George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia
George Mason University and Oxford-based frontier computing company TreQ announced a groundbreaking partnership this week to bring open-architecture quantum infrastructure to the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning with the first open-architecture quantum computing system in the state and National Capital Region. “The opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia is significant. Experts project that quantum will create a multi-trillion-dollar economy within the decade, and the states…
Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea’s emerging quantum ecosystem
As South Korea accelerates its national investment in quantum science and technology, George Mason University’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) is strengthening its engagement with the country’s leading research institutions and regional innovation partners. In July 2026, Pilgyu Kang, QSEC’s deputy director and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, traveled to Mason Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding between…
Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift
Quantum science is a revolution in the making, and a recent donation by Department of Physics and Astronomy Professor Paul So has placed George Mason University at the forefront of understanding and harnessing its capabilities. Through a generous $3 million gift from So’s SYYK Foundation, George Mason’s College of Science will be able to advance the education of the next generation of quantum scientists. The…
George Mason launches new MS in quantum science and engineering
George Mason University has launched a new master of science in quantum science and engineering, the first program of its kind in Virginia and one of only a handful in the United States. Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world’s fastest-evolving technology sectors, the program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines including mathematics, physics, computing, engineering, cybersecurity, chemistry,…
Quantum Algorithms for High-Performance Analysis of Single-Cell Omics Data and Explainable Drug Discovery.
Fei Li, Associate Professor, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), received funding for the project: “Quantum Algorithms for High-Performance Analysis of Single-Cell Omics Data and Explainable Drug Discovery.” This project leverages quantum computing to develop innovative, explainable methods for drug target discovery by integrating biological omics data—such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from disease tissue samples—with ex vivo drug screening results. Li…
George Mason pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum
Quantum science may operate at the tiniest scales of the universe, but its potential to reshape our world is anything but small. This summer, George Mason University hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, preparing high school students for careers in the rapidly emerging field of quantum science. The program welcomed rising seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia for an…
Reshaping Education in Nanofabrication for the Northern Virginia Ecosystem and Workforce (RENEW)
Congratulations to PI: Ethan Ahn and Co-PIs: Nathalia Peixoto, Jill Nelson, Jessica Rosenberg for receiving a $934,614 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) grant for their project, “Reshaping Education in Nanofabrication for the Northern Virginia Ecosystem and Workforce (RENEW)! Awarded: 8/22/2025Official award announcement (NSF)Check out PI’s Linkedin Post
New course PHYS 391/590 on Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology
In Spring 2024, the course “Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology” will introduce quantum concepts, technologies, and careers to Mason undergraduate students of science, engineering, K-12 education, business, policy, and ethics. The course will be taught by Jessica Rosenberg, QSEC Education Director and Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy. No prior math, physics, or quantum knowledge is needed.
QSEC Physicist receives Mason’s first DOE Early Career Award
QSEC faculty member Fereshte Ghahari Kermani, Assistant Professor of Physics, recently received U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Early Career Award, which highlights the significance of her contributions to the field of condensed matter physics. She is the first Mason faculty member to receive this honor. Ghahari will look specifically at quantum electronic properties of charge carriers in graphene nanostructures.
Mason represents Virginia at the 2023 Quantum World Congress
George Mason University was the only university representing Virginia at the 2023 Quantum World Congress (QWC) underscoring its commitment to quantum advancements. QSEC played a pivotal role in rallying faculty and students to make a strong showing and enrich the program of QWC.