Electrical & Computer Engineering Assistant Professor Bayaner Arigong (left) and Mechanical Engineering Professor Wei Guo were awarded quantum engineering research grants from the National Science Foundation. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is poised to become a leader in quantum research and scientific discovery.
With two professors each securing a $5 million grant through Florida A&M University, the college is setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the quantum realm. What’s more, the agency awarded only five Track II grants nationwide to institutions (at the $5 million level), and the joint college secured two of those.
Wei Guo, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Bayaner Arigong, from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are at the forefront of this effort. Their grants are part of NSF’s $39 million investment to expand quantum research activities through the NSF Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (NSF ExpandQISE) program. Their projects aim to position the joint college as a hub for innovation and education in quantum science.
Guo's project, “Quantum Fluids and Solids as Platforms for Quantum Science and Engineering,” focuses on research, education, and sustainability. His team is collaborating with experts from Notre Dame, Yale, and FAMU to launch four synergistic research initiatives that leverage quantum fluids and solids to explore and control quantum phenomena.
“These projects push the boundaries of quantum technology and solidify FAMU’s role as a cornerstone in QISE research,” Guo said.
An essential component of Guo’s project is the development of a QISE curriculum at the college, including introducing new courses to support a future master's degree program in QISE. “We also plan to establish a QISE research center at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering,” he added. “This center will serve as a foundation for continued research and collaboration, bringing together leading experts and creating a quantum research ecosystem at FAMU.”
Arigong’s project, “Developing Quantum Information Science and Engineering Research and Education Program at FAMU,” is pioneering a QISE education program. In collaboration with the University of Chicago, Florida State University, FAMU, and industry partners, Arigong's team is developing quantum chips and training platforms to redefine quantum science.
His group is researching the development of a microwave quantum integrated chip and mid-scale quantum systems with novel protocols and multifunctional processing capabilities for quantum sensing and securing artificial intelligence models. The project aims to create a quantum-savvy workforce through new courses, professional training, and outreach, preparing joint college students to lead in QISE and STEM fields.
“We want to develop new courses, professional skills training, and outreach activities for the workforce of the future,” Arigong said. “Our research and education effort will enable our faculty to conduct high-end research in multidisciplinary areas while providing our students with opportunities in QISE and STEM.”
Both projects share a common goal: transforming the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering into a powerhouse for QISE education and research. With collaborations spanning national labs and industry leaders, students will be able to become a well-prepared workforce proficient in quantum technologies.
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