Summer Research Program opens doors to quantum information careers
The department’s QODED Summer Research Experience exposes students of all grade levels to quantum science job opportunities, building confidence and interest in a growing tech field.

‘The whole goal was to help students understand that quantum phenomena are the next generation of computer engineering, and they have job opportunities," says Allison Huff (far left), associate professor of family and community medicine and QODED director.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering celebrated the close of its QODED Summer Research Experience on July 21. Twelve students presented hands-on research that explored quantum computing.
Projects ranged from generating AI-powered virtual reality avatars to analyzing sustainable materials. The eight-week summer program engaged high schoolers, University of Arizona students and college instructors in research with technology that outpaces classical computing.
“Focused education on quantum computing and its associated needs is essential to excite the coming generations of students as well as people already in the workforce to pursue careers in quantum computing,” said Narayanan Rengaswamy, co-principal investigator for QODED and ECE assistant professor.
For some, the program reshaped academic goals.
“Before this experience, I often told myself that research or graduate school wasn't for me,” said Zach Stebner, a QODED participant and U of A chemistry student. “But this process has challenged that belief.”
Coupling research with outreach
The Summer Research Experience was supported by a National Science Foundation grant for QODED – Quantum codes Optimized for the Dynamics between Encoded Computation and Decoding using Classical Coding Techniques – which bolsters research in quantum computers and error-correction codes.
Kenneth Von Behren professor of ECE and principal investigator Bane Vasic, and Rengaswamy launched the summer program to broaden participation in computing research.
Quantum technology offers exciting possibilities. While classical computing is limited to performing calculations sequentially, quantum computers employ the principles of quantum mechanics to perform multiple calculations simultaneously.
“While it will not replace our computers today, it can be used to boost computations in specific applications, which sometimes can take hundreds of years on a supercomputer,” said Rengaswamy. “Some of those applications are in digital security, medicine development, logistics optimization, fertilizer production and general search problems.”
Making quantum accessible
To lower barriers to entering the field, students received a $600 weekly stipend and worked in labs alongside faculty mentors.
Allison Huff, associate professor of family and community medicine and director of QODED, said funding will support another cohort next year.