Paola Cappellaro

Paola Cappellaro serves as the Ford Professor of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, holding dual appointments as Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and Professor of Physics. She leads the Quantum Engineering Group within the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), where her work bridges theoretical quantum information science and experimental solid-state physics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering, MIT (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University ITAMP (2006-2009)
• Joint MS in Applied Physics, École Centrale Paris & Politecnico di Milano (2001)
• Laurea (BS/MS) in Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Summa cum Laude (2000)

Her research pioneers quantum technologies using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, focusing on three interconnected domains: quantum sensing (diamond magnetometers for nanoscale magnetic field detection), quantum computation (control of spin qubit registers), and quantum simulation (modeling condensed matter systems with spin chains). She integrates quantum information principles with experimental NMR/ESR techniques to overcome decoherence and enhance device scalability, with applications ranging from biological sensing to fundamental physics exploration.

Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals intensifying focus on quantum metrology enhancements, particularly through frequency-mixing techniques and hyperfine interactions for gyroscopic applications. Significant activity addresses multiparameter estimation challenges and non-Hermitian quantum dynamics, while maintaining strong emphasis on diamond-based sensor development for current imaging and biological applications.

Scientific Awards:

• APS Fellow (2023)
• Ford Professorship (2021)
• Committed to Caring Award (2018)
• Merkator Fellowship (2014)
• Edgerton Professorship (2013)
• AFOSR Young Investigator Award (2012)
• ITAMP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2006-2009)
• Manson Benedict Fellowship (2004)

Her research has secured major funding from AFOSR, DFG, and MIT internal programs, supporting both fundamental quantum control studies and applied sensor development. Teaching contributions include graduate courses in quantum technology (22.51) and nuclear physics, recognized by multiple teaching awards including the PAI Outstanding Teacher award (2010) and MIT School of Engineering Graduate Teaching Award (2005).

The Quantum Engineering Group operates within MIT's RLE ecosystem, collaborating with the Center for Ultracold Atoms and NSE department to develop integrated quantum architectures. Current projects include neutron-bound state investigations in nanocrystals and virus-detection quantum sensors, leveraging their expertise in spin density manipulation and quantum-classical interface design.