Subhasish Mandal, an assistant professor at West Virginia University, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to design materials essential for advancing quantum computing. Unlike regular computers that rely on bits of 0 or 1, quantum computers utilize quantum states capable of existing in multiple configurations simultaneously; however, maintaining these states proves challenging.
Mandal’s research investigates how electrons interact with atomic vibrations within materials, interactions believed to be key to stabilizing quantum states. “One of the biggest challenges in quantum technology is finding materials that can maintain their quantum behavior outside carefully controlled laboratory environments,” Mandal said.
CAREER Award Fuels Quantum Material Design at WVU
Rather than relying solely on physical experimentation, Mandal’s approach prioritizes simulations to narrow the field of potential candidates before laboratory work begins. “Instead of making every quantum material possible to see which perform well, researchers could first use software to run simulations to identify the most promising options,” Mandal said, outlining the efficiency gains this method offers. Mandal’s research centers on materials constructed from stacked atomic layers, a technique allowing for the creation of quantum properties unattainable in single-element materials.
These investigations will utilize advanced computer methods and large-scale simulations to determine if materials exhibit superconductivity, the lossless flow of electricity, and topological quantum states, which resist external disturbances. Scientists theorize that combining these two properties could provide the foundation for building practical quantum computers. The project extends beyond material discovery, with a significant focus on workforce development.
Mandal intends to create accessible educational resources about quantum science and technology, alongside immersive summer workshops at West Virginia University. These initiatives will provide hands-on training in computational skills for students at all levels, preparing them for careers in a rapidly expanding field. As quantum technologies move toward real-world applications, there is a growing need for a workforce that understands both the science and the tools behind them. The NSF CAREER award recognizes early-career faculty demonstrating potential as academic role models, and this funding will also support the development of freely available software.
This software will broaden access to advanced computational tools, potentially accelerating scientific discovery by reducing both the time and financial resources required for materials research. “The long-term goal is to create a way to predict which materials could be useful for quantum technology before they are ever made,” Mandal said.
“If we can find materials or a combination of materials that naturally support quantum states, we can help to build the foundation for new quantum technologies that could benefit society for decades.” Maura McLaughlin, chair at WVU, highlighted the broader impact of Mandal’s work. “The training this project provides will open new opportunities for West Virginia students while helping to build the highly skilled technology workforce critical to our state’s future growth,” she stated.
Mandal joined the WVU faculty in 2022, building on prior recognition including a highlight in Nature Communications in December 2025 and the 2026 Cottrell Scholar Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of impactful research in quantum materials. His Computational Quantum Materials Group receives support from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, underscoring the broad interest in this area of research.
The long-term goal is to create a way to predict which materials could be useful for quantum technology before they are ever made in a laboratory.
Subhasish Mandal, Assistant Professor, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy
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