They grew materials that could be used as memory qubits for a quantum network at Argonne National Laboratory and worked to design a quantum sensing system at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. They built an optical setup at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and developed software to run and simulate quantum error codes at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. They learned to present the results of measurements in meaningful ways at The Ohio State University and learned how electron beam lithography is used at a nanofabrication laboratory at the University of Chicago.
For the 18 undergraduate students who interned in quantum science laboratories and research groups as part of the second cohort of the Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) Fellowship Program, this summer was a chance to immerse themselves in a fast-growing field — one that is driving the development of cutting-edge technology by harnessing the properties of nature’s smallest particles.
“I realized quantum is not science fiction anymore,” said Perla Bran, a student at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago who worked at the Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Chicago. “There is such a big push to excel in this field because of the many possibilities for quantum computing, communications, biology, and so much more. Quantum can be the future of our world and the many careers it also offers.”
For some fellows, it was their first real exposure to quantum information science and engineering (QISE), and, for many, it was a chance to learn what it means to be a scientist in a lab, how to engage as a part of a research group, and how to communicate the results of complex experiments.
“I came into this program with almost no knowledge of how QISE [quantum information science and engineering] research is done,” said Jade Kaminska, who spent the summer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “My work was purely theoretical, but I gained a lot of insight into how it can help experiments. I think now I understand much better how the various research questions in QISE are connected.”
Added Anais El Akkad, who spent the summer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: “I think I learned more this past summer than I have in any class. Being able to do hands-on work and see how science is done has truly reaffirmed my passion for physics.”
This summer’s program included a visit to HRL Laboratories in California and a symposium at which the participants presented their research. Funding was provided by the University of Chicago; the US Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions and Q-NEXT, which is led by Argonne National Laboratory; the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; HQAN at the University of Wisconsin–Madison; The Ohio State University; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; and UChicago’s Inclusive Innovation in the Sciences Fund.
Today, we kick off a six-part series of interviews with the 2023 OQI Fellows, beginning with Jade Kaminska, Gabriel Gaeta, and Selvin Tobar, who spent their summer researching ways to store quantum information in “quantum memory,” similar to computer memory. In the coming days, we will also share interviews with the fellows who worked with and designed new experimental tools, studied nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, worked on quantum communication protocols, researched quantum algorithms, and evaluated defects and dopants in materials for quantum applications.
Jade Kaminska
Home Institution: Illinois Wesleyan University
Major: Mathematics, Economics
OQI Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Faculty Mentor: Maxim Vavilov, Professor of Physics
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: I focused on an experiment that designed a device with superconducting resonators. It can be an ideal platform for qubit-qubit coupling schemes and quantum information storage. My focus was to find parameters that will improve the energy transfer between two resonators to improve the device’s efficiency.
Q: What was your role?
A: I simulated the two-resonator system in Python and studied how the change of parameters affects the transfer of energy. I tried to find ways in which that transfer can be more efficient.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: I made a lot of connections in the quantum community. Through the OQI events, I was also exposed to many different career paths and learned about the numerous ways to advance quantum science. All of that really inspired me to pursue quantum as it is a very exciting field filled with the most passionate and inviting people.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: I came into this program with almost no knowledge of how QISE research is done. My work was purely theoretical, but I gained a lot of insight into how it can help experiments. I think now I understand much better how the various research questions in QISE are connected.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I am starting my junior year at Illinois Wesleyan, where I hope to continue working on research projects in quantum. After I graduate, my goal is to get a PhD in either mathematics or physics.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I spend a lot of my time reading. I am also very passionate about rock bands from the ’60s and ’70s, and I enjoy learning more about the culture back then. Recently, I also got into video games.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Try to get involved in the QISE community, do not be afraid to ask questions, and always go after your interests. The only prerequisite to pursuing a career in this field is being curious and passionate about it.
Gabriel Gaeta
Home Institution: San Jose State University
Major: Physics
OQI Institution: Argonne National Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Jiefei Zhang, Applied Physicist, Assistant Staff Scientist
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: My research was focused on the growth of single-crystal thin films doped with rare-earth spin qubits and characterizing those qubits in the crystals through optical measurements in order to find optimal coherence times for quantum memory applications. I was primarily focused on growing erbium in cerium dioxide that would be used as a memory qubit for a quantum network.
Q: What was your role?
A: My role was that of a student researcher — I was given a lot of freedom within the constraints of working within a group, and I was also offered the guidance needed to achieve my goals. My work consisted of material growth in which I formed thin-layer depositions of single crystal cerium dioxide on a substrate surface. I also gathered data through optical measurements by shooting a laser at the grown film and looked at emission as a way of characterizing the quality of grown film.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: I have gained numerous skills from simply working in the lab through this summer. But something I gained that was invaluable was experiencing the dynamic of working in a research group. It gave me insight into what goes on behind the research, as well as into the different types of roles you can have as a researcher.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: It's a field of science that is still young and has immense potential and implications in the future. Quantum computers, quantum sensing, and quantum communication were all things that I had no idea were possible prior to my opportunity with OQI and the CQE.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Continuing my undergraduate program at San Jose State, pursuing other research opportunities in the future. I always want to have a plan as to what I will do once I am done with my main goal, and after my bachelor’s degree, I would love to pursue graduate school.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I am an avid film and TV lover. I love being immersed in entire other worlds and storylines, especially films that simply explore the human experience and the difficulties that go along with that. My favorite genres consist of dramas, science fiction, thrillers, and biopics.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Have an open mind and go for it! I love being receptive to new ideas, and quantum was one of those. I had no idea that I was going to enjoy quantum research as much as I did, but I tried it and got to experience a wonderful time with so many like-minded people. Don't let your doubts hold you back!
Selvin Tobar
Home Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Major: Chemical Engineering
OQI Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Faculty Mentor: Daniel Shoemaker, Associate Professor and Racheff Faculty Fellow, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: The focus was on optimizing the crystal growth of NaEu(IO3)4 for quantum memory storage. There was also another project that dealt with discovering synthesis procedures for erbium-doped yttrium nanocrystals and studying their applicability in transmitting quantum information.
Q: What was your role?
A: I was in charge of testing out different synthesis procedures for the crystal's growth, and a lot of this role was done working in the lab.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: From the OQI experience I have really learned what it is like to conduct research and work in a lab. It has given me a quick glimpse into what graduate school could potentially be like.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering (QISE)?
A: I realized that QISE is still a very new and promising field, and there are a variety of different areas within QISE where research and job opportunities are available.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I'm transitioning from Wilbur Wright College to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study chemical engineering. After this I am considering going to graduate school to [continue] my education. Whether it is a PhD or a master’s, it is something that is on my mind, and this summer has given me some insight.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I enjoy being physically active — I enjoy playing multiple sports, going on runs, and exploring new places across the city of Chicago.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Look out and explore different opportunities to get involved in the QISE community. There is so much knowledge out there to learn, but there are also so many great people willing to help and guide you.
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