IBM HBCU Quantum Center

IBM HBCU Quantum Center Scholar Spotlight: Alana Okullo, a Spring 2022 graduate in Physics from the University of San Francisco, began her quantum research journey during the 2021 COVID-19 shutdown. While taking online classes, she joined an online Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Howard University, where she worked with Professor Sugata Chowdhury in Condensed Matter Physics. This experience led her to attend a research seminar series hosted by the IBM HBCU Quantum Center Quantum Center, sparking her interest in quantum research. In Fall 2022, Alana began her PhD in Physics at Howard University and was accepted as a scholar at the IBM HBCU Quantum Center. The center has played a pivotal role in her academic and professional development, connecting her to a vibrant network of physicists and engineers. Under the mentorship of Dr. Sugata Chowdhury, Alana focuses on topological quantum materials, delving into their unique optical and electronic properties. With support from the IBM HBCU Quantum Center, she has contributed to several publications, while the center continues to empower her growth in the #quantum field. #HBCU #Quantum

Women In Quantum Research Seminar Series Join us once a month as we highlight and celebrate contributions and the forward-looking impact on women in Quantum Information. Women In Quantum Research Seminar Series. Theme: Access + Persistence in Quantum Information Science Guest Speakers Dr. Serena Eley

Shout out to our very own IBM HBCU Quantum Center scholar Dr. Ashley N. Blackwell, as she successfully competed her Ph.D defense! She is a testament of the #Quantum community we build here at our center & we are so proud of you! ????

The IBM HBCU Quantum Center recently traveled to Chicago from March 5-9, 2025, for the NSBE Professionals | National Society of Black Engineers) conference and our 2nd Annual Quantum Engineering Research Symposium. Both events were a great success, bringing together scholars and professionals in #quantum engineering and advanced computing. Scholars were awarded job offers, internships, and had the chance to connect with industry leaders, showcasing the incredible talent of our undergraduate and graduate community. At our symposium, six scholars won cash prizes for their exceptional poster and oral presentations, highlighting their hard work and innovation. We’re excited to continue supporting and celebrating these brilliant minds, with our Scholar Shout-Outs returning next week. In the meantime, here are some photos from our memorable time in Chicago! #Quantum #HBCU #scientist #IBM

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, the IBM HBCU Quantum Center reflects on an incredible 2024 filled with growth, collaboration, and groundbreaking achievements. We’re immensely grateful for the memories made throughout the year: ? In the Spring, some of our #Quantum Scholars gathered at the NSBE Professionals | National Society of Black Engineers event. ? We connected during Howard University Research Month in Washington, D.C. ? In June, our scholars presented at Harvard University’s Quantum Noir, showcasing their innovative research. ? We launched the Women in Quantum Series at Spelman College empowering and inspiring future leaders in quantum science. ? We capped the year with a triumphant showing at the National Society of Black Physicists and NATIONAL SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PHYSICIST INC Joint Conference, where Scholars from Morehouse College brought home awards for their poster and oral presentations. ? We even marveled as multiple faculty and staff received many prestigious awards, one being our very own Dr. Thomas Searles was honored as the National Society of Black Physicists President elect. Here’s to building on these successes and creating even more opportunities for quantum discovery and collaboration in 2025, and a big shout out to every faculty and staff which made this possible! ?? Our Jump-Start meeting is January 16; we will see all our returning staff and faculty virtually.

We are incredibly proud of our talented students from the IBM HBCU Quantum Center who recently attended the National Society of Black Physicists - National Society of Hispanic Physicists 2024 Conference in Houston, Texas! This year, our students not only showcased their remarkable research through oral presentations and poster sessions, but they also took the opportunity to connect with leading professionals in the field and expand their networks. ??? A huge congratulations to everyone involved in making this experience memorable and impactful. Here, we are excited to make a continued pipeline to Quantum for our IBM HBCU Quantum Center Students! #HBCU #QuantumScience #NationalSocietyOfBlackPhysicists Morehouse College Coppin State University #NationalSocietyOfHispanicPhysicists MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Dept. of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy #Innovation #FutureLeaders #DiversityInSTEM #Networking #QuantumResearch #STEMEducation #QuantumPhysics #ProudSupporter #HBCUExcellence #STEMLeadership #SouthernUniversity #JacksonStateUniversity #HBCU

IBM HBCU Quantum Center Student Highlight of the week is Cornelius Bra’Jion Salonis. My name is Cornelius Bra’Jion Salonis, and I am a senior at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in #Physics. As an IBM HBCU Quantum Center Scholar, this experience has profoundly shaped my academic and professional trajectory, particularly in #Quantum Information Science and Quantum Materials. The IBM HBCU Quantum Center not only deepened my scientific knowledge but aligned my academic pursuits with my evolving career goals, allowing me to merge my aspirations with the broader mission of advancing quantum science. As a Black physicist at an #HBCU, I have firsthand experience with the challenges and stigmas surrounding physics in minority communities. Through the IBM HBCU Quantum Center, I discovered the transformative potential of quantum science and the importance of diverse representation in the field. Engaging with scholars like Jada Emodogo, Johan Lingani, and Robert Coleman Jr., and participating in conferences, summer schools, and career fairs, I have refined my ambitions and contributed to my community by showcasing the wonders of physics". #quantum #quantumScience #HBCU #BlackExcellence #IBMHBCUSCHOLAR

We're so proud of Clarice Yekeh and her journey as a Quantum Engineer! Looking forward to your innovative research and what's to come after graduation! #womeninquantum #howarduniversity #CQE #uchicago #ibmhbcuquantumcenter #blackinquantum

Women In Quantum Research Seminar Series Join Us once a month as we highlight and celebrate contributions and the forward-looking impact on women in Quantum Information. Women In Quantum Research Seminar Series. Theme: Access + Persistence in Quantum Information Science Guest Speakers Kayla Lee, PhD, Global Lead, IBM Quantum Ecosystem Growth Co-Founder of IBM HBCU Quantum Center Victoria Adebayo Graduate Researcher Harvard University Applied Physics

Drumroll, please! Today is the day, and now is the time! The IBM HBCU Quantum Center is live for the #Women in #Quantum Series, and we’re streaming right now on LinkedIn and YouTube! Join us for this exciting event! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/gTdDriPG