his research with the IMPACT group.

鈥淚'm grateful for this opportunity, and excited for future research to come,鈥� said Gopalakrishnan.

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Newsletter

Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community

How it began

Exploring quantum as a community

Students leading the way

Gaining industry perspective

Expanding sponsored fellowships

Off

Professor Cindy Regal wins Brown Investigator Award

Off

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

Off

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

Off

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

Off

Physics students, staff and faculty receive recognition

Off

Incoming graduate student wins prestigious innovators fellowship

Off

Two engineering physics seniors receive College of Engineering awards

Off

Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap

Off

Sean Gopalakrishnan receives top honor for plasma research

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