Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE)

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is building a bold new effort in Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE). Our researchers draw on unique strengths in cryogenics, materials, optics and high magnetic fields to advance the frontiers of quantum research and deliver solutions with lasting societal impact. By partnering with national labs and leading universities, we are positioning the college as a hub for innovation in quantum technologies.

Strategic Vision

Our vision is to transform discoveries in quantum science into real-world technologies that will shape the future. This initiative advances fundamental science and strengthens the role of engineering in building usable, scalable quantum technologies. We have active programs to:

Develop novel quantum devices using quantum fluids, solids, advanced materials, microwave quantum circuits and photonic platforms
Engineer customized RF front-end and analog processing systems to enable scalable quantum information technologies
Create next-generation sensors and secure communication systems, including a quantum communication testbed designed to operate under extreme environments
Advance quantum optics, hybrid quantum–classical systems and algorithms that connect fundamental discoveries with engineering applications
Establish a diverse and skilled workforce through new QISE courses, training programsand outreach supported by NSF ExpandQISE and other national initiatives

Local Impact

We are training a new generation of engineers and scientists with cutting-edge skills in quantum science and engineering. Special emphasis is placed on engaging students from underserved groups, providing internships at the MagLab and partner labs and creating new quantum courses that strengthen our curriculum across departments. By building this talent pipeline, we are positioning Tallahassee and the State of Florida as a growing hub for quantum innovation.

National Leadership

With over $10M in NSF ExpandQISE funding and congressional support for a $2.25M quantum communication testbed, we are expanding the nation’s quantum research and education capacity. Our projects directly support U.S. priorities in secure communications, advanced sensing and quantum computing. Through these efforts, the college contributes to national security, economic competitiveness and developing critical technologies for aerospace, defense and energy sectors.

Global Significance

Our collaborations with leading institutions — including Yale, Notre Dame, University of Chicago and Oak Ridge National Laboratory — ensure that our research is part of the global push to realize practical quantum technologies. From quantum networks that enable unbreakable encryption to sensors capable of detecting minute changes in gravity and magnetic fields, the technologies we are developing have the potential to transform industries, accelerate scientific discovery and improve the resilience of global infrastructure.

A laser beam is directed into a liquid helium cryostat in the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida on May 13, 2025. — At the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Wei Guo, Ph.D., and his team use lasers beam to “see” frozen deuterium particles and track the motion of quantized vortices.

News and Success Stories

Research Focus

We address some of the most pressing challenges in Quantum Science and Engineering through a broad set of research programs. These programs combine fundamental science with engineering innovation, leveraging unique strengths at the college and the National MagLab to push the boundaries of quantum technology:

Quantum fluids and solids as unique platforms for qubits, quantum sensing and precision devices
Microwave quantum circuits and customized RF/analog front-end systems for scalable quantum information technologies
Quantum optics and photonic platforms for spin qubits, quantum memories and quantum networks
Hybrid quantum–classical systems and algorithms for computation, optimization and engineering applications
Quantum communication technologies, including the development of a testbed to evaluate hardware performance in extreme environments
Quantum materials and thin-film devices to enable novel device architectures and enhance integration

Initiatives, Facilities & Partnerships

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is deeply engaged with national laboratories, federal agencies and industry leaders through our funded initiatives and shared facilities. These collaborations ensure that our quantum research directly supports national priorities in secure communication, advanced sensing and computing.

FAMU Celensious Building Quantum Laboratory

The FAMU Celensious Building Quantum Laboratory is a new quantum laboratory established at FAMU in 2024, focused on expanding research capacity and broadening participation in QISE.

Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP)

Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP) is a State Center of Excellence involving Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle University. The center's wind tunnel facilities are now being adapted for testing quantum communication hardware under turbulent atmospheric conditions.

FSU Hydrogen Initiative

The FSU Hydrogen Initiative supports large-scale cryogenics research, including facilities relevant to superfluid helium and cryogenic device development.

FSU Quantum Initiative

The Quantum Initiative at Florida State University aims to further quantum science and engineering (QSE) and to realize its potential for transforming technology and our understanding of how to apply these new technologies to improve our world. In 2023, FSU announced the dedication of $20 million to quantum science and engineering (QSE) within three years to the expansion of QSE research, including hiring postdoctoral fellows and tenure-track faculty and creating the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building.

Interdisciplinary Research & Commercialization Building (IRCB)

Opened in May 2025, the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB) is a hub for researchers from a variety of disciplines and serves as the headquarters for FSU Quantum. With state-of-the-art equipment and remarkable faculty talent, FSU leadership envisions the IRCB as a regional focal point for quantum science and engineering, drawing researchers from around the Southeast who may use the equipment for their own projects.

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab)

With funding from the National Science Foundation and State of Florida, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is comprised of more than 500,000 square feet and hosts researchers from thousands of universities, labs and businesses from around the globe. The world's largest and highest-field magnet laboratory offers unparalleled opportunities for quantum materials research, device testing and integration with cryogenic platforms.

NSF ExpandQISE Programs

In 2024, two College of Engineering faculty members, Wei Guo and Bayaner Arigong, each secured $5M Track-2 awards. These grants are strengthening infrastructure, developing new courses and creating collaborative research programs in quantum fluids and solids and in microwave quantum circuits/RF systems. A major outcome has been the establishment of a new quantum laboratory at FAMU’s Celensious Building, expanding research capacity and broadening participation in QISE.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) launched the Neutron Nexus pilot program with Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Florida State University. The first-of-its-kind program aims to expand outreach with key universities, colleges and other institutions to advance science through neutron scattering research.

Quantum Communication Testbed

Supported by congressional funding, this initiative integrates FCAAP wind tunnels, the MagLab and FSU Hydrogen Initiative cryogenics, creating a one-of-a-kind environment for testing communication hardware under extreme conditions.

We invite companies and organizations to further engage with us through:

Student Development – Partner with us on internships, co-ops, and fellowships, connecting your workforce needs with our pipeline of trained engineers and scientists.
Collaborative R&D – Leverage our unique facilities and work with our faculty on projects spanning quantum devices, algorithms, and materials.
Technology Testbeds – Evaluate and co-develop emerging quantum technologies under real-world and extreme operating conditions.
Workforce Training – Benefit from our NSF ExpandQISE-supported programs and forthcoming Quantum Engineering Certificate, designed to upskill scientists and engineers for the quantum era.

Research laboratory in Florida State University’s Institutional Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB). — Florida State University’s Institutional Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB) serves as a collaborative space for researchers from a variety of fields focused on creating and advancing new materials.

Research Opportunities for Students

Students at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have a wide range of opportunities to participate in quantum research. These opportunities not only give students direct exposure to frontier research but also prepare them with the skills and networks needed to become future leaders in the quantum era.

Find Research Opportunities

Wei Guo and students in his lab at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Academic Departments

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering fosters interdisciplinary quantum research from the following departments.

Courses and Curriculum

The following new and planned courses give students hands-on experience in quantum technologies. These courses will contribute to a Quantum Engineering Certificate currently in development, designed to prepare students for careers in this emerging field.

Quantum Devices and Sensing
Quantum Algorithms and Computation
Quantum Fluids and Solids
Quantum Optics and Networks
Hybrid Quantum Systems

Faculty Research

The following list highlights faculty actively engaged in quantum research (not a complete list).