UMBC has been selected to participate in the Quantum Photonics Integrated Design Center (QuPIDC), which is led by Purdue University and also includes Los Alamos National Laboratory, Stanford University, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech. The collaboration is one of 10 new Frontiers in Energy Research Centers recently funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The centers support top-tier interdisciplinary teams as they pursue transformative basic research that will advance energy technologies. The quantum optics center will receive $13.9 million overall, and UMBC will receive $570,000.

QuPIDC aims to develop ways to generate states of light and matter with the property of “entanglement,” a unique phenomenon that was the subject of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics. The goal is to simultaneously entangle many photons and/or many electrons, which enables technologies like extremely precise measurement, faster-than-ever communication and computing, and much more. 

UMBC’s partnership in the center leverages the university’s longstanding strength in quantum photonics and quantum information. In particular, Matthew Pelton, professor of physics and UMBC lead for the center, has expertise in developing quantum light sources and integrating them into photonic structures at the nanometer scale. 

In addition, UMBC is well known for including many undergraduates from a wide range of backgrounds in hands-on research. The new center will only increase the number of students who can participate in the groundbreaking field of quantum technology. 

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to work with some of the world-leading researchers in quantum photonics,” Pelton says, “and I’m especially excited about the collaboration and networking opportunities that the center will provide for UMBC students.”

• Last day to make changes to your schedule
• Last day to change grade method (Regular, Audit, Pass/Fail)
• Last day to drop a course without a W grade

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students receiving a Federal Pell Grant to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. These awards offer up to $8000 to support your study abroad plans.

The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical-need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.

The deadline for the next application cycle, for students interested in studying abroad during the Winter 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 is Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:59 pm.  

The UMBC's Education Abroad Office will sponsor several information sessions to help students learn about the Gilman program, as well as offer guidance for a competitive application. 

In person:

Thursday, September 19, 5 to 6 pm in UC 201B

Virtual:

Wednesday, September 18, 12 to 1 pm, online

Monday, September 23, 12 to 1 pm, online

Please register for the information by clicking on the appropriate hyperlink. We look forward to seeing you at one of these sessions soon.