For many undergraduate students, summers may be a time for part-time jobs or summer schools. However, four physics students at the University of Toronto spent their summer conducting cutting-edge research in quantum science and engineering— a unique opportunity for undergraduate students.

Their research projects were funded through the Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control (CQIQC)’s Undergraduate Summer Research Scholarship Program. CQIQC is a research centre under the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts and Science, whose mission is to advance quantum science and technology research at U of T. CQIQC’s faculty members are professors in different departments at the University, including Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. The summer scholarships allow recipients to undertake summer research projects in CQIQC members’ research groups.

This year, CQIQC received 65 outstanding applications. Four students were selected through a process based on academic performance and a supplementary application.

Each recipient sat down for an interview to discuss their research project, the scholarship program, and their future goals.

Amirali Atrli (2nd year, Physics Specialist with a Math minor) CQIQC supervisor: Professor John Sipe (Physics)

Tanmay Grover (2nd Year, Physics and Math Specialist) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Arun Paramekanti (Physics)

Nicholas Taylor (3rd year, Physics Specialist with a Math Major) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Arno Jacobsen (ECE)

Qinyuan Yang (3rd year, Physics and Math Specialist) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Li Qian (ECE)

The number of applicants CQIQC received is a testament to the stellar talent and brilliance in U of T’s undergraduate community. "We were delighted to have received so many outstanding applications from top students. It was difficult to disappoint so many of them,” says Dvira Segal, CQIQC’s Director and a professor in the Department of Physics and Chemistry. “To all students – those who have joined CQIQC this summer and those we could not extend an offer – I hope that each of you maintains your passion for research wherever your journey continues”.

More information here: https://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/news/recent-news/summer-at-cqiqc-scholarship-students-reflect-on-research-projects-career-goals/

Related links: The 2024 application cycle for CQIQC's Undergraduate Summer Research program is now open.