Kavan Modi is a Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University. His research focuses on quantum information theory applied to dynamics, metrology, computation, thermodynamics, and relativity. He leads the Monash Quantum Information Science (MonQIS) group and serves as Director of the Centre for Quantum Technology at Transport for NSW (2022–2024). Education: B.Sc. Engineering Physics (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2001), M.A. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2004), Ph.D. Physics (University of Texas at Austin, 2008). Postdoctoral positions included the Centre for Quantum Technologies (Singapore, 2008–2011) and Clarendon Lab, Oxford (2011–2013). Joined Monash in 2014. Research interests center on quantum dynamics, non-Markovian processes, and their applications in quantum computing and information science. Projects include developing error correction codes, quantum algorithms for network analysis, and mitigating correlated noise in quantum systems. He has authored over 111 publications, with recent work emphasizing non-Markovian characterization, quantum process tomography, and topology-based quantum algorithms. Awards and grants include leadership in multiple Australian Research Council projects. Advising/Grants: Primary Chief Investigator in projects like 'Quantum Software Platform' (2023–2026) and 'Mitigating Correlated Noise in Quantum Machines' (2020–2021). Supervises graduate students and collaborates globally on quantum information science. Labs/Teams: MonQIS group focuses on foundational and applied quantum research, integrating theory and experimental collaborations.
Gayane Vardoyan is an Assistant Professor at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst. She previously held a permanent Assistant Professor position at QuTech (Quantum Internet Division) and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science at TU Delft (2022–2024). Her research focuses on quantum networking, particularly developing protocols for entanglement distribution and optimizing quantum systems. Vardoyan earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley and her Ph.D. from UMass Amherst under Prof. Don Towsley. She has held postdoctoral and research roles at TU Delft, Inria, and Argonne National Lab. Education: Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst (2017–2021) M.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst (2017) B.S., University of California, Berkeley (2013) Research Interests: Vardoyan’s work addresses challenges in distributed quantum systems, including entanglement distribution algorithms, quantum repeater architectures, and performance analysis of quantum networks. She integrates classical networking techniques with quantum principles to enhance protocol efficiency. Current projects emphasize utility maximization, resource allocation, and optimizing quantum network performance under hardware constraints. Awards: Best Paper Award, Performance 2021 Best-In-Session Presentation Award, INFOCOM 2018 Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD and Master’s students on quantum network design and optimization. Collaborates with industry and academic partners on projects funded by NSF and EU grants. Previously led initiatives at QuTech and co-organized events like the Quantum Software Consortium General Assembly. Labs & Teams: Leads the Distributed Quantum Systems group at UMass, focusing on theoretical and applied research in quantum networking. Engages in cross-disciplinary collaborations with computer science and electrical engineering teams.
Carles Padro Laimon is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and the School of Telecommunications Engineering. He is a leading researcher in cryptography and information security, focusing on secret sharing schemes, combinatorial structures, and cryptographic protocols. His work integrates discrete mathematics, coding theory, and algorithmic design to address security challenges in digital systems. Padro leads the MAK Research Group (Mathematics Applied to Cryptography) and the ISG-MAK Information Security Group. He has been involved in numerous competitive research projects, including initiatives on post-quantum cryptography and secure multi-user systems. His contributions span over 211 documented activities, including articles, theses, and conference participations. His research interests include the theoretical foundations of cryptography, with a focus on optimizing secret sharing schemes, analyzing matroid-based structures, and developing secure communication protocols. He has collaborated extensively with institutions like the UPC and European research networks, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in cybersecurity. Padro holds a PhD in Mathematics from UPC and has supervised doctoral theses and mentored researchers in his field. His work frequently appears in top journals like IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, Designs, Codes and Cryptography, and SIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics.
Luca Carloni is a Professor of Computer Science and Department Chair at Columbia University's Columbia Engineering. He leads the System-Level Design Group, focusing on heterogeneous system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, networks-on-chip (NoC), and embedded systems. Carloni holds a Laurea Summa Cum Laude in Electronics Engineering from the University of Bologna and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley. His work emphasizes specialized hardware design, energy-efficient computing, and FPGA-based prototyping. Research interests include system-level design methodologies for SoCs, embedded accelerators, and quantum computing hardware. He has pioneered frameworks like Embedded Scalable Platforms (ESP) and tools like MosaicSim for rapid SoC prototyping. Carloni has received numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2006), IEEE Fellow (2017), and multiple best paper awards at DATE and CloudCom conferences. He has served on editorial boards of IEEE Transactions on CAD and ACM Transactions on Embedded Computing , and chaired key conferences like EMSOFT and ESWeek. His research addresses challenges in heterogeneous architectures, power management, and the intersection of machine learning with embedded systems. Current projects explore quantum control systems, brain-computer interfaces, and energy-efficient datacenter computing.
Krishna Jagannathan is a full-time Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), India. He specializes in stochastic modeling, communication networks, information theory, and queuing theory. He obtained his B.Tech from IIT Madras in 2004, followed by S.M. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT in 2006 and 2010, respectively. After post-doctoral positions at Caltech and MIT, he joined IIT Madras in 2011. Education: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras (2004) S.M. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT (2006) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT (2010) Research Interests: His research focuses on stochastic modeling and analysis of communication networks , information theory , and queuing theory . He has made significant contributions to understanding network performance, resource allocation, and risk-aware decision-making in complex systems. He leads the Networks and Stochastic Systems lab at IIT Madras, mentoring a large cohort of Ph.D. and M.S. students working on cutting-edge problems in networking, optimization, and stochastic systems. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award at WiOpt 2013, Tsukuba, Japan Young Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research, IIT Madras (2014) Teaching & Mentorship: He has taught a wide range of courses including Probability Foundations , Stochastic Modeling and Queuing Theory , Convex Optimization , and Signals & Systems , consistently receiving high teaching evaluations. He has supervised over 15 Ph.D. and M.S. students to completion and continues to guide several active researchers.
Avi Wigderson is the Herbert H. Maass Professor in the School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. He is a leading authority in theoretical computer science, particularly computational complexity theory. Wigderson organizes the Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics (CSDM) program at the Institute, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. Wigderson earned his Ph.D. (1983), M.A. (1982), and M.S.E. (1981) from Princeton University. Prior to his current position, he held appointments at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1986-2003), Princeton University (1990-1992), Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Berkeley (1985-1986), IBM Research (1984-1985), and University of California, Berkeley (1983-1984). Wigderson's research spans computational complexity theory, randomness and computation, algorithms and optimization, circuit complexity, proof complexity, quantum computation and communication, and cryptography. His work explores fundamental questions like whether mathematical creativity can be automated (P vs NP problem), the security of electronic commerce, the role of randomness in computation, and the potential of quantum mechanics to enhance computation. He has made significant contributions to understanding the power and limitations of efficient computation. Analysis of Wigderson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on optimization, complexity theory, and their mathematical foundations. His work connects diverse areas including non-commutative algebra, geometric complexity, graph theory, and quantum computing. A recurring theme is exploring whether fundamental computational problems like P vs NP can be addressed through optimization techniques such as gradient descent. His research shows increasing interdisciplinary connections between theoretical computer science, mathematics, and physics. ACM A.M. Turing Award (2023) Abel Prize (2021) Donald E. Knuth Prize (2019) Gödel Prize (2009) American Mathematical Society's Levi L. Conant Prize (2008) Rolf Nevanlinna Prize (1994) Yoram Ben-Porat Presidential Prize for Outstanding Researcher (1994) Bergman Fellowship (1989) Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Member, National Academy of Sciences While specific details about Wigderson's students are not provided in the source material, his extensive lecture series, workshops, and program organization suggest significant mentorship activities. His book "Mathematics and Computation" published by Princeton University Press serves as an educational resource for students and researchers. Wigderson has organized major programs at the Institute for Advanced Study including "Lower Bounds in Computational Complexity" (2018) and "Pseudorandomness" (2017), creating research opportunities for numerous scholars. Wigderson leads the Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics (CSDM) program at the Institute for Advanced Study, which brings together researchers from mathematics and computer science to explore fundamental questions in computation. His work with collaborators across multiple institutions has established connections between theoretical computer science and diverse fields including quantum information theory, algebraic geometry, and optimization. Recent projects focus on non-commutative optimization and its applications to computational complexity problems.
Professor Paul Skrzypczyk is a distinguished theoretical physicist at the University of Bristol's School of Physics, where he leads cutting-edge research in quantum information theory. His work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with practical applications in quantum technologies. He serves as Principal Investigator for multiple significant research projects and holds the prestigious CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar position (2022-2024). Dr. Skrzypczyk's research primarily focuses on quantum nonlocality, measurement incompatibility, and quantum thermodynamics. His investigations explore how quantum theory enables 'nonlocal' effects where actions in one location seemingly affect distant places instantaneously, challenging classical physics understanding. His thermodynamics research examines how traditional thermodynamic laws apply at quantum scales, particularly for small systems far from their original realm of applicability, with implications for future quantum technologies. His publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions to quantum information science, with recent work spanning quantum measurement theory, quantum resource theories, quantum thermodynamics, and quantum foundations. His research output shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated applications of quantum information principles to fundamental physics questions. Among his notable recognitions is the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar award, reflecting his standing in the international quantum research community. His work has generated substantial scholarly attention, with numerous highly-cited publications including the influential 2014 Nature Communications paper on work extraction from individual quantum systems. Professor Skrzypczyk actively secures research funding, currently leading the "Software Enabling Early Quantum Advantage" project (2023-2025) and previously directing the "Investigating Measurement Incompatibility in Quantum Theory" initiative (2017-2021). His media engagement includes contributions to the widely covered "quantum Cheshire cats" research, which garnered attention across multiple news outlets, blogs, and academic platforms. As a member of the Bristol Quantum Information Institute, he contributes to one of the UK's leading quantum research centers, collaborating extensively across international networks as evidenced by his diverse research partnerships. His theoretical work provides foundational insights that inform the development of practical quantum technologies.
Lin Zhong is the Joseph C. Tsai Professor of Computer Science at Yale University, leading the Efficient Computing Lab. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University and M.S./B.S. degrees from Tsinghua University. Previously, he served at Rice University from 2005 to 2019. His research focuses on optimizing computing efficiency, quantum error correction, operating systems, and mobile systems. Education: Ph.D., Princeton University M.S., Tsinghua University B.S., Tsinghua University Research Interests: His work spans quantum computing (e.g., decoding algorithms for surface codes), operating systems (safety, correctness, and lightweight kernels), and mobile/networking systems (massive MIMO, energy-efficient designs). Recent trends include integrating large language models (LLMs) into robotics and securing cloud-based AI workflows. Awards: NSF CAREER Award ACM SIGMOBILE RockStar (2014) and Test of Time (2022) Fellowships from IEEE and ACM Best Paper Awards at ACM MobileHCI, IEEE PerCom, ACM MobiSys, and more Lab & Teams: His Efficient Computing Lab explores systems for quantum error correction (e.g., FPGA-based decoders), secure embedded systems, and LLM-driven robotics. Projects include TimelyLLM (real-time LLM serving) and Blindfold (confidential memory management).
Tom Conte is an academic leader with a joint appointment in the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering and School of Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology. As the founding director of the Center for Research into Novel Computing Hierarchies (CRNCH), he specializes in computer architecture and compiler optimization. His work focuses on manycore architectures, energy-efficient microprocessor design, and embedded system architectures. Prior to Georgia Tech, he directed the Center for Embedded Systems Research at North Carolina State University. He holds IEEE Fellow status and served as 2015 President of the IEEE Computer Society, co-leading the IEEE Rebooting Computing Initiative since 2011. Dr. Conte earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware (1986), followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1988 and 1992). His research has been recognized with prestigious awards including the IEEE Computer Society’s Golden Core Member award and the National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award (1996). His research interests span quantum computing, 3D chip architectures, energy-efficient processing, and post-Moore computing innovations. He has pioneered initiatives like the Superstrider architecture and CREEPY energy-efficient processing frameworks. Recent work includes advancements in quantum programming languages (e.g., Qwerty) and hybrid quantum-classical systems. Awards: IEEE Fellow, Young Alumni Achievement Award, CAREER Award Leadership: IEEE Computer Society President (2015), CRNCH Director Key Projects: Rebooting Computing Initiative, Superstrider Architecture His lab’s contributions include novel compiler optimizations for manycore systems, smart NIC offloading techniques, and thermodynamically inspired computing models. Conte’s work bridges academic research with industry needs through interdisciplinary collaborations and standardization efforts.
Herman L. Verlinde is the Class of 1909 Professor of Physics and current chair of the Department of Physics at Princeton University. He earned his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Utrecht and previously taught at the University of Amsterdam (1995–1998). His leadership role underscores his active engagement in academic governance. Verlinde's research bridges string theory , black hole physics , and quantum information . His recent work explores quantum aspects of black hole horizons, entanglement dynamics, and holographic principles. Core interests include: Quantum gravity and string theory formalisms Black hole information paradox Topological field theory applications Cosmological implications of quantum entanglement His publications consistently focus on high-energy theoretical physics, with recurring themes of holography (AdS/CFT), quantum gravity, and string-theoretic approaches to particle physics. Recent articles emphasize quantum error correction in black holes and gauge-gravity duality. Scientific Awards: IBM Einstein Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study PIONIER Fellowship (Netherlands Organization for Science) Fellow, Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship He currently advises doctoral students including Dongyeob Kim, Tommaso Marini, and Damiano Tietto. His research group explores quantum gravity and string theory at Princeton's Jadwin Hall.
Michael Peper is a Research Fellow at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, working in the Engineering Quadrangle under the advisement of Jeff Thompson. His research focuses on atomic and quantum physics with direct applications to quantum computing. His research interests include: Rydberg states in ytterbium and their applications for quantum computing Quantum defect analysis and precision spectroscopy Neutral atom qubit arrays and coherent control mechanisms Long-range Rydberg molecules and their dynamic properties His publications demonstrate expertise across theoretical and experimental physics, with a particular emphasis on quantum engineering and optical manipulation of atomic systems. He has contributed to advancements in attosecond spectroscopy and electron scattering dynamics in liquid water, although most of his recent work centers on quantum computing applications.
Dr. Gushu Li is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, affiliated with the Computer and Information Science Department (primary) and Electrical and Systems Engineering Department (secondary). He leads the Penn Quantum System Lab, focusing on quantum computing software-hardware co-design. University: University of Pennsylvania School: School of Engineering and Applied Science Department: Computer and Information Science Academic Rank: Assistant Professor His research spans quantum compilers, programming languages, algorithm optimization, computer architecture, and electronic design automation. He develops techniques for quantum error correction verification, qubit mapping, and hybrid quantum-classical systems, with work integrated into IBM's Qiskit and Quantinuum's TKET frameworks. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in quantum simulation , bosonic quantum computing , fermion-to-qubit mapping , and NISQ-era architectures . Key methodologies include symbolic Hamiltonian compilation, adaptive tree structures, and runtime assertions for quantum program testing. 2024: NSF CAREER Award, NVIDIA Academic Grant Program Award, Intel Rising Star Faculty Award 2021-2022: QISE-NET Triplet Fellow, ACM SIGPLAN Distinguished Paper Award, multiple travel grants 2015-2017: Fellowships from UCSB, UChicago, and DAC Dr. Li advises four PhD students and actively recruits candidates with FPGA/digital design skills for 2025. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary backgrounds to tackle quantum system challenges.
Stefan Krastanov is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focusing on quantum hardware design, control, and optimization across multiple layers of quantum computing and networking technologies. His work bridges physical hardware descriptions with logical circuit compilation, emphasizing resilience in noisy quantum systems. Research Interests include Quantum Hardware Design, Entanglement-Based Networking, Quantum Error Correction, and Modeling Software for Quantum Systems. His primary lab is the Quantum Information Lab , with affiliations to the Advanced Classical and Quantum Information Research Lab. Recent work trends highlight advancements in quantum repeater networks, error-corrected compilation, and photonic neural networks. His publications span topics like non-Markovian dynamics simulation, NP-hard optimization in quantum dot arrays, and scalable spin quantum memory control. Labs and Teams: Quantum Information Lab (leading experimental/theoretical work) and collaborations through the Advanced Classical and Quantum Information Research Lab.
Dr. Yasir Noori is a Lecturer in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on 2D materials, electrochemical deposition, quantum information, and integrated photonics. He leads a team of PhD researchers and has contributed to a £1.5m EPSRC project as a Co-Investigator. Education: PhD in Integrated Photonics and Quantum Communications (2017, Lancaster University), BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering and Physics (2013, University of Dundee). Awards include the Dean’s Award for early career researchers and IOP Philip-Buckle Science Communication Award. Research Interests: Specializes in 2D material heterostructures, semiconductor fabrication, and quantum technologies. Active in EPSRC Peer Review College and serves as Academic Conduct Officer for his school. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals like Nature Reviews Chemistry and ACS Applied Materials. Focused on electrodeposition techniques, nanofabrication, and optoelectronic device development. Awards: Multiple conference awards, including Best Poster recognitions at 2D TMDC and Optical Waveguide Theory conferences. Also holds the Three-Minutes Thesis Award from Lancaster University. Teaching: Instructs courses like Semiconductor Devices, Materials and Sensors (ELEC2230) and supervises MSc/BEng projects. Committed to fostering student research through collaborative projects. Labs & Teams: Directs a group including Shaokai Song, Hongwei Zhang, and Ismaeil Alnaab. Current opportunities available for PhD candidates interested in 2D materials and nanofabrication.
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.
