Elias Towe

Elias Towe is the Albert & Ethel Grobstein Professor and University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He directs the NSF Quantum Computing and Information Technologies (QCiT) Center. Previously, he served as a Program Manager at DARPA, leading initiatives in photonics and electronics, including the VLSI Photonics Program. He earned his S.B., S.M., and Ph.D. in EECS from MIT.

His research focuses on quantum and optical phenomena for next-generation photonic devices, with system-level projects in quantum processors (quantum-dot qubits) and quantum networks. He also addresses energy infrastructure, climate resilience, and public policy related to technology.

Notable recognitions include membership in the National Academy of Engineering and leadership roles in major initiatives like the QCiT Center. His work has been highlighted at events such as the TMS Annual Meeting, and he collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like brain-interface technologies and advanced neural probes.

• Education: Ph.D., S.M., and B.S. in EECS from MIT (1981-1987)
• Labs/Teams: Director of NSF QCiT Center, Materials Science collaborations