John Davis is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD and MSc from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s from Washington University. His research focuses on nanomechanics, superfluidity, and superconductivity, particularly in confined geometries and quantum properties of nanomechanical systems. His lab develops superfluid-based technologies for dark matter detection and precision measurement. He has held academic positions since 2010, including roles at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and postdoctoral training at the University of Alberta with Prof. Mark R. Freeman. Education: PhD in Physics (2008), Northwestern University MSc in Physics (2003), Northwestern University Bachelor’s in Physics with Honors (2001), Washington University Research Interests: Superfluid nanomechanical resonators Ultralow-temperature superfluid 3He Nanofluidic cavity quantum electrodynamics Quantum-limited torque magnetometry Applications in dark matter detection and gravitational wave sensing His recent work emphasizes magnomechanics and optomechanical transduction , integrating superfluid systems with quantum sensors. Articles highlight advancements in cryogenic devices, nonlinear dynamics, and hybrid quantum systems. Ongoing projects include the HElium-based Light Operated Superfluid (HELIOS) dark matter detector. Grants & Labs: His lab operates a cryogen-efficient low-temperature facility, focusing on microfluidic quantum fluid experiments. Collaborations involve advanced photonic crystal cavities and diamond-based optomechanical platforms.
Prof. dr. Steven Hoekstra is an Associate Professor of Atomic and Molecular Physics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Van Swinderen Institute. His research focuses on precision measurements using cold molecules to explore fundamental physics, including Stark deceleration, laser cooling, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. He leads the NL-eEDM program at Nikhef, investigating the electron's electric dipole moment. Hoekstra is also involved in educational innovation, having received the Teacher of the Year award (2020) and a Senior Teacher Qualification (2023). He has supervised over 11 PhD theses and currently mentors 5 students. His work combines experimental techniques with theoretical insights, addressing questions like symmetry violations and quantum dynamics. Key projects include manipulating BaF molecules with electrostatic fields and exploring levitated nanoparticles as sensors. Hoekstra has secured major grants, including NWO VICI (2022) and VIDI (2013), and collaborates internationally on projects like the European Strategy for particle physics. Recent articles highlight advancements in molecular beam control, spin-precession methods for EDM searches, and opportunities in radioactive molecules. He actively participates in the Physics Olympiad Netherlands as chair, contributing to science outreach and education.
Qing Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), part of the College of Engineering. He holds a B.E. in Electronics Engineering from Tsinghua University (2006) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2013). Prior to CMU, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he developed quantum frequency conversion and microresonator-based optical systems. His research focuses on light-matter interactions in integrated photonics, emphasizing nonlinear optics and quantum information processing. He has pioneered silicon carbide and aluminum nitride platforms for chip-scale quantum technologies and optical metrology. Dr. Li has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Darpa Young Faculty Award (2019), OSA Paul F. Forman Team Engineering Excellence Award (2020), and Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis Award (Georgia Tech). His work bridges classical and quantum information systems, with applications in secure communication, atomic systems interrogation, and high-precision frequency synthesis. He actively contributes to the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute (PQI), advancing regional quantum engineering initiatives. His research group’s key projects include developing compact optical frequency synthesizers, soliton microcombs for communication grids, and entangled photon pair sources for quantum networks. Grants and collaborations support his exploration of novel photonic materials and devices, targeting advancements in both fundamental science and applied technologies.
Nori Franco serves as Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan and Chief Scientist at RIKEN's Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory in Japan. His dual appointments reflect his significant contributions to both American and Japanese academic communities, with continuous service at Michigan since 1990 and at RIKEN since 2002. His research spans quantum information, condensed matter physics, and quantum optics, with particular focus on light-matter interactions, superconducting qubits, optomechanics, and quantum open systems. Franco's work bridges theoretical foundations with experimental implementations, especially in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum computing applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-Hermitian quantum systems, quantum control techniques, and applications of quantum information science to fundamental physics problems. His research group consistently produces highly cited work, with publications appearing in top journals across quantum physics and condensed matter disciplines. Scientific Awards: Charles Hard Townes Medal (2024) - sole recipient for fundamental contributions to quantum optics and quantum information processing Research Doctorate Honoris Causa from University of Messina (2024) Highly Cited Researcher for eight consecutive years (2017-2024) Member of Academia Europaea (2023) Willis E. Lamb Medal (2023) for quantum electronics research Throughout his career, Franco has secured significant research funding and mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. His work has received international recognition through invitations to deliver prestigious lectures including the Stanislav Ulam Lecture and Sir Nevill Mott Lecture in 2024. His research group maintains strong collaborations across multiple continents, reflecting his global impact on quantum physics. At RIKEN, Franco leads the Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team within the Quantum Computing Center, directing cutting-edge theoretical work that complements experimental efforts in quantum computing hardware development.
Klaus Mølmer is a Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, specializing in Quantum Optics and Photonics. His research spans quantum information, entanglement, and cavity QED, leveraging machine learning and Grover's algorithm for quantum state engineering. His recent work focuses on spin squeezing, Rydberg atom interactions, and mechanical resonator cooling. A leader in quantum simulation and superradiance, he collaborates on cavity-mediated emission and quantum network design. The 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in quantum state manipulation, entanglement protocols, and robust differential phase sensing. These studies bridge theoretical frameworks with experimental applications in cavity QED, Rydberg arrays, and zero-photon detection.
Roman Schnabel is a Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Institute for Laser Physics under the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. He leads cutting-edge research in quantum optics, gravitational wave detection, and quantum technologies. Education : PhD in Physics (1999, Leibniz Universität Hannover); Physics degree (1988–1994, Leibniz Universität Hannover) Awards : QCMC 2018 Award, Gruber Cosmology Prize 2016 (LIGO team), Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics 2016 (LIGO team), Joseph F. Keithley Award 2012 His recent work explores high-frequency gravitational wave observatories , entanglement generation , and quantum-enhanced sensing . He holds patents for gas sensors and optical surface imaging technologies. Schnabel co-founded the start-up Noisy Labs in 2023 and served as Director of Outreach & Transfer for the Cluster of Excellence 'Quantum Universe' (2019–2022).
K. Rajibul Islam is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds a joint appointment with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and co-founded Open Quantum Design and Lightflow Optics Inc. His research focuses on quantum information processing, quantum simulation, and trapped ion systems, with applications in quantum computing and entanglement studies. Education: Ph.D. in Physics (2012, University of Maryland), M.Sc. in Physics (2007, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), B.Sc. in Physics (2005, Jadavpur University). Postdoctoral research at Harvard University (2012–2015) and MIT (2015–2016). Research Interests : Quantum simulation of spin models, quantum computing with trapped ions, entanglement measurement, frustrated spin systems, and quantum materials. His lab, QITI (Quantum Information with Trapped Ions), develops scalable quantum simulators and open-access quantum computers like 'QuantumIon.' Awards : Fellow of the American Physical Society (2024), VAIBHAV Fellowship (2024), Excellence in Teaching Award (2024), Early Researcher Award (2019), and Distinguished PhD Dissertation Award (2012–13). Teaching : Courses include PHYS 701 (Graduate Quantum Physics), PHYS 234 (Quantum Physics I), PHYS 393 (Physical Optics), and PHYS 256 (Geometrical and Physical Optics). He emphasizes outreach via initiatives like Bigyan.org.in , a Bengali-language science platform. Lab and Collaborations : Active in developing trapped-ion quantum hardware, including ion trap designs, optical addressing systems, and holographic control methods. Collaborates on quantum algorithms, machine learning for quantum systems, and experimental quantum thermodynamics.
Angela Kou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in the intersection of quantum information science and condensed matter physics. Her laboratory develops novel superconducting circuit elements and qubits, while also utilizing superconducting circuits to investigate topological materials with potential applications in quantum computing. She actively seeks postdoctoral researchers and graduate students to explore superconducting qubit engineering and quantum material sensing. Her research integrates quantum information , topological materials , and superconducting circuit design . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in fluxonium qubit control , quantum dot Josephson junctions , and parafermion zero modes in exotic heterostructures. She contributes to advancing cryogen-free dilution refrigerator technology for scanning probe microscopy applications. Current research trends focus on quantum coherence optimization , phase-slip qubit operation , and vibration mitigation in cryogenic systems. Her work receives support from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, and the National Science Foundation. Collaborations span multiple institutions, with key partnerships at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Her technical contributions include microwave impedance microscopy , scanning single-electron transistor measurements , and vibration analysis for quantum device stability.
F. Levent Degertekin is a Regents' Entrepreneur and the George W. Woodruff Chair in Mechanical Systems and Professor at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His office is located in Love Building, room 311B, and his contact email is levent.degertekin@me.gatech.edu. Dr. Degertekin's academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (1997), an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Bilkent University, Turkey (1991), and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (1989). Dr. Degertekin's research focuses on micromachined ultrasonic devices and systems for medical applications, particularly in intravascular ultrasound imaging, therapeutic ultrasound, and acousto-optical sensors for MRI. His work spans from fundamental research on novel transduction methods to complete catheter-based imaging systems close to commercialization. He has made significant contributions to capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), developing diffraction grating based optomechanical sensing methods now commercialized by Silicon Audio, novel atomic force microscopy imaging probes, and micromachined ultrasonic ejector structures for cell transfection commercialized by OpenCell Technologies. His research integrates acoustics, optics, and their combinations for various medical applications, utilizing conventional microfabrication (MEMS) and integrated circuit technologies. The Degertekin lab exposes students to applied physics, electrical, mechanical and biomedical engineering, biology, and biomimetic systems, providing them with thorough theoretical and experimental education in acoustics and optics while learning interdisciplinary research. Dr. Degertekin's work has received significant media attention, including coverage in IEEE Spectrum, Wired Magazine, The New York Times, and Fox Business News, highlighting innovations such as handheld ultrasound probes, MRI safety sensors, and minimally invasive cardiac imaging technologies. IEEE Fellow for 'Contributions to micromachined ultrasonic and optomechanical transducers and systems,' 2022 IEEE UFFC Society Inaugural Carl Hellmuth Hertz Ultrasonic Achievement Award, 2014 George W. Woodruff School Outstanding Achievement in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Award, 2024 National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2004-2009 Whitaker Foundation Biomedical Engineering Research Grant Award, 2001 66 US and 6 International Patents Dr. Degertekin has mentored numerous students who have gone on to make significant contributions in the field. Several of his students have received IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium Best Student Paper Awards, including Jeff McLean (2003), Sheng-Yu Peng (2006), Rasim O. Guldiken (2005 and 2007), and Toby Xu (2014). His research has been supported by various grants including the NSF CAREER Award and Whitaker Foundation grant. His work has led to multiple commercial ventures including Silicon Audio and OpenCell Technologies. The Degertekin Group at Georgia Tech focuses on transducers and systems for medical imaging and sensing, with current projects including capacitive parametric transducers, acousto-optic sensors for MRI, novel transducer methods for focused ultrasound in the brain, microsystems for intravascular and intracardiac ultrasound imaging, and CMUT-on-CMOS systems for IVUS imaging.
Tongcang Li is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Purdue University, affiliated with the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds joint appointments at the Birck Nanotechnology Center and the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. His research focuses on quantum photonics, optomechanics, and quantum sensing, with breakthroughs in levitated nanoscale systems and Casimir effects. Education: PhD, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011 BS, University of Science and Technology of China, 2004 Research Interests: Spin qubits in 2D materials (e.g., hexagonal boron nitride) Levitated optomechanics for quantum control and sensing Casimir interactions and vacuum friction Quantum transducers and optically trapped nanoparticles Notable Achievements: 2018: One of 10 APS Physics Highlights of the Year for GHz rotation of levitated nanoparticles 2022: Featured in Optics & Photonics News' 'Optics in 2022' for on-chip optical levitation with metalenses Grants & Funding: Supported by NSF, DOE, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Toyota, ONR, DARPA, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Labs/Teams: Leads the Quantum Sensing and Optomechanics Laboratory at Purdue, advancing quantum sensing and quantum information processing technologies.
Harry Atwater is the Howard Hughes Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He serves as Director of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) and previously led the Light-Materials Interactions in Energy Conversion (LMI-EFRC) from 2009–2014. His research bridges photovoltaics, solar energy systems, plasmonics, and nanophotonics. Atwater pioneered the field of plasmonics and co-founded Alta Devices, a leader in GaAs photovoltaic technology. He holds over 200 publications and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering (2015) and the ENI Prize (2012). His work spans cutting-edge innovations such as silicon wire array solar cells, metasurface technologies for optical manipulation, and space solar power systems. Current projects include developing lightsail propulsion for interstellar exploration and photothermocatalytic reactors for sustainable fuels. Atwater’s lab focuses on the intersection of nanophotonics and energy, exploring quantum emitters, carbon capture, and optomechanical systems. Research Highlights: Plasmonic light absorbers, metasurface-based imaging, and solar energy harvesting systems. Key Projects: Lightsail experiments, space-based solar power missions, and CO₂ reduction via electrochemical methods. Awards: Julius Springer Prize (2014), ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2014), and MRS Kavli Lecturer (2010).
Amir Safavi-Naeini is an Associate Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences, with a courtesy appointment in Electrical Engineering. He leads the Laboratory for Integrated Nano-Quantum Systems (LINQS), focusing on chip-scale quantum technologies at the intersection of photonics, optomechanics, and nanofabrication. Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Applied Physics (2013) B.ASc., University of Waterloo, Electrical Engineering (2008) His research centers on quantum acoustics , optomechanical transduction , and microwave-to-optical conversion , aiming to create scalable quantum devices for sensing and communication. Recent work includes developing 2D optomechanical crystals, vacuum beam guides for quantum networks, and programmable microwave delay lines. Scientific Awards 2022 Moore Inventor Fellowship ($825,000 over 3 years) He has supervised doctoral students including Sultan Malik, Felix Mayor, Wentao Jiang, and Oliver Hitchcock, while collaborating with Caltech's Michael Roukes on quantum mass spectrometry systems. His lab acknowledges funding from NSF (CAREER, MOLINO), DARPA, DOE (Q-NEXT), NIH, Moore Foundation, Packard Foundation, and industry partners like AWS and NTT. LINQS Lab develops lithium niobate photonic circuits for quantum applications, with expertise in cryogenic optomechanics, parametric amplification, and nonlinear optical processes. Current projects include protein identification chips, quantum acoustic processors, and ultra-broadband mid-infrared generation.
Prof. Zheshen Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan College of Engineering . He leads the Quantum Engineering Lab , focusing on harnessing quantum mechanical resources like entanglement to advance sensing, communication, and computing systems. Academic Rank: Professor Institution: University of Michigan School: College of Engineering Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Interests: His work spans quantum engineering, emphasizing: Quantum computing architectures using continuous-variable cluster states Quantum communication via entanglement-assisted protocols Quantum sensing for precision metrology and dark matter detection Hybrid photonic circuits with Scandium Aluminum Nitride and Silicon Nitride Application of machine learning to quantum information processing Publications Trends: Recent articles highlight: Advances in integrated photonics for scalable quantum devices Development of entanglement-enhanced sensors for covert and precision applications Exploration of exceptional points in optical cavities for metrology Quantum network prototypes enabling open-access quantum computing Machine learning integration with quantum data acquisition
Stephen Hughes is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy at Queen’s University, Canada. He holds appointments in the Faculty of Arts and Science and is affiliated with the Centre for Nanophotonics. His research focuses on theoretical and computational nanophotonics, quantum optics, and light-matter interactions. He has co-founded Lumerical Solutions, a leading photonics software company acquired by ANSYS in 2020, and has held postdoctoral positions in Germany, Japan, and the U.S. Education: PhD (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh), Postdoctoral work at NTT Basic Research Labs (Japan) and others. Industry Experience: Co-founder of Lumerical and Galian Photonics. Research interests include quantum photonics, nanophotonics, semiconductor optics, photonic crystals, cavity-QED, quantum dots, and topological photonics. His group explores applications in quantum technologies, optomechanics, and metamaterials. Collaborations span global institutions, focusing on both fundamental physics and applied nanophotonics. Labs/Groups: The Hughes Group (Theoretical Quantum and Nanophotonics) operates a state-of-the-art computational lab funded by CFI and MRI Ontario. Current projects involve inverse design techniques, ultrastrong coupling regimes, and quantum trajectory simulations.
Gianluca Piazza is the STMicroelectronics Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He directs the John and Claire Bertucci Nanotechnology Laboratory (CMU Nanofab). Previously, he was the Wilf Family Term Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on piezoelectric micro/nano electromechanical systems (M/NEMS) for RF communication, optomechanics, chemical/biological sensing, and mechanical computing. Key projects include nanorelays for low-power computing, ultrasound-based wireless powering, and piezoelectric MEMS for energy harvesting. Education: PhD (2005) in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley; MS (2001) from University of Texas at Austin and Politecnico di Milano (Italy). Research Interests: M/NEMS design, micro/nano fabrication, piezoelectric materials, mechanical switches, and energy-efficient electronics. His work bridges fundamental science and applied engineering, with patents in micromechanical resonators and awards including the IBM Young Faculty Award (2006) and multiple IEEE Best Paper Awards. Grants & Collaborations: NSF LEAP-HI grant ($2M) for nanorelay development (2020); CMU Kavčić-Moura Endowment funding. Collaborates with Maarten de Boer (Mechanical Engineering) and institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and City University of Hong Kong. Labs & Teams: Leads the Piazza Micro and Nano Systems Laboratory, focusing on NEMS/MEMS innovation. Active in CMU’s Center for Silicon System Implementation and Engineering Research Accelerator.
