The Quantum Photonics and Quantum Technology (QPAQT) graduate program at the University of New Mexico’s Center for High Technology Materials is beginning its second year in August 2025. The new cohort will receive training as generalists in quantum technology, preparing them for a variety of roles within the field.
“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.
Launched in 2024, QPAQT was established through a $3 million grant awarded by the National Science Foundation in 2023 as part of an initiative to advance interdisciplinary training in quantum technologies.
Yelk highlighted that this development reflects UNM’s commitment to advancing research and education in quantum science. “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 academic offerings associated with QPAQT are expanding this year. In addition to the ongoing CHEM625/ECE595/PHYS500: Quantum Photonics seminar, two new courses are being introduced: CHEM573/ECE573: Introduction to Quantum Technology for Chemists and Engineers and PHYS575/CHEM575/ECE587: Principles and Platforms of Quantum Technology.
This fall, there will be 24 faculty members involved with QPAQT and more than 30 Ph.D. students participating. The program expects continued growth over the next four years as additional students enroll and current students progress through their studies.
Over the past two years, core faculty members including 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), and Keith Lidke (Physics & Astronomy) have contributed to designing and implementing the curriculum.
Those interested in learning more about joining the QPAQT graduate program can visit its website for further information.
