Quantum Physics, Quantum Computing News

Brookhaven’s quantum physics leader joins New York college faculty

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October 13, 2026 by Ivy Delaney

James Misewich, a leader in quantum physics and energy science, will begin a new role as the Curtis R. Priem Quantum Computing Constellation Chair at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on January 1, 2027. The appointment signals a focused investment in quantum computing leadership for RPI and builds upon Misewich’s existing work with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, led by Brookhaven National Laboratory. “Few scientists have done more to connect breakthrough quantum research with the partnerships needed to turn findings into impact,” said RPI President Martin A.

Misewich’s Leadership Connects Brookhaven and RPI’s Quantum Strategy

Misewich’s continued affiliation with Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrates his appointment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an expansion of existing research networks, not a severance. He will maintain a joint appointment at Brookhaven following his transition to the Curtis R. John Hill, director of Brookhaven National Laboratory, affirmed this connection, stating, “Jim’s new role at RPI creates an exciting opportunity to deepen collaboration between Brookhaven and RPI in quantum computing and other areas.” This dual role uses Misewich’s experience as a founding leader of the U.S. The establishment of the Curtis R.

Misewich’s arrival is expected to accelerate RPI’s efforts in the field, expanding opportunities for both students and researchers, and solidifying the university’s position in technological innovation. “The Institute recognized the importance of quantum computing early and has paired that vision with strengths in physics and computational science,” Misewich noted.

“As quantum technologies increasingly intersect with high-performance computing and artificial intelligence, I believe RPI is uniquely prepared to lead.” Misewich’s expertise extends beyond theoretical work. His portfolio includes 15 U.S. patents focused on advanced electronic and optical materials, developed over two decades at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center prior to joining Brookhaven in 2002.

He also served as a Founding Director for the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), indicating a broader commitment to applied energy research. “My work with C2QA has given me a front-row seat to the exceptional research taking place at RPI,” Misewich added, suggesting a pre-existing familiarity with the institution’s capabilities and a strategic alignment with its ongoing projects. Brookhaven officials expressed confidence that Misewich’s expertise will benefit both organizations while advancing the field of quantum computing.

New York has emerged as one of the nation’s most important centers for quantum breakthroughs.

John E. (Hon.), Chair of the RPI board of trustees and retired IBM executive vice president

RPI’s Quantum Computing Expansion with IBM and the Priem Constellation

The establishment of the Curtis R. This newly endowed chair, funded by RPI alumnus Curtis R. Priem ‘82, directly enabled the installation of an IBM Quantum System One, marking RPI as the first university nationally to host such a system on campus. Further investment in IBM’s Nighthawk processor has expanded research and educational opportunities, creating a robust platform for quantum exploration. The appointment also builds on Misewich’s extensive experience, having spent years advancing the entire quantum computing stack, from foundational science to practical applications.

The strategic importance of New York state as a hub for quantum innovation is further emphasized by this development. John E. (Hon.), chair of the RPI board of trustees, highlighted the region’s growing prominence, stating, “New York has emerged as one of the nation’s most important centers for quantum breakthroughs.” He added, “Jim has been part of the quantum ecosystem for years, helping advance the full quantum computing stack, from fundamental science and materials discovery to hardware and real-world applications.

His appointment reinforces the region as a destination for quantum.” RPI’s President, Martin Schmidt, expressed confidence in Misewich’s ability to accelerate the institute’s quantum initiatives, expand opportunities for students and researchers, and strengthen RPI’s position in shaping future technological advancements.

Jim’s new role at RPI creates an exciting opportunity to deepen collaboration between Brookhaven and RPI in quantum computing and other areas.

John Hill, Brookhaven National Laboratory director
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Ivy Delaney

Ivy Delaney has been working with neural networks and machine learning since the mid-nineties, back when a couple of hidden layers and a long afternoon of training counted as ambitious. She has watched the field go from academic curiosity to the thing quietly running underneath everything, and she brings that long view to quantum computing. For Quantum Zeitgeist she covers the ground where the two fields meet. That means quantum machine learning and the variational algorithms it leans on, and it also means the less glamorous but more interesting story of classical machine learning already doing real work inside quantum machines, decoding error-correcting codes, calibrating noisy hardware and learning the error models that simulators depend on. She writes about the hardware those algorithms have to run on too, and about the post-quantum cryptography scramble that the same hardware has set off. Her stories typically start with the paper, whether that is peer-reviewed work, conference proceedings or an arXiv preprint, with the source linked so you can hold a claim up against the research it came from. She is unimpressed by benchmarks that will not say what they beat, and by demonstrations that only work in the press release.

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