People

Researchers

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 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.
I helped coordinate the procurement of some of the computer equipment used for the permanent display as well as setup the website, designed some flyers, and provided feedback on displays.
What initially got you interested in quantum physics?
It's such a fascinating topic, not well understood, yet seems so fundamental to life. We are at an exciting time in history with quantum physics, with a whole world of possibilities in front of us. Who isn't interested in quantum physics?
What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
I enjoy taking my dogs for walks, riding my bike and traveling.
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.
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.

What initially got you interested in quantum physics?

What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.

What initially got you interested in quantum physics?

What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.

What initially got you interested in quantum physics?

What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.

What initially got you interested in quantum physics?

What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?
Tell us a few sentences about the work you did for PQN.

What initially got you interested in quantum physics?

What activities do you like to do outside of the lab/research/work?

Collaborators

Andrew Conrad
PhD Student
Brittany Karki
PhD Student
Kelsey Ortiz
PhD Student
Colin Lualdi
PhD Student
Samantha Isaac
PhD Student
Kathleen Oolman
PhD Student
Kai Shinbrough
PhD Student
Dr. Emily Edwards
IQUIST
Brian DeMarco
IQUIST
Angie Graham
IQUIST
Hannah Stites
IQUIST
Chris Skaar
NCSA
Tracy Smith
UC2B
Paul Hixson
UC2B
Kim Gudeman
GCOE
Canaan Daniels
GCOE
Michael O'Boyle
GCOE
Nicholas Morse
GCOE
Michael Rauch
GCOE
Andrew Stengele
CITL
Dawn Cassady
TUFL
Lauren Chambers
TUFL
Leon Wilson
TUFL
Logan Peal
TUFL