Undergraduate research in quantum computing can enhance critical thinking skills, improve learning abilities, and increase the pursuit of graduate studies, according to a study conducted at Loyola University Maryland. The research involved case studies of four projects with six students and also found that such programs can contribute to personal and professional development, including improved attitudes, self-confidence, and networking opportunities. The study also highlighted the potential of quantum computing to solve complex problems in areas such as machine learning and computational biology, making it a suitable area for undergraduate research.
What are the Benefits of Undergraduate Research in Quantum Computing?
Undergraduate research in quantum computing has been found to have several positive outcomes. These include enhanced critical thinking skills, improved learning abilities in subsequent coursework, and increased pursuit of graduate studies. This information is based on the supervision of several undergraduate students over the past couple of years in the field of quantum computing at Loyola University Maryland. The research was conducted by David H K Hoe, an Associate Professor of Engineering, Dr. Mary Lowe, a professor of physics, and Dr. Dave Binkley, a Professor of Computer Science.
The research involved case studies of four projects involving six students. The lessons learned from working with these student researchers were documented, and recommended best practices for undergraduate research in this area were detailed. The work also dovetailed with the implementation of a multidisciplinary introductory quantum computing course running for the first time in the spring.
Why is Quantum Computing a Suitable Area for Undergraduate Research?
Quantum computing provides abundant opportunities for successful undergraduate research projects. The discovery by Peter Shor that quantum computers could theoretically factor large integers almost exponentially faster than the best classical algorithms generated a lot of interest in quantum information science and technology. This is because of its potential to make current public key encryption schemes obsolete. In addition, quantum computers show great promise for solving classically intractable optimization problems, machine learning, and problems in computational biology.
How Does Undergraduate Research in Quantum Computing Contribute to Professional Development?
Undergraduate research programs also help with personal development, improving students’ attitudes, self-confidence, and personal initiative. It provides opportunities for professional development through networking with peers and mentors and publication of their work. Such research experiences lead to increased retention in STEM fields and a greater likelihood of pursuing a graduate degree. They are also beneficial to students at risk of underachieving.
How is Quantum Computing Research Implemented at Loyola University Maryland?
At Loyola University Maryland, a private liberal arts institution of approximately 3800 students, undergraduate students have the opportunity to do research during the summer and during the academic year. The genesis for their foray into quantum computing research began with three faculty members from the physics, engineering, and computer science departments discussing the possibility of developing an introduction to quantum computing course. An interesting project was proposed to develop a quantum computer simulator from scratch using the Python programming language and NumPy, a Python-based numerical programming library.
What are the Lessons Learned from Supervising Undergraduates in Quantum Computing?
The final section of the research paper summarizes the lessons learned from the experiences supervising undergraduates in quantum computing. The researchers believe that quantum computing is an exciting area of investigation which allows undergraduate students to make meaningful contributions to open-ended research questions. The implementation of their own introductory undergraduate quantum computing course, which features innovations such as students developing their own Python-based quantum computer simulator and using it in a course project, is outlined.
This article, titled “Undergraduate Research in Quantum Computing: Lessons Learned from Developing Student Researchers,” was authored by David H. K. Hoe, Mary Lowe, and David Binkley. It was published on February 7, 2024. The article discusses the experiences and lessons learned from developing undergraduate students into researchers in the field of quantum computing. The DOI reference for this article is https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2–44529.
