Jun Ye, a professor of physics and a JILA and NIST Fellow, has been named the inaugural holder of the Monroe Endowed Professorship in Physics. This prestigious new professorship, the result of a $1 million endowment from 欧美口爆视频 alumnus Chris Monroe, underscores the university鈥檚 growing prominence in quantum information science and applied quantum physics.  

鈥淚 went to 欧美口爆视频 for graduate school simply because it looked like the best place for me to study atomic and quantum physics,鈥� Monroe said. 鈥淥nly later did I realize just how much better it was than high-drama places on the coasts. I cannot imagine a better preparation for the rest of my career having gone through 欧美口爆视频 and JILA.鈥� 

Chris Monroe, Circa 1990

Monroe, a pioneering physicist and co-founder of IonQ, Inc., established the Monroe Endowed Professorship in Physics to support 欧美口爆视频 Boulder鈥檚 leadership in the rapidly evolving field of quantum research. He graduated from 欧美口爆视频 Boulder in 1992 with a Ph.D. in Physics under the mentorship of Nobel Laureates Carl Wieman and Eric Cornell, then worked closely with Nobel Laureate David Wineland at nearby NIST-Boulder as they pioneered the use of individual atoms as quantum computer bits (qubits). His illustrious career has taken him to Duke University, where he is the Director of the Duke Quantum Center, and holds the Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Duke. Monroe鈥檚 research has pioneered all aspects in designing and fabricating scalable quantum computers based on atomic qubits. His machines have been programmed for rudimentary quantum algorithms and simulations of complex quantum phenomena in nature. His company IonQ, the first public quantum computing company, aims to commercialize quantum computers according to a clear technology roadmap.  

His vision for the 欧美口爆视频 Physics endowment, outlined in the fund agreement, is clear: 鈥淭he purpose in establishing this Fund is to enable the University and JILA to expand its research and education capacity in quantum information science and applied quantum physics through an endowed professorship position that will retain current faculty or allow the University and JILA to hire the best and brightest researchers in this field.鈥�  

One of the leaders teaching the best and brightest researchers is Jun Ye, who is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in precision measurement, ultracold molecules, and ultra-high precision atomic clocks. His strontium lattice atomic clock, which uses laser-based technology, is currently the most accurate in the world. His very recent measurement of a nuclear transition using laser light could revolutionize clocks (and maybe even quantum computers) well into the future. Ye鈥檚 numerous accolades reflect his leadership in the field, including the 2022 Breakthrough Prize, the I.I. Rabi Prize, and the Niels Bohr Institute Medal of Honor. 

鈥淚 certainly feel very honored to be a recipient of the Monroe Endowed Professorship,鈥� Ye said. 鈥淚 have known Chris for many years. It turns out that when I arrived in JILA and 欧美口爆视频 Physics as a fresh graduate student, the very first PhD defense I witnessed was Chris's work with Carl Wieman. I have regarded Chris a gold standard for JILA and 欧美口爆视频 Physics graduates ever since.  He has made big impact to quantum information science, being an original practitioner, a visionary advocate, and a breakthrough technologist.鈥�  

The selection committee, led by 欧美口爆视频 Boulder Physics Professor Paul Beale and including a combination of Physics department faculty and JILA Fellows, unanimously chose Ye for the position  

鈥淛un is internationally recognized as a leader in quantum science and technology with a specialty in precision measurement,鈥� Beale said in a statement from the selection committee. 鈥淗e is a world leader in frequency combs, ultracold molecules, and ultra-high precision atomic clocks,鈥�  

The Monroe Endowed Professorship joins a distinguished lineage of other endowed positions in 欧美口爆视频 Boulder鈥檚 Department of Physics. In 2021, alumnus Joseph Mitchell and his wife Cindy established the Jesse Lafayette Mitchell Endowed Chair in Experimental Physics. Alysia Marino currently holds this chair, where her research focuses on neutrino detection and the fundamental properties of these elusive particles. Additionally, the Waldo E. Rennie Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics, created in 2021 with funds from the trust of Waldo E. Rennie, supports Michael Hermele鈥檚 research in quantum phases of matter and strongly correlated systems. 

As the holder of the new Monroe Endowed Professorship, Jun Ye is poised to continue his transformative work in quantum physics, ensuring that 欧美口爆视频 Boulder remains at the forefront of quantum science research. 

鈥淚 will continue to draw inspiration from Chris and help to advance the field of quantum science and precision measurement,鈥� added Ye.  

Header photo credit: R. Jacobson/NIST

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The third cohort of Infleqtion Graduate Fellowship recipients has been named, recognizing four outstanding first-year physics graduate students. This year鈥檚 Infleqtion fellows Natalie Bruhwiler, Yun Ma, Joseph McCarty, and Kai Zhou, join a growing list of students receiving the prestigious industry-sponsored fellowship.

Connections to 欧美口爆视频 Boulder  

In 2007, Dana Anderson, professor of physics and JILA fellow, founded Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta) based on quantum innovations originating from his lab on campus. Drawing on cutting-edge quantum research, the startup largely focused on utilizing the Bose-Einstein Condensate for quantum computing.

ColdQuanta was rebranded as Infleqtion in 2022, signifying the organization鈥檚 turning point to commercializing quantum technologies. From its humble beginnings in Anderson鈥檚 lab, Infleqtion has grown to employ over 200 people in six locations worldwide.

Today, Infleqtion focuses on making quantum available everywhere, through scalable devices that allow their technology to expand its reach.

Infleqtion is also a core member of the Elevate Quantum consortium along with 欧美口爆视频 Boulder. The consortium includes about 120 organizations 鈥� from industry to national labs, to educational institutions 鈥� working together to make the Mountain West the global center for quantum development.  

Industry sponsored fellowships draw top students  

As a company that grew out of a research lab at 欧美口爆视频 Boulder, Infleqtion has long been a part of quantum education and development at the university. The establishment of Infleqtion Graduate Fellowships has deepened their commitment to the recruitment and success of physics graduate students.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with 欧美口爆视频 Boulder, one of the world鈥檚 top Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Programs, to support the development of the next generation of quantum scientists. Our Graduate Fellowships program is a testament to our commitment to fostering talent and innovation in the quantum field," said Infleqtion CEO Matthew Kinsella.

The fellowships are among the highest awards given to entering physics students and help encourage top students to attend 欧美口爆视频 Boulder.

鈥淥ur graduate students are in many ways the engine of our research efforts, so bringing in the best graduate students is an important part of maintaining our top-quality research program,鈥� said Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics.

Several Infleqtion fellowship recipients highlighted what it meant to receive the award, and that it ultimately helped them choose 欧美口爆视频 Boulder.

鈥淩eceiving this fellowship was a great honor for me,鈥� said physics graduate student and 2023 Infleqtion fellowship recipient, Patricia Hector Hernandez. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly rewarding when your hard work is acknowledged by others.鈥�

Sarah Dickson was among the first class of Infleqtion fellowship recipients in 2022. She was drawn to the range of hands-on research happening in Boulder. 鈥淐oming to Boulder for graduate school was a dream of mine,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he fellowship allowed me to choose Boulder for graduate school, and for that I am extremely grateful.鈥�

Benjamin Shearer, now a second-year physics graduate student, originally applied to the program because of its top rankings in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. After being awarded the Infleqtion fellowship, Shearer said 鈥渋t was the deciding factor that led me to choose 欧美口爆视频 Boulder.鈥�

The fellowship support also helped recipients ease the financial burden of moving to 欧美口爆视频 for graduate school.

鈥淭he fellowship provided substantial support, which was especially helpful for my relocation as I was an out-of-state student,鈥� said Hector.

Shearer was also an out-of-state student and said the fellowship supported him in making the move from his home in Pennsylvania to 欧美口爆视频.

Industry panel highlights opportunities 

Part of Infleqtion鈥檚 support includes funding for an industry panel and recruitment dinner for prospective physics graduate students. Providing visiting students with an industry panel highlights potential career opportunities and emphasizes the vast range of local connections.

In the past few years, representatives from Infleqtion and other organizations have served on the graduate recruitment industry panel, sharing their stories and tips for pursuing careers in industry.

鈥淭he industry panel is something special that we do at 欧美口爆视频, and it opens students鈥� eyes to the world outside of academia,鈥� said Munsat. 鈥淭he fact is that a large number of physics PhDs end up in the tech industry, sometimes starting their own companies, and we want to give students a window into that world and those opportunities.鈥�

Shearer noted the excellent connections in the area as another reason he chose to attend 欧美口爆视频 Boulder. After he completes his PhD, Shearer plans to pursue a career in industry or at a national laboratory.

Hector鈥檚 main career focus is further pursuing her passion for physics and science. She is leaning towards a career in the private sector, with a particular focus on quantum computing. 

Developing future leaders 

The need for leading scientists in the quantum industry is growing, particularly as the industry evolves and expands. 欧美口爆视频鈥檚 designation as a Quantum Tech Hub means more students will be needed to lead the industry.

Infleqtion鈥檚 support is key in helping to attract and retain top students from around the country and internationally. 鈥淭hese prestigious fellowships help enormously in bringing the best students to 欧美口爆视频 Boulder,鈥� said Munsat. 

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The Quantum Scholars program has garnered support from several new sponsors, leading to an increase in the number of fellowships available for students this fall. Forty undergraduates will receive a $2,500 fellowship next academic year because of the generous external support. 

Earlier this year, SPIE, the society for optics and photonics, committed to matching $100,000 in external gifts to the Quantum Scholars program over the next two years. The substantial commitment from SPIE has spurred action from industry and donors, resulting in a growing list of supporters. 

The sponsors include several 欧美口爆视频 Boulder alumni and friends, including Tim Valle (PhDPhys鈥�92) in honor of his late wife Jennifer Turner-Valle (EngPhys鈥�92), Tom Bliska (Phys鈥�77) and his wife Gray Boyce, Joe Mitchell (PhDPhys鈥�87) and his wife Cindy Mitchell, Chris Monroe (PhDPhys鈥�92), and Chris Myatt (PhDPhys鈥�97) and his family. 

Chris Myatt commented on his recent commitment, 鈥淭he physics education at the University of 欧美口爆视频 Boulder is top notch and prepared me for the diverse needs as an entrepreneur.鈥� He added 鈥淚 have hired dozens of graduates into my companies, and I am proud to support the next generation of researchers and innovators.鈥� 

William Clark, VP for Quantum Development at Infleqtion, presents to students in the Quantum Scholars program.

Industry partners Infleqtion and Vescent have also committed funds to sponsor the program. Both companies are valued partners and have strong connections to 欧美口爆视频 Boulder.

Infleqtion was originally launched as ColdQuanta in 2007 by Dana Anderson, professor of physics and JILA fellow, based on quantum technologies developed in his lab. The company now focuses on making quantum available everywhere, through scalable devices that allow their technology to expand its reach.

Since its humble beginnings in the Anderson lab, Infleqtion has grown into a worldwide company with a presence in the US, UK, Australia and Japan. 鈥淲e are ever so proud, though, to have our roots at the University of 欧美口爆视频 Boulder,鈥� said Anderson, who now serves as Chief Strategy Officer.

Infleqtion has contributed to the Quantum Scholars program beyond their funding, with several leading scientists and guests giving talks to the scholars. "The university has a history of equipping students to get things done like no other institution I know of 鈥� the hands-on education and training here is the best in the world,鈥� said Anderson. 鈥淲e are pleased to contribute to the tradition through our support of the Quantum Scholars program.鈥�

Scott Davis, CEO and co-founder of Vescent, speaks with students in the Quantum Scholars program.

Vescent was co-founded by Scott Davis (PhDChemPhys鈥�99) in 2002. Based out of Golden, 欧美口爆视频, Vescent develops and manufactures precision lasers and electro-optic technologies. Davis now serves as CEO and Cofounder of Vescent, and maintains close ties with the university by serving on the Physics Advancement Advisory Committee and through substantial contributions to the Quantum Scholars program.

鈥淨uantum Scholars is second-to-none in providing education and skills for companies like mine, and our customers and partners,鈥� said Davis. He wishes a program like Quantum Scholars existed when he was a student at 欧美口爆视频 Boulder, adding 鈥渋t鈥檚 an incredible program!鈥�

The quantum industry itself has seen a large rise in attention and funding recently, and 欧美口爆视频 Boulder has been at the forefront of significant advances both scientifically and in workforce development.

鈥淎s quantum technologies transition from the lab to the field, they are poised to disrupt multiple industries,鈥� said Davis. 鈥淛ust as 欧美口爆视频 Boulder led the scientific advances decades ago that set the world down this path 鈥� through creation of the Bose-Einstein Condensate, frequency combs, and much more 鈥� 欧美口爆视频 is again leading with training the much-needed quantum workforce.鈥�

These generous gifts from alumni, friends and industry partners directly support fellowships for Quantum Scholars, enabling them to dedicate themselves to research and education in the quantum field.  

Questions about getting involved in the鈥�Quantum Scholars Program鈥痑s an industry partner or supporter can be directed to Keawe Liu. 

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Jennifer Turner-Valle earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering physics in 1992. During her studies at 欧美口爆视频 Boulder, she developed a particular interest in optics. Beyond her passion for academics, she was an active member of the marching band, participated in the Society of Physics Students, played on a club ice hockey team, and loved exploring the outdoors.

Dr. Turner-Valle earned her PhD in physics from the University of Arizona, where she studied thin-film optics. Her career path spanned work on space instrumentation as an optical engineer to an aerospace business program manager and strategic development consultant. She was also an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences before co-founding and serving as president of Optical Engineering Associates, LLC. 

She had an astonishing and wide-ranging career. Her widower, Dr. Tim Valle, said 鈥淛ennifer was a remarkable role-model for anyone entering technical fields. She was an extraordinary and powerful strategic thinker.鈥�

A proud member of several professional societies including the Optical Society of America, SPIE, and the American Geophysical Union, Dr. Turner-Valle made valued contributions to support future leaders in the field. 鈥淛ennifer always emphasized the importance of mentoring and supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers,鈥� said Dr. Valle. 鈥淭he Jennifer Turner-Valle scholarships honor her long-standing dedication to helping others succeed.鈥� 

In supporting the Quantum Scholars program, the Jennifer Turner-Valle scholarships provide students the opportunity to engage in and learn about the quantum industry. Honoring Dr. Turner-Valle鈥檚 legacy, these scholarships are an inspiration to the students receiving them.

Eva Temelkova, a third-year physics major, recognizes the impact of the Jennifer Turner-Valle scholarship through the support it provides to her. 鈥淎s a member of the Quantum Scholars program, I feel incredibly supported in my academic journey as well as my journey in exploring physics outside of the classroom,鈥� said Temelkova.

Justin Loring, a third-year physics major, is appreciative for the support this scholarship provides, and he credits the Quantum Scholars program for growing his interest in quantum technology. 鈥淚 will continue studying applications of quantum in my graduate program with an eye on advancing our ability to leverage quantum tools to solve practical issues,鈥� said Loring.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so honored to have scholarships named after Jennifer Turner-Valle, a distinguished alumna of our program.鈥� said Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics. 鈥淪he left an indelible legacy and we鈥檙e inspired by her commitment to improving inclusion and access for students in science and engineering.鈥�

The Jennifer Turner-Valle Scholarships will initially be used to support students in the Quantum Scholars program with up to five students per year receiving the named scholarships.

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Generous commitment from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, supports future growth for 欧美口爆视频 Boulder's Quantum Scholars Program.

The Quantum Scholars Program has received a big boost in the form of a matching gift from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. SPIE has committed to matching $100,000 in external gifts to the program over the next two academic years. This generous contribution will provide scholarships for up to 20 additional Quantum Scholars each year.

Currently in its second year, the Quantum Scholars Program was created in 2022 through a collaboration between the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Quantum Scholars supports undergraduates in physics, engineering and computer science with the aim to advance quantum education and workforce development through professional development, co-curricular activities, and industrial engagement. Scholarship support is a key component of the program to recruit and retain students interested in the quantum industry.

Mike Ritzwoller, Professor of Distinction and former Chair of Physics, helped launch Quantum Scholars and currently serves as a faculty advisor to the program along with Professor Noah Finkelstein. Ritzwoller says 鈥淪tudents have responded to the Quantum Scholars program with incredible enthusiasm. This generous SPIE award provides a great opportunity to sustain and scale the Quantum Scholars program, investing in the future of science and engineering, and most importantly the people committed to this future.鈥�

Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, who launched Quantum Scholars with Professor Ritzwoller, says 鈥淭he Quantum Scholars program is fostering a remarkable community to address the quantum workforce development need.鈥� He adds 鈥淲e appreciate SPIE鈥檚 vision and commitment to this partnership and look forward to expanding the program鈥檚 impact.鈥�

A growing demand

Growth in the quantum industry has been extensive in recent years and continues to increase. Additional focus with the recent designation of 欧美口爆视频 as a Quantum Tech Hub has reinforced the critical need for education and training in the quantum field.

Demand for the Quantum Scholars Program is substantial. 欧美口爆视频 50 physics and engineering undergraduates are in the program this year, with approximately half receiving a scholarship. Professor Ritzwoller hopes that with external support the program can be expanded to provide 50 scholarships per year over the next few years. Tobin Munsat, Professor and Chair of Physics, says 鈥淲e鈥檙e so appreciative of SPIE for supporting this terrific program, and helping us to develop the next generation of quantum scientists.鈥�

Expanding program activities

Professional development and industrial engagement activities offered by the Quantum Scholars program include talks from quantum scientists from 欧美口爆视频, national labs, and industry as well as tours of national labs and quantum companies. In recent months, leaders from Vescent, IonQ, and Infleqtion have visited the Quantum Scholars to share recent advancements and their perspectives on research, careers, and the quantum industry.

Additional community-building activities have launched from connections made in the program including the Quantum Scholars Quantum Hackathon, which kicked-off in spring 2024. Quantum Scholars Annalise Cabra and Denali Jah have taken on leadership roles in organizing the Quantum Hackathon.

The hackathon spans four weeks with students organized in teams of three or four and paired with a graduate student advisor. Students learn the fundamentals of quantum computing during the first few weeks, then tackle a quantum challenge during the fourth week.

Third-year physics student Annalise Cabra says 鈥淨uantum Scholars has been one of my most valuable experiences outside of the classroom. I am eager to see the continued growth of the program, especially during this groundbreaking era of quantum technology development.鈥�

Looking forward

Support for the Quantum Scholars Program enables students to engage in a program that complements the education they receive in the classroom or research lab and propels them as they enter the quantum field in industry or through further education. The generous commitment from SPIE combined with external support will help the program thrive for years to come.

Get involved

Questions about getting involved in the Quantum Scholars Program as a student, industry partner, or supporter can be directed to Professor Mike Ritzwoller.

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