The Quantum Photonics and Quantum Technology (QPAQT) graduate program is entering its second successful year, hosted by The University of New Mexico’s Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM). Starting in August 2025, the second cohort of new students will join the program, where they will be trained as generalists in quantum technology. This training will equip them with the tools and academic preparation necessary for a diverse range of applications in Quantum Science and Technology, shaping the next generation of leaders in the rapidly evolving landscape.
“Our program provides unique cross-disciplinary training; our participants come from six graduate programs across UNM, and the trainees have a wide variety of bachelor’s degrees. Much exciting science comes from the ‘borders’ between traditional disciplines, where new ideas and new fields of study can form. Our program supports the development of a broad new workforce for quantum tech,” said program coordinator Joseph Yelk.
The program began in 2024 and was made possible by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2023, specifically for the NRT-QL: Quantum Photonics Interdisciplinary Training to Advance Quantum Technologies initiative.
Yelk believes this is proof of UNM’s commitment to advancing quantum research and education.
“Our 15 inaugural QPAQT trainees have just started doing their PhD research, working on research projects relevant to quantum technology in the Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optical Science & Engineering, and Nanoscience & Microsystems Engineering PhD programs. UNM now offers a new Graduate Certificate in Quantum Science & Technology administered by the QPAQT program,” Yelk said.
The CHEM625/ECE595/PHYS500: Quantum Photonics seminar will continue with two new courses starting this academic year, part of QPAQT and the graduate certificate – CHEM573/ECE573: Introduction to Quantum Technology for Chemists and Engineers, and PHYS575/CHEM575/ECE587: Principles and Platforms of Quantum Technology.
As of this fall, the QPAQT program will have 24 participating faculty and more than 30 Ph.D. students. The program is expected to grow over the next four years, as more students join and existing students advance.
For the last two years, QPAQT core faculty have designed and implemented the curriculum: Victor Acosta (Physics & Astronomy), Susan Atlas (Chemistry & Chemical Biology), Viktoriia Babicheva (Electrical & Computer Engineering), Gunny Balakrishnan (Electrical & Computer Engineering), Elohim Becerra (Physics & Astronomy), Tara Drake (Physics & Astronomy), Terefe Habteyes (Chemistry & Chemical Biology), Keith Lidke (Physics & Astronomy).
