People

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I imagined the possibility of a public quantum network and thanks to the support of amazing people (students, staff, faculty, collaborators) saw it go from a dream to a reality. I was privileged to bring together students with state-of-the-art technical expertise, community partners dedicated to the greater good, and incredible staff with a passion for education, outreach and communication.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I wanted to understand life and was drawn to the way physics quantitatively explores our reality. The study of science always leads to more questions, and the questions quantum physics leads to are both technical and philosophical — a fascinating combination.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I love spending time with family and friends, especially when we’re on adventures together in nature and different cultures.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I helped supervise creation of the entanglement source, and characterization of the fiber link. I also offered a wealth of advice on what NOT to do, regarding public demos, based on my LabEscape experiences.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I came to science and physics via comic books, specifically super-hero comic books, particularly those with scientist superheroes (e.g., Spiderman, Hulk, Mr. Fantastic, Flash, Atom, ...). Then I fell in love with quantum physics when I read David Mermin's famous Physics Today article on quantum nonlocality, "Is the Moon there when nobody looks?"
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Run LabEscape (world's first science-based escape room, now with a quantum networking-based mission), dance (swing!), and skate (ice).

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I worked on setting up the entanglement source, as well as the polarization correction and CHSH measurement. I also set up the GUI for the Loomis lab side of the experiment. Additionally, I provided general input for the permanent setups, quickstart guides, and flipbooks.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
Science classes I took in grade school, where concepts like the photoelectric effect and quantized emission from atoms was taught.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I like to backpack and barbecue.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I have been helping to build the quantum source, characterizing the fiber quantum link and designing and implementing different demos and tables.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
Knowing the fact that our the real world cannot be explained without the introduction of quantum physics.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Connecting quantum physics with real-life application and bringing quantum technology to everyone.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
Worked on setting up the public quantum network node to the library and worked on creating polarization measurement demonstration setup.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
Quantum computing!
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Soccer

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I was part of a collaborative team at PQN where I helped with the testing of the network, as well as various facets of the permanent installation at the Urbana Free Library, including the different stages of the installation, their designs, and the graphical user interface. I also assisted in the creation of instructional materials such as a Quick Start Guide and a Flip Book. At live events, I contributed to the design of an Optical Fiber poster and helped prepare various take-home materials, including temporary tattoos and stickers.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
My interest in quantum physics took root during my younger years when I was drawn to science documentaries and YouTube videos. As I advanced in my studies, taking courses like Quantum Mechanics and participating in hands-on experiments in the Modern Experimental Physics (Phys 403) lab further piqued my curiosity. Under the guidance of Professor Lorenz, I was fortunate to delve deeper into advanced research in the field, which in turn encouraged me to take on more specialized courses, such as Quantum Information and Computing (Phys 370).
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I like hiking, going to the gym, playing video games, listening to music, and going out with my friends.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I supported the formation of the event structure, such as how the demo tables could be partitioned. In addition, I provided key software design suggestions for the interactive applications.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I am interested in using light to understand how the universe works.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Reading, learning languages, and exploring new skills.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I have joined the PQN quite late relative to some of the other participants, but I have done some critical simulations of pulse distortion and link asymmetry important for scaling up fiber-based quantum networks.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
The arc of humanity is traced by technological innovation, and quantum physics is at the forefront of technology -- who wouldn't want to work in quantum physics?
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Outside of the lab, I am an avid backpacker.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
Colin contributed to the development of outreach and educational content for the PQN project. Colin also provided support with procuring, setting up, and operating the superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors used by the PQN.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
Quantum information science caught Colin's interest when he discovered the interdisciplinary nature of this research field. Colin loves how quantum science allows him to explore both basic (how does the world work?) and applied research (how can we build better technologies?) while also getting exposure to disciplines other than physics, such as computer science, engineering, and biology.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Colin enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. He has recently discovered how much fun pickleball is!

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I helped setup and run the "Photon" information booth and poster.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I was watching a show on the Science Channel where they talked about Young's double slit experiment and the idea of wave particle duality. This was sometime in middle school and it blew my mind.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Horticulture, cooking, and swimming.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I made the poster titled "What is interference?" and prepared some optical demos so that people can see interference for themselves.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I got interested in quantum physics in undergrad when I heard about some of the strange quantum phenomenon like superpositions, entanglement, and teleportation. It didn't make any sense to me and that made me want to study it more!
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I tend to hop around with hobbies but I mostly like to stay active through sports (mostly volleyball and soccer) and going to the gym. For my artistic side I like to decorate my house by painting stuff, going vintage shopping, or 3D printing something to hang up on the walls.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I provided feedback on the education material leading up to the opening to ensure the research is accessible to a general audience. At the opening event, I ran the “Entanglement and Superposition” booth where I had the opportunity to engage with the public discussing the quantum properties of the photons in the network.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I became interested in quantum physics when I simultaneously took an undergraduate quantum mechanics course and senior level analysis mathematics course. I loved using the complicated analysis techniques from my math course to understand the unique and challenging concepts of quantum physics. I love doing experimental work now which allows me to bring these ideas into the real world in a physical system.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I am an avid rock climber and runner and love spending time outdoors. I like to go on climbing trips whenever possible in the outdoors and to share my love of outdoor climbing with others.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I helped on the PQN launch day on November 4th at the Urbana Free Library I was at on of the demo tables, my booth covered the topic of optical fibers.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I love the idea of there being another world of physics beneath the one we can experience with our eyes and ears. It’s like the true reality of nature and properties of light.
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Outside of work I like to visit new places and explore the outdoors.

Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.
I am an ECE PhD student in Prof. Kwiat's research group. For the PQN demo, I collaborated to setup a free-space classical laser communication link which enabled members of the public to type a text message into a Raspberry Pi computer and beam the message through the air using laser pulses to another Raspberry Pi computer which displayed the message.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
I was fascinated with the idea of quantum superposition. That a single photon could travel through two different paths at the same time and then produce an interference pattern. Yet, any attempt to determine which trajectory the photon traveled would destroy the interference pattern. How could this be?
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
When I'm not doing quantum research in the Kwiat Lab, I enjoy running, rock climbing, camping, canoeing, and spending time with my family and friends.