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George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:03:14 +0000

George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia ckearney Tue, 09/01/2026 - 18:03

91�� and Oxford-based frontier computing company TreQ announced a groundbreaking partnership this week to bring open-architecture quantum infrastructure to the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning with the first open-architecture quantum computing system in the state and National Capital Region.

“The opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia is significant. Experts project that quantum will create a multi-trillion-dollar economy within the decade, and the states that build workforce and infrastructure now will lead in the future,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “George Mason has spent nearly a decade boldly building the foundation for this moment. Bringing an open-architecture quantum computing system to our university and making it available to our students and faculty, our partners, the region, and state is the kind of collaborative innovation that will advance Virginia’s continued successes.”

Dean Cody Edwards, President Gregory Washington, TreQ CEO Mandy Birch, QSEC Director Patrick Vora, and George Mason Rector Sumeet Shrivastava. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located on one of George Mason’s Northern Virginia campuses, the system will be the first U.S. deployment of a computing system based on TreQ’s proprietary Open Architecture Quantum (OAQ) framework. With strategic support from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and TreQ, George Mason is investing in the new $7.7 million system planned for delivery and installation in early 2027, with commissioning expected by late summer 2027. The university commercialization and researcher recruitment grant from VIPC is helping to catalyze and attract strategic industry investment and additional philanthropy support for Virginia’s ecosystem.

“Open architecture widens the path for innovation, allowing for different quantum processors, software, networking, and other technologies as they mature, rather than a single integration approach,” said TreQ CEO and Founder Mandy Birch. “That gives established companies, startups, and researchers a place to build, test, and integrate, and move the field forward faster. This first deployment creates a foundation Virginia can keep building on, and we’re glad to be part of George Mason’s vision for what comes next.”

TreQ will design, deploy, and operate the new built-to-evolve quantum computing infrastructure at George Mason, collaborate on research and curriculum, and connect Virginia and the region with companies and innovators across the global quantum technology ecosystem.

Photo by Jackie Cross/TreQ

“VIPC’s mission is to grow Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public–private partnership. This unique collaboration with George Mason, TreQ, and other partners will help attract industry investment, accelerate research commercialization, develop next-generation talent, and empower entrepreneurs and startups to advance cutting-edge quantum technology in the commonwealth,” said VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento. “VIPC is proud to provide catalytic funding to help unlock these exciting opportunities for Virginia’s future.”

Quantum computing is expected to reshape fields including public health and medicine, emergency response, logistics, national security, and infrastructure. Quantum computing is predicted to generate up to $2.7 trillion in economic value internationally by 2035, limited only by two barriers: a shortage of trained talent and the high cost of specialized infrastructure. Alongside ambitious research and interdisciplinary quantum curriculum, the investments at George Mason will help expand access and accelerate discovery, building toward a quantum-enabled future that overcomes both those obstacles.

“The open architecture system provides needed infrastructure to work across the full quantum stack, and fuels rapid innovation that no single organization could tackle alone, advancing the region as a magnet for the quantum supply chain,” said College of Science Dean Cody Edwards. “Open architecture isn’t about being vendor-neutral. It changes what’s possible by opening the system to more technologies and innovators. With the infrastructure and curriculum to train the workforce, George Mason can help drive the advanced computing economy forward.”

This partnership builds on George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC), where 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges have developed the university’s foundation in quantum. QSEC also recently signed an MOU with two of Korea’s leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI), establishing an international relationship with a key U.S. ally in technology and workforce.

Quantum is a priority area within George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative — a university-wide effort to focus talent and resources on problems of regional and national consequence — and the university is backing it with a $2.4 million catalyst investment, six new postdoctoral positions, and three new faculty positions. The university also launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering. With 80-85% of George Mason graduates working in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the region, the university is creating a talent pipeline to meet the region’s workforce needs.

“George Mason engineering is advancing the frontiers of quantum computing through pioneering research, transformative student experiences, and strategic partnerships with innovators such as TreQ,” added College of Engineering and Computing Dean Ken Ball. “We are preparing the next generation of engineers to turn quantum breakthroughs into practical solutions that will shape the future of technology and society.”

As a top-ranked university, George Mason is already working with regional and industry partners across the state to formalize a broader quantum coalition that is shaping quantum research and workforce development. The new system will also serve as foundational infrastructure for international companies exploring expansion into Northern Virginia.

“Our partnership with TreQ gives QSEC faculty and students access to true quantum computing hardware for the first time,” said QSEC Director Patrick Vora. “We can now launch ambitious new research initiatives, build globally unique workforce training programs, and team with our industry colleagues to grow the Virginia quantum ecosystem. This will truly let Virginia take a quantum leap and drive the future.”

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Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem

Katarina Benson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:07:33 +0000

Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem Katarina Benson Tue, 08/18/2026 - 13:07

As South Korea accelerates its national investment in quantum science and technology, 91��'s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) is strengthening its engagement with the country's leading research institutions and regional innovation partners.

In July 2026, Pilgyu Kang, QSEC's deputy director and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, traveled to Mason Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding between QSEC and two of Korea's leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI).

Mason Korea QSEC, Future Quantum Convergence Forum, and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center representatives.

“This memorandum represents much more than a formal agreement—it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that connects researchers, students, and industry across the United States and South Korea,” said Kang. “By working together, we can accelerate quantum research, expand educational opportunities, and prepare a globally connected workforce capable of addressing the scientific and technological challenges of the future.”

The Future Quantum Convergence Forum serves as a hub connecting Korea's quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) industry, academia, research institutions, and local governments, with the Quantum-AI Convergence Institute (QCI) operating as its secretariat. For QCI, the MOU with George Mason marks a starting point for advancing collaboration with Korea's industry, academia, research community, and local governments.

Partnering with QSEC—a research center spanning physics, engineering, and computer science—is expected to provide QCI with new opportunities to build a global research network and exchange expertise in workforce development. Going forward, the two institutions plan to create opportunities for academic and research exchange through workshops and seminars, and to explore ways for George Mason and Korean companies to expand into each other's markets.

While in Korea, Kang also visited the Quantum Computing Project Group at Yonsei University in Songdo, which operates Korea's first 127-qubit IBM Quantum System One—the second university-based, on-premises IBM Quantum System One in the world. The visit served as an important platform for QSEC, Yonsei University, and Mason Korea to discuss future collaboration in quantum research, education, workforce development, and long-term academic partnerships.

South Korea continues to expand its national quantum strategy through large-scale government investment. Korea's Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently reviewing proposals for a nationwide quantum cluster initiative expected to invest approximately KRW 100 billion ($70 million USD) in regional quantum innovation ecosystems.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward for QSEC and George Mason,” said Patrick Vora, QSEC director. “By growing our relationship with our Korean partners, we will create new opportunities for scientific advancement, technological innovation, and quantum education."

A final designation of participating regions is expected in the coming weeks, and discussions around Mason Korea and QSEC's potential role remain ongoing. To support these efforts, Mason Korea's Industry–University Collaboration Foundation (IUCF) facilitated discussions between QSEC and key stakeholders in Korea's quantum community.

Building on its longstanding partnership with Yonsei University, Mason Korea also helped identify opportunities for future international collaboration involving research, education, and innovation.

The partnership was facilitated by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and originated when QCI visited Fairfax County for the 2025 Quantum World Congress. A key connector in building international partnerships, FCEDA will continue to support both parties in deepening their collaboration and identifying new opportunities to strengthen ties between Korea and George Mason.

"Mason Korea exists to make George Mason a genuinely global university, not just one with a campus abroad,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. “Helping QSEC establish real footing in Korea's quantum ecosystem—and bringing other partner institutions along in the process—is precisely that mission in action."

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Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift

ckearney — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:50:35 +0000

Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift ckearney Fri, 07/10/2026 - 14:50

Quantum science is a revolution in the making, and a recent donation by Department of Physics and Astronomy Professor Paul So has placed 91�� at the forefront of understanding and harnessing its capabilities.

Paul So. Photo by Hamiltonian Artists

Through a generous $3 million gift from So’s SYYK Foundation, George Mason’s College of Science will be able to advance the education of the next generation of quantum scientists. The gift will establish an endowed professorship within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The university seeks an esteemed faculty member to fill this role, with a preference for a scientist who has expertise in quantum sciences, “someone with new ideas,” said So, “who will create a vibrant space in the department.”

“It’s important to think about quantum as a revolutionary and game-changing leap ahead in our ability to compute, to sense the world around us, and to communicate with each other,” said Patrick Vora, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and director of George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

The goal of the professorship is to build a community of learning around quantum technology, said Vora. “It will catalyze new collaborations between faculty members, but always, at the end of the day, our biggest impact is going to be in training our students.”

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of subatomic particles and their properties. Understanding and controlling those properties could drive significant advances in engineering and technology, said Vora, who is leading George Mason’s Quantum Leap, one of seven newly funded catalyst projects in the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

“Your phone runs on quantum science, your computer runs on quantum science,” So added. “New materials, new technologies, and new applications will all rely on quantum.” That could include enhanced weather prediction as well as faster drug discovery and development.

So founded SYYK with his brother Peter, a professor of mechanical and biological engineering at MIT, to continue their mother’s philanthropic efforts after her death in 2021. The charitable nonprofit has a broad mission but prioritizes gifts to educational and cultural institutions.

“Even when we were growing up in Hong Kong, my parents supported local schools,” So said. “They appreciated that education was the foundation of a kid’s future, the foundation of society’s future.”

So believes that strengthening the quantum science program at George Mason will attract top students to the university and encourage more cross-pollination between disciplines like math, computer science, and engineering.

“One of the biggest challenges of realizing quantum technology is less about the ‘quantum’ and more the people,” Vora said. “Developing the science into an industry will require a significant expansion of the workforce. The only way that you can do that is by expanding representation in the workforce. And there are few things that George Mason does as well as providing opportunity for people who may not have had it before.”

So is optimistic that the investment in quantum will better position students to take advantage of the unique opportunity George Mason offers. “We’re right here in the National Capital region, near so many tech companies,” he said, “and there’s a lot of support from the government to develop quantum.”

Indeed, the federal government recently announced that it would inject $2 billion into quantum development, funding nine domestic computer companies to build quantum infrastructure. The White House, meanwhile, also issued executive orders to accelerate the migration of federal computing systems to systems that can protect them from quantum cyberattacks. Quantum-related job postings have tripled in the last 15 years with an average salary of $131,000.

The structure of the new professorship is a novel one at George Mason. The professor’s salary will be covered by the College of Science, while proceeds from the endowment will serve as discretionary funding to support graduate students. The donation also includes a percentage of the gift applied as “current use” funds, available now to provide support while the endowment yield grows.

“Paul So’s extraordinary generosity gives George Mason the ability to move with both urgency and ambition in quantum science,” said Cody W. Edwards, dean of the College of Science. “This endowed professorship will help us recruit a field-shaping scholar, support graduate students, and accelerate the collaborations needed to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists and innovators. It is a gift with immediate impact, long-term vision, and profound significance for the College of Science, George Mason, and the commonwealth.”

Given the surge in quantum investment and jobs around the country, So hopes the gift will encourage additional giving to support quantum at George Mason. “Compared to what is needed, this is just the start,” he said.

“We’re talking about a generation-scale technological shift,” said Vora. “Bringing on this new faculty member, around which our current and future faculty members can collaborate and coalesce, will really change what it looks like to be a quantum scientist in the future.”

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George Mason launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

ckearney — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:23:34 +0000

George Mason launches new MS in quantum science and engineering ckearney Mon, 06/15/2026 - 14:23

91�� has launched a new master of science in quantum science and engineering, the first program of its kind in Virginia and one of only a handful in the United States. Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines including mathematics, physics, computing, engineering, cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.

Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the MS program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines. Photo provided

Quantum technology is transforming industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy. As investment in quantum research and development continues to grow worldwide, so does the need for professionals who can bridge traditional STEM fields with emerging quantum technologies.

The degree was developed in direct response to industry demand for a workforce that can bridge traditional disciplines and emerging quantum technologies.

“When we talked to industry, they told us they want experts in STEM fields who also have knowledge of quantum science and engineering,” said Jessica Rosenberg, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

Reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the field, students enter the program with backgrounds in STEM disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering, and build quantum expertise alongside domain-specific knowledge. The curriculum integrates foundational training in quantum information science and engineering while allowing students to deepen their applied-area expertise through electives in external disciplines.

The master's program focuses on three key areas: quantum computing and algorithms, quantum communications and security, and quantum sensing and measurement technologies.

Rather than training students solely as quantum specialists, the program emphasizes preparing them to apply quantum tools within their primary fields.

Photo provided

“Our goal is not to train pure quantum scientists,” said Michael Jarret, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Computer Science. “We're training professionals who can operate between domains—people who can connect quantum concepts to real-world applications.”

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students complete a master's research project, often in collaboration with industry partners or research laboratories, gaining real-world experience in quantum applications and emerging technologies.

This flexible structure allows the program to evolve alongside the field itself. “As the quantum industry grows over the next decade, this degree is designed to adapt with it,” Jarret added.

Through this approach, graduates will be well-positioned to evaluate and implement quantum solutions in both academic and applied settings while also communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, from current undergraduates to working professionals.

George Mason also offers a Bachelor’s-to-Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway, enabling qualified undergraduates at George Mason to begin working toward the degree during their junior or senior years. At the same time, the program welcomes students entering directly into the master’s, creating opportunities for both early-career and returning learners to engage with quantum technologies.

As quantum technologies continue to reshape fields from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy, programs like George Mason’s MS in quantum science and engineering are critical to building the next generation of talent.

This program is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.

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George Mason pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:01:23 +0000

George Mason pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum Katarina Benson Fri, 10/03/2025 - 15:01

Quantum science may operate at the tiniest scales of the universe, but its potential to reshape our world is anything but small. This summer, 91�� hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, preparing high school students for careers in the rapidly emerging field of quantum science.

The program welcomed rising seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia for an immersive, two-part experience consisting of a two-week virtual course covering the fundamentals of quantum science, followed by an in-person week centered at the George Mason Fairfax Campus. During the in-person experience students engaged with hands-on learning and saw how quantum concepts are already shaping the world around them. They also visited leading institutions in research, technology, and policy.

Program leads Nancy Holincheck and Jessica Rosenberg. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

“Before this experience, I always associated 'quantum' with quantum physics,” said participant Benjamin Fu. “But I’ve learned that quantum technologies power many of the applications and systems we rely on every day.”

The program is led by Jessica Rosenberg, professor of Physics and Astronomy and director of education at George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, and Nancy Holincheck, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and associate director of the Center for Social Equity Through Science Education.

"We want to give the students a feel for why it is interesting and important so that they consider taking that next step in a field that can be challenging," said Rosenberg. "If we can get these students interested, there will be plenty of time for them to dive into the math and other details that you need to really pursue the field. We also make sure to introduce them to a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences to show them the variety of ways they can engage with and make an impact in the field."

Both Rosenberg and Holincheck guided students this summer through interactive sessions and field experiences, with many participants citing the visits as a highlight of their experience. For Fu, the visit to the MITRE Corporation, an organization that manages federally funded research and development, left a lasting impression.

“I met so many working professionals, and I admire their curiosity and how well they communicate their expertise,” he said. “They have to work closely with government agencies and serve as a bridge between academic research and real-world policy, and I could definitely see myself doing something like that in the future.”

2025 Quantum Pathways Program participants. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

Fellow participant Laura De also liked visiting MITRE. “I’m interested in industry-based applications of quantum and so seeing how people in the workforce implement the technologies, outside of academia, was the coolest thing. I think seeing that helped me envision doing that in the future.”

Participant Colette Cookson described the visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as the highlight of the program, where she witnessed aerospace engineering in action and saw the massive machinery used in final-stage rocket testing. The students were shown how the facility uses vibration, sound, and extreme temperatures to ensure a rocket is sound before sending it to space. “I didn’t realize how many people were involved in making a single launch possible and that each step had its own specialist come in to do their part. There’s a lot of collaboration and interdisciplinary work,” she said.

Rosenberg and Holincheck also took participants through George Mason’s labs and let them see some of the work being done by current George Mason students.

Participant Horayn Gibson uses a handheld spectrometer to look at the different light waves that make up helium. Photo by Kimberly Cruz-Cruz

“I had no idea George Mason had so many resources or was investing this much in STEM,” said Cookson. “Every lab we visited was amazing, and it was cool to hear the postdocs talk about their research. One was working on something they said they hoped could cure cancer.”

For Avanthika Thodupunuri, the most exciting part was meeting current George Mason students whose research connected with her own interests. “I want to know how quantum can be applied to the stock market, and one student was working on a physics-based study in that area,” she said. “This program was incredible. I was surrounded by people who were not only incredibly smart, but also genuinely curious, asking thoughtful questions and interested in the subject.”

The Quantum Pathways Immersion program is part of QSEC’s K12 Quantum Workforce Development Project, which was funded by an appropriation sponsored by former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton and aims to inspire the next generation of students to pursue the field while simultaneously preparing a diverse quantum workforce in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

“As the next generation, I think everyone is going to want to at least have some basic understanding [of quantum], and this program definitely gives you a head start on it,” said Thodupunuri.

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George Mason researcher gets CAREER award for quantum leaps in computing, with the help of AI

Nathan Kahl — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:55:11 +0000

George Mason researcher gets CAREER award for quantum leaps in computing, with the help of AI Nathan Kahl Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:55

Weiwen Jiang, an assistant professor in the 91��'s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is an expert in quantum computing, having recently received nearly $1 million in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding to study “noise” that impacts quantum computing and to work on training the next generation of quantum experts.

Jiang’s research is all about pushing the mysterious world of quantum computing into the mainstream. “We are at the quantum utility era, which means we are going to have computational applications that can be implemented with and utilize the power of quantum computing,” he said. But Jiang knows that researchers need a boost in understanding the full quantum capability.

In January he received an NSF CAREER award for $641,778 for his work on quantum-centric computing cyberinfrastructure (QuCI). A combination of quantum computers, classical computers, and AI accelerators, QuCI is set to revolutionize

Weiwen Jiang. Photo provided

software applications handling everything from geophysics, chemistry, finance, and life sciences, because it can outperform classical computing with its speed, accuracy, and the ability to handle large, data-heavy problems. For example, the success of processing geoscience data on quantum computers can enable real-time decision-making on natural hazards, which leads to cost savings, reduced environmental impacts, and improved safety.

Jiang’s project includes three thrusts. One is using what’s called an AI-powered quantum performance predictor, which leads to an innovative and efficient ability to allocate computing resources in the moment. Jiang said, “When a batch of jobs comes into the system, we need to allocate the jobs into different quantum nodes and we want to distribute the jobs effectively.”

Another focus is bridging a knowledge gap between experts who want to run software applications but are not experts in quantum. “In order to fill this gap we do not want the expert to learn quantum computing from scratch,” he said. “We’ll find opportunities to fine-tune the configuration for quantum control optimization,” helping a non-expert user harness the power of quantum computing by combining classical central-processing unit computing with quantum. Current QuCIs require complicated decision-making to ensure correct computing results are obtained, but this can fall into the hands of users who lack quantum knowledge. Jiang’s project automates QuCI deployment, making decisions and optimizations at different stages without human interference.

A third element is to develop what’s known as fault-tolerant quantum computing, which means allowing quantum computers to operate even when encountering errors. Jiang said, “Before we submit the job, we will add fault-tolerant protocols to ensure the functional correctness and boost performance.”

The NSF CAREER award is reserved for the nation’s most talented up-and-coming researchers. From the NSF website: “The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program offers NSF’s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.”

Beyond the scientific impact, the project builds an easy-to-understand quantum education program, which includes building a visualization platform to make quantum computations visible. This is significantly important for beginners who easily suffer from the counterintuitive concepts of quantum computing. In addition, Jiang will create workshops, tutorials, and competitions for different research communities, contribute to a George Mason-led quantum immersion program for K-12 students; and redesign a quantum curriculum at George Mason with outcomes from this project.

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George Mason physicist receives NSF CAREER award for topological quantum computing research

ckearney — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:41:33 +0000

George Mason physicist receives NSF CAREER award for topological quantum computing research ckearney Tue, 08/20/2024 - 14:41

Fereshte Ghahari Kermani, assistant professor in physics and astronomy in 91��’s College of Science, received the prestigious Early Career Development (CAREER) Program grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue her research on the complex quantum phases in graphene materials.

Fereshte Ghahari Kermani. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In 2023, Ghahari was the first faculty member at George Mason to receive the competitive U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Early Career Award to advance quantum technologies, and now she is the first to receive CAREER awards from both the DOE and NSF.

Ghahari’s study “Topological order and edge states in fractional quantum Hall systems” will focus on the complex quantum phases in graphene materials, which could be utilized in the development of future quantum technologies. For this project, Ghahari will investigate a specific topological phase of matter known as the fractional quantum Hall effect, which she first discovered in graphene in 2009. This phenomenon that appears in two-dimensional electron systems under high magnetic fields and ultra-low temperatures can support new particles that serve as the building blocks for topological quantum computers.

“By looking at how the charges flow and the heat they carry in response to a temperature gradient, we can measure entropy, or the degree of randomness, which can reveal the topological properties of these new particles and if they can be used in future topological quantum computers,” she explained.

Topological quantum computers allow for complex calculations out of reach of standard computing schemes. Quantum bits (qubits), which are used in conventional quantum computing, are more susceptible to errors due to environmental noise and other factors. Topological qubits, however, are prone to these types of errors.

“Studying these specific phases may also provide valuable insights into one of the long-standing problems in cosmology known as the “blackhole paradox” that addresses the loss of information in blackholes,” Ghahari said.

“Ghahari’s research and programmatic efforts continue to receive well-deserved attention,” said Department of Physics and Astronomy Chair Ernest Barreto. “Our quantum computing and materials academic offerings and research support continue to grow, thanks to such innovative research, outreach, and partnerships,” Barreto said.

Students working on Ghahari’s research team will create tiny graphene heterostructures on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, and subsequently use nanofabrication equipment at a nearby project collaborator, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), to integrate the quantum nanodevices. Finally, they will use a low temperature cryostat located at Ghahari’s lab at George Mason to measure these devices at extremely low temperatures and high magnetic fields.

As part of this award, Ghahari will design an education plan to educate George Mason community on quantum nanoscience research by leveraging her unique expertise and established collaborations, which can enhance and expand the existing infrastructure. This plan also includes promoting outreach and educational opportunities for students and underrepresented groups by offering seminars and additional quantum courses. She seeks to introduce quantum concepts to high school students to foster awareness and cultivate interest at an earlier age. According to Ghahari, mentorship plays an essential role in a student’s academic experience.

“Mentoring is crucial,” Ghahari said. “As a student, I often sought inspiration. Now, I strive to share my passion and interest in the subject as I work with students.”

With the NSF support, Ghahari’s study will receive $564,695 over the course of five years.

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Mason physicist receives university’s first DOE Early Career Award

ckearney — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:38:46 +0000

Mason physicist receives university’s first DOE Early Career Award ckearney Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:38

91�� researcher Fereshte Ghahari Kermani recently received the highly competitive U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Early Career Award. She is the first Mason faculty member to receive this honor, one that highlights the significance of her contributions to the field of condensed matter physics.

This recognition supports scientists across the county whose work pushes the boundaries of scientific advancement and helps solidify the United States as a driver of science and innovation around the world.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Ghahari’s study “Probing Correlated Phenomena in Graphene Constrictions” seeks to discover new pathways that will advance the development of novel quantum computing devices. To propel quantum technologies forward, Ghahari, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, will look specifically at quantum electronic properties of charge carriers in graphene—a single atom thick layer of graphite—nanostructures.

Her research will address fundamental physics questions including whether a novel type of superconducting qubit can be designed by twisting graphene layers, as well as the properties of emergent particles of specific topological phases of matter. A qubit refers to a basic unit of quantum computing, such as the spin of an electron.

In search for these questions, Ghahari and her team will design and realize artificial potential landscapes in tiny graphene devices. Then they measure these devices at ultra-low temperatures and strong magnetic fields to probe correlated phases in their tunable dimensionalities.

“This research helps to develop new types of qubits by understanding specific quantum electron properties of particles when traveling through these constrictions,” Ghahari said.

Ghahari’s study was selected by the DOE’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences and will receive $875K over the course of five years. “It is nice to be recognized. This funding will support my career goals to make meaningful advances leading to the scientific insights required for the advancement of technologies based on quantum physics, “Ghahari said.

Ghahari’s past research has been in pursuit of understanding novel correlated and topological phenomena in graphene. She has made pioneering contributions to the field early in her career from the discovery of fractional quantum Hall effect and hydrodynamic thermal transport to Berry phase switch and quantum Hall wedding cakes in graphene nano devices.

Interested in Ghahari’s research? View another study currently in progress and her work recently published in Science.

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