Jiaqi Leng will join the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing as an assistant professor of computer science in fall 2026. Leng’s research develops efficient quantum algorithms and software for optimization, machine learning, and scientific computing, work recognized by publications in venues including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems.
“His innovative research in quantum algorithms and optimization strengthens our expertise in computing,” said Kirk Cameron, managing director for Advanced Computing. Leng earned his B.S. in mathematics from the University of Hong Kong before completing his doctoral studies at the University of Maryland.
Jiaqi Leng Appointed Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech IAC
Leng transitions from postdoctoral work at both the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing and the Mathematics Department at the University of California, Berkeley, indicating a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied computational mathematics. He refined his expertise by earning a Ph. D. At Virginia Tech, Leng intends to focus on bridging the gap between theoretical quantum algorithms and their practical implementation on existing hardware, specifically through projects like Quantum Hamiltonian Descent (QHD) and its software platform, QHDOPT.
As an affiliate of the IAC’s Center for Quantum Architecture and Software Development, Leng will also collaborate on Quantum Information Science and Engineering, leveraging expertise across the Colleges of Engineering and Science at Virginia Tech. This interconnectedness underscores the university’s investment in quantum technologies and its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research.
His innovative research in quantum algorithms and optimization strengthens our expertise in next-generation computing and will create new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
