UMBC has received $1.5 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to organize a new UMBC Quantum Science Institute. The funding will support graduate fellowships for students pursuing quantum technology research, the development of new courses and academic programs focused on quantum, and equipment to enhance existing quantum labs and start new ones.
“This institute is the crowning jewel of several decades of pioneering quantum research here at UMBC,” says QSI director and professor of physics Todd Pittman, Ph.D. ’96, physics. “We have some heavy hitters here who are founders in the field, and the QSI is building on that foundation with a new generation of outstanding quantum-focused faculty.”
Quantum technologies harness the odd behaviors of particles at the atomic level to generate new functions, and are typically much more powerful than their conventional technology counterparts. To approach quantum research from every angle, the institute includes faculty across the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences and the College of Engineering and IT in physics, mathematics and statistics, computer science, and information systems. They are pursuing quantum research in areas including computing, communications, sensing, information theory, algorithms, and more. “You just can’t do comprehensive quantum research without bringing together engineers, data analysts, computer scientists, mathematicians, and physicists,” Pittman says.
“I am thankful for the support provided by NIST to develop the UMBC Quantum Science Institute under the leadership of Dr. Pittman,” shares Karl V. Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement. “QSI will catalyze a new quantum research effort, in support of Governor Moore’s ‘Capital of Quantum’ Initiative to position Maryland as a global leader in this rapidly growing field.”
Training quantum-ready workers
In addition to contributing to research innovation and discovery, the institute will train students from a range of backgrounds to take on skilled roles in the booming quantum industry.
“The quantum industry has exploded,” Pittman says. The quantum technology market was valued at $10 billion in 2021 and is projected to rise to $44 billion by 2028, with potential for much more growth beyond that. In addition to tech giants like Google and IBM, hundreds of start-ups are working in the quantum space. “The market is hungry for quantum-ready workers,” Pittman says, and UMBC is ready to train them.
Sandra Cheng, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in physics, is a member of the first cohort of quantum graduate fellows. “Quantum science research, particularly in computing and networking, is quite interdisciplinary by nature,” she says, “and I’m hopeful the QSI will bring together like minds from all the departments involved, so that we’ll be able to contribute towards a greater understanding of quantum science together.”
The QSI leadership team plans to offer social and professional development programming for the fellows. In addition to preparing them for the workforce, the connections they make will help generate a personal network of support, encouraging persistence in a demanding field. Organizing interdisciplinary offerings for the student cohort will also promote collaboration among faculty, Pittman says, adding, “Students are the glue that holds the center together.”
“This new institute is a celebration of our strength and history in quantum research,” Pittman says. “I’m looking forward to seeing QSI unify the quantum researchers on campus in a way that promotes and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Tags: CNMS, COEIT, CSEE, Information Systems, IS, MathStat, Physics, Research
