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George Mason helps teachers bring quantum science into K-12 classrooms

ckearney — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:16:20 +0000

George Mason helps teachers bring quantum science into K-12 classrooms ckearney Thu, 10/08/2026 - 16:16

Quantum technologies are poised to transform computing, communications, and national security. At ��ɫ��Ƶ, faculty are working to ensure students do not have to wait until college to begin imagining themselves as part of that future.

Through a growing series of professional development opportunities, George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) is partnering with K-12 educators to make quantum science approachable, relevant, and practical for students.

That work accelerated this summer, when educators participated in a three-day professional learning experience supported by the National Science Foundation-funded Quantum in the Middle initiative and the Booz Allen Foundation’s TechXplore initiative. Led by faculty from George Mason’s College of Science and College of Education and Human Development, the program helped teachers explore quantum concepts, consider age-appropriate approaches for their classrooms, and examine how quantum learning can build from elementary school through higher education.

George Mason physics professor Jessica Rosenberg talks to area educators at the Quantum in Your Classroom workshop. Photo by Christopher Hewes/Office of University Branding

“We’re building pathways into quantum and connecting them to the standards and curriculum teachers already use,” said Jessica Rosenberg, professor of physics and astronomy and QSEC director of education. “We want students to encounter these ideas early, build the knowledge they’ll need over time, and be ready for quantum opportunities when they reach college or pursue quantum-adjacent technical careers.”

Teachers are central to developing that pathway. Summer participants explored classroom activities and were invited to test them with their students, giving George Mason faculty an opportunity to learn directly from educators about what works in real classrooms.

“We’re developing a roadmap educators can use from elementary through high school, but we’re developing it with teachers, not simply for them,” said Nancy Holincheck, associate professor of STEM education and QSEC associate director of education. “Their experience and feedback help us identify activities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and give students the foundation to see themselves in future quantum careers.”

Teachers try out some experiments at the Quantum in Your Classroom workshop. Photo by Christopher Hewes/Office of University Branding

That teacher-focused effort continued this fall with Quantum in Your Classroom, a one-day professional development workshop on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. Designed for educators with no previous quantum experience, the workshop introduced quantum concepts and provides classroom resources for grades 6-12. Teachers explored quantum processes through activities including a simple polarization experiment and received curriculum materials adaptable for elementary and secondary classrooms.

Rosenberg and Holincheck want to extend this effort beyond individual workshops or lessons. They envision an educational pathway that allows a student’s first encounter with quantum science to grow into deeper learning, higher education, and ultimately participation in an emerging workforce.

Quantum in Your Classroom gives educators a place to start, while giving George Mason researchers something equally valuable—the perspective of teachers who understand how students learn and can help shape how the quantum workforce journey begins.

By putting teachers at the center of that work, George Mason is helping quantum education reach students where their curiosity begins: in the classroom.

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George Mason's quantum vision takes center stage during landmark week

ckearney — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:05:12 +0000

George Mason's quantum vision takes center stage during landmark week ckearney Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:05

From its Fairfax Campus in Virginia, to Washington, D.C., to the 2026 Quantum World Congress in College Park, Maryland, ��ɫ��Ƶ spent the week demonstrating how universities can help turn the promise of quantum technology into research, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, partnerships, and economic impact.

The university’s engagement came at a pivotal moment. Quantum World Congress (QWC26), held September 23-25, brought together leaders from science, industry, government, finance, and education to advance quantum technologies from research toward commercialization and real-world application. Cody W. Edwards, dean of George Mason’s College of Science, delivered a QWC26 keynote focused on an important question for institutions and regions: Do we wait for quantum’s transformational technology to take shape or do we build the capacity to help shape the ecosystem now for the future.

The answer was clear: ��ɫ��Ƶ is relying on its strengths to build.

Cody W. Edwards, dean of George Mason’s College of Science, delivered a QWC26 keynote. Photo by FiveStar

“Quantum is now,” Edwards told the audience. Rather than trying to predict which quantum technology will ultimately prevail, he stressed that leaders should invest in the people, partnerships, infrastructure, and institutional flexibility needed to respond as the field evolves. He outlined three imperatives: build capacity ahead of the curve; build ecosystems rather than isolated assets; and begin with consequential problems while building solutions with partners.

That ecosystem-building approach was visible throughout the week.

Just ahead of QWC26, George Mason announced plans to establish the Virginia Quantum Hub, (VQH) supported by a $3.7 million GO Virginia grant, pending final award. Designed as an inclusive public-private quantum ecosystem, the VQH combines shared infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborative technology innovation. Its partners span industry, government, regional economic development groups, and education-focused collaborators including Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University, Virginia Tech, and public schools in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun County. Check go.gmu.edu/quantum for a current and growing valued partner network listing.

George Mason representatives and partners at the 2026 Quantum World Congress. Photo by FiveStar

The Virginia Quantum Hub unveiling builds on another major milestone announced earlier in September: George Mason’s partnership with Oxford-based TreQ and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) to bring a $7.7 million open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia. Planned for installation in early 2027 and commissioning by late summer, it will be the first open-architecture quantum computing system in Virginia and the National Capital Region and the first U.S. deployment based on TreQ’s Open Architecture Quantum framework.

As Edwards emphasized in his keynote, the significance goes beyond acquiring a computer. “We are not investing in a machine as an endpoint—we are investing in infrastructure as a platform.”

Open architecture gives researchers, students, startups, and established companies opportunities to build, test and integrate technologies while allowing the platform to evolve with processors, software, networking, and other parts of the quantum stack.

Importantly, the strategy puts people alongside technology. George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) connects 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges, and the university has launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering to scale up and reskill the necessary quantum workforce.

George Mason’s quantum education opportunities were shared earlier in the week, when President Gregory Washington, QSEC Executive Director Patrick Vora and university representatives participated in the Washington Post’s “Building America: Quantum Innovation” program in Washington, D.C., which extended conversations about quantum innovation into the broader national dialogue.

Vora detailed QSEC’s four-tiered educational development focus building on almost a decade of collaboration with local, regional, and nationally renowned educators, academic partners, and industry leaders, “The Virginia Quantum Hub plans to extend the talent pipeline through K-12 programs, community-college partnerships, professional education, internships and hands-on access to quantum infrastructure, all informed by industry’s quantum workforce needs now and in the future.”

Taken together, the week highlighted a consistent message: Quantum leadership will not come from one university, company, government agency or piece of technology. It will come from connecting talent, infrastructure, research, industry, capital, and mission.

As Edwards said: “George Mason convenes. Virginia benefits.” And the ambition extends well beyond the commonwealth: “Anchored in Virginia. Built for the nation. Open to the world.”

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Shaping the quantum future in Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:30:25 +0000

Shaping the quantum future in Virginia ckearney Tue, 09/22/2026 - 08:30

With support from a $3.7 million GO Virginia grant, ��ɫ��Ƶ will establish the Virginia Quantum Hub (VQH) — an inclusive quantum ecosystem, built by public–private partnerships, that generates intellectual property across research and technology, attracts capital investments, trains a highly skilled workforce, and addresses global innovation needs, from health and logistics to national security and energy sectors.

“The Virginia Quantum Hub at George Mason positions the Commonwealth of Virginia at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology that will drive investment and economic opportunity in the decades to come,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “As home to the first open-architecture quantum computing system in the National Capital Region, this is exactly the kind of public–private partnership that keeps Virginia first. The collaboration among higher education, GO Virginia, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and many other critical public and private partners also represents game-changing capacity building for our innovation ecosystem.”

To scale partnerships already underway, George Mason has been approved for the GO Virginia grant, pending final award, to expand K–12 education and employer training programs, technical infrastructure deployment, lab buildout, and collaborative partnership operations.

Washington Post's Mike Dyer with President Gregory Washington and QSEC Executive Director Patrick Vora at "Building America: Quantum Innovation" presented at Washington Post Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

In addition to current research investments, laboratories, and K–12 and higher education programs and training, George Mason partnered with Oxford, England-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to the state. TreQ has completed the system design and will deploy and operate the built-to-evolve quantum computing infrastructure, collaborating with George Mason to connect Virginia and the region with companies and innovators across the global quantum technology ecosystem.

“George Mason is not waiting for the quantum future — we are building it, responsibly and accessibly, with industry and government. By anchoring the Virginia Quantum Hub here, we are turning the commonwealth’s research strength and our region’s talent into jobs, new businesses, and opportunity for real change and impact,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “We are building a quantum ecosystem for the nation, which is open to the world. With the catalytic help from the GO Virginia grant, this is how a public university helps an entire region lead the future.”

With the new VQH, George Mason will organize a fast-moving ecosystem around Northern Virginia’s distinctive combination of assets — federal demand, defense and cybersecurity, cloud and data infrastructure, advanced computing, industry, research universities, and deep technical talent — to help drive the developing future of quantum.

A George Mason physics PhD student uses a microscope to probe nanoelectronic devices. The university launched the first master's degree in quantum science and engineering in the commonwealth earlier this year. Photo by ��ɫ��Ƶ

“This hub provides access to the hardware and advanced research to empower a workforce to fuel the quantum economy,” said College of Science Dean Cody Edwards, who will deliver a keynote at Thursday’s Quantum World Congress. “We start with bold solutions to create a better world for everyone — not a search for quantum-shaped answers. Strong ecosystems don’t depend on any one dominant part; their strength comes from the interactions among talent, infrastructure, capital, research, industry, and government.”

"At the College of Engineering and Computing, quantum is not a single discipline—it is where computing, engineering, and science converge," said Ken Ball, dean of George Mason's College of Engineering and Computing. "Our strength lies in preparing students and researchers to work across that entire continuum, from quantum algorithms and software to the systems and technologies that make quantum computing possible while we prepare our graduates for the workforce of the future."

George Mason will work with founding partners and strategic investors — including the VIPC, Connected DMV, TreQ, Leidos, Aliro Quantum, Boeing, Booz Allen, MITRE, IonQ, Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, and others to be announced — to deliver on three reinforcing pillars:

Open-architecture quantum hardware and shared infrastructure: Dual-use open infrastructure operated by George Mason — a cryogenic lab, a quantum optics facility, and one of the only TreQ-designed open-architecture quantum computers in the United States — for technology innovation.
World-class quantum workforce programs: A four-tier pipeline including middle school, high school, and community-college partner programs, quantum-related professional education, internships, and a new master’s degree program with hands-on access to the accessible hardware. With 80 to 85% of George Mason graduates staying to work in Virginia and the region, this talent pipeline is positioned to meet the region’s workforce needs both now and as they expand in the future.
Collaborative technology innovation: An industry–government–academia partnership program that builds critical educational programs, drives collaborative technology development, and coordinates the growth of Virginia’s quantum ecosystem.

“The quantum future of the United States requires we empower our citizens, no matter their backgrounds, with the skills needed to lead in the growth of this exciting technology. The VQH accomplishes this by empowering Virginians with a unique hands-on quantum technology training program, de-risking innovation by providing key high-cost infrastructure to the region and working with partners to make Virginia the destination for transformative quantum companies looking to grow,” said Patrick Vora, executive director of George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC).

“The Virginia Quantum Hub gives us an opportunity to move beyond simply accessing cloud-based, black-box quantum computers and instead open the box to study and innovate at deeper layers of the quantum computing stack,” said Weiwen Jiang, QSEC’s codirector. “With open-architecture hardware and shared research infrastructure, our faculty, students, and industry partners can work across the full quantum stack, from applications and software to systems, control, and devices. This kind of infrastructure is essential for training the next generation of quantum engineers and advancing research toward practical quantum applications.”

Several of George Mason’s partners weighed in on this opportunity and moment for the state:

“VIPC is proud to be a founding partner and strategic investor in the Virginia Quantum Hub. Built through public–private partnership, VQH will help grow Virginia’s innovation ecosystem by accelerating research commercialization, growing next-generation talent, and catalyzing company attraction and industry investment in the commonwealth,” said VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento.

“TreQ is grateful for George Mason’s trust and partnership in building this foundational infrastructure for Virginia’s quantum ecosystem. This region brings together digital infrastructure, national security, research, talent, and the technology industry in a way few places can. That combination is shaping the frontier of computing,” said TreQ CEO and Founder Mandy Birch.

"The Greater Washington region has the computer infrastructure, the research base, and the security-cleared talent that quantum companies need. The Virginia Quantum Hub adds a critical missing piece: Open hardware companies can test on today, paired with a pipeline that keeps four out of five graduates here. For frontier technology companies deciding where to build and scale, the case for Northern Virginia just got stronger," said George D. Thomas, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

George Mason ranks number one in Virginia for innovation, according to 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges. The new Virginia Quantum Hub builds on eight years of investment through George Mason's QSEC, where 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges have built the university's research and education foundation in quantum.

A priority within George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative, George Mason’s Quantum Leap project is research backed by a new $2.4 million catalyst investment, with six new postdoctoral positions and three new faculty positions.

The university recently launched Virginia's first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering and signed an MOU with two of Korea's leading quantum organizations, extending the hub's reach to a strong global quantum marketplace.

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George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:03:14 +0000

George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia ckearney Tue, 09/01/2026 - 18:03

��ɫ��Ƶ 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 that build workforce and infrastructure now will lead in the future,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “George Mason has spent nearly a decade boldly building the foundation for this moment. Bringing an open-architecture quantum computing system to our university and making it available to our students and faculty, our partners, the region, and state is the kind of collaborative innovation that will advance Virginia’s continued successes.”

Dean Cody Edwards, President Gregory Washington, TreQ CEO Mandy Birch, QSEC Director Patrick Vora, and George Mason Rector Sumeet Shrivastava. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located on one of George Mason’s Northern Virginia campuses, the system will be the first U.S. deployment of a computing system based on TreQ’s proprietary Open Architecture Quantum (OAQ) framework. With strategic support from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and TreQ, George Mason is investing in the new $7.7 million system planned for delivery and installation in early 2027, with commissioning expected by late summer 2027. The university commercialization and researcher recruitment grant from VIPC is helping to catalyze and attract strategic industry investment and additional philanthropy support for Virginia’s ecosystem.

“Open architecture widens the path for innovation, allowing for different quantum processors, software, networking, and other technologies as they mature, rather than a single integration approach,” said TreQ CEO and Founder Mandy Birch. “That gives established companies, startups, and researchers a place to build, test, and integrate, and move the field forward faster. This first deployment creates a foundation Virginia can keep building on, and we’re glad to be part of George Mason’s vision for what comes next.”

TreQ will design, deploy, and operate the new built-to-evolve quantum computing infrastructure at George Mason, collaborate on research and curriculum, and connect Virginia and the region with companies and innovators across the global quantum technology ecosystem.

Photo by Jackie Cross/TreQ

“VIPC’s mission is to grow Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public–private partnership. This unique collaboration with George Mason, TreQ, and other partners will help attract industry investment, accelerate research commercialization, develop next-generation talent, and empower entrepreneurs and startups to advance cutting-edge quantum technology in the commonwealth,” said VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento. “VIPC is proud to provide catalytic funding to help unlock these exciting opportunities for Virginia’s future.”

Quantum computing is expected to reshape fields including public health and medicine, emergency response, logistics, national security, and infrastructure. Quantum computing is predicted to generate up to $2.7 trillion in economic value internationally by 2035, limited only by two barriers: a shortage of trained talent and the high cost of specialized infrastructure. Alongside ambitious research and interdisciplinary quantum curriculum, the investments at George Mason will help expand access and accelerate discovery, building toward a quantum-enabled future that overcomes both those obstacles.

“The open architecture system provides needed infrastructure to work across the full quantum stack, and fuels rapid innovation that no single organization could tackle alone, advancing the region as a magnet for the quantum supply chain,” said College of Science Dean Cody Edwards. “Open architecture isn’t about being vendor-neutral. It changes what’s possible by opening the system to more technologies and innovators. With the infrastructure and curriculum to train the workforce, George Mason can help drive the advanced computing economy forward.”

This partnership builds on George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC), where 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges have developed the university’s foundation in quantum. QSEC also recently signed an MOU with two of Korea’s leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI), establishing an international relationship with a key U.S. ally in technology and workforce.

Quantum is a priority area within George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative — a university-wide effort to focus talent and resources on problems of regional and national consequence — and the university is backing it with a $2.4 million catalyst investment, six new postdoctoral positions, and three new faculty positions. The university also launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering. With 80-85% of George Mason graduates working in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the region, the university is creating a talent pipeline to meet the region’s workforce needs.

“George Mason engineering is advancing the frontiers of quantum computing through pioneering research, transformative student experiences, and strategic partnerships with innovators such as TreQ,” added College of Engineering and Computing Dean Ken Ball. “We are preparing the next generation of engineers to turn quantum breakthroughs into practical solutions that will shape the future of technology and society.”

“TreQ's expansion into Virginia, and its research partnership with ��ɫ��Ƶ, is another strong example of the deepening UK-U.S. collaboration in quantum, reflecting the value of partnership in advancing research, innovation, and growth on both sides of the Atlantic,” Alex Milward, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America.

As a top-ranked university, George Mason is already working with regional and industry partners across the state to formalize a broader quantum coalition that is shaping quantum research and workforce development. The new system will also serve as foundational infrastructure for international companies exploring expansion into Northern Virginia.

“Our partnership with TreQ gives QSEC faculty and students access to true quantum computing hardware for the first time,” said QSEC Director Patrick Vora. “We can now launch ambitious new research initiatives, build globally unique workforce training programs, and team with our industry colleagues to grow the Virginia quantum ecosystem. This will truly let Virginia take a quantum leap and drive the future.”

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Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem

Katarina Benson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:07:33 +0000

Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem Katarina Benson Tue, 08/18/2026 - 13:07

As South Korea accelerates its national investment in quantum science and technology, ��ɫ��Ƶ'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 QSEC and two of Korea's leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI).

Mason Korea QSEC, Future Quantum Convergence Forum, and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center representatives.

“This memorandum represents much more than a formal agreement—it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that connects researchers, students, and industry across the United States and South Korea,” said Kang. “By working together, we can accelerate quantum research, expand educational opportunities, and prepare a globally connected workforce capable of addressing the scientific and technological challenges of the future.”

The Future Quantum Convergence Forum serves as a hub connecting Korea's quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) industry, academia, research institutions, and local governments, with the Quantum-AI Convergence Institute (QCI) operating as its secretariat. For QCI, the MOU with George Mason marks a starting point for advancing collaboration with Korea's industry, academia, research community, and local governments.

Partnering with QSEC—a research center spanning physics, engineering, and computer science—is expected to provide QCI with new opportunities to build a global research network and exchange expertise in workforce development. Going forward, the two institutions plan to create opportunities for academic and research exchange through workshops and seminars, and to explore ways for George Mason and Korean companies to expand into each other's markets.

While in Korea, Kang also visited the Quantum Computing Project Group at Yonsei University in Songdo, which operates Korea's first 127-qubit IBM Quantum System One—the second university-based, on-premises IBM Quantum System One in the world. The visit served as an important platform for QSEC, Yonsei University, and Mason Korea to discuss future collaboration in quantum research, education, workforce development, and long-term academic partnerships.

South Korea continues to expand its national quantum strategy through large-scale government investment. Korea's Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently reviewing proposals for a nationwide quantum cluster initiative expected to invest approximately KRW 100 billion ($70 million USD) in regional quantum innovation ecosystems.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward for QSEC and George Mason,” said Patrick Vora, QSEC director. “By growing our relationship with our Korean partners, we will create new opportunities for scientific advancement, technological innovation, and quantum education."

A final designation of participating regions is expected in the coming weeks, and discussions around Mason Korea and QSEC's potential role remain ongoing. To support these efforts, Mason Korea's Industry–University Collaboration Foundation (IUCF) facilitated discussions between QSEC and key stakeholders in Korea's quantum community.

Building on its longstanding partnership with Yonsei University, Mason Korea also helped identify opportunities for future international collaboration involving research, education, and innovation.

The partnership was facilitated by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and originated when QCI visited Fairfax County for the 2025 Quantum World Congress. A key connector in building international partnerships, FCEDA will continue to support both parties in deepening their collaboration and identifying new opportunities to strengthen ties between Korea and George Mason.

"Mason Korea exists to make George Mason a genuinely global university, not just one with a campus abroad,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. “Helping QSEC establish real footing in Korea's quantum ecosystem—and bringing other partner institutions along in the process—is precisely that mission in action."

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Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift

ckearney — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:50:35 +0000

Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift ckearney Fri, 07/10/2026 - 14:50

Quantum science is a revolution in the making, and a recent donation by Department of Physics and Astronomy Professor Paul So has placed ��ɫ��Ƶ at the forefront of understanding and harnessing its capabilities.

Paul So. Photo by Hamiltonian Artists

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 gift will establish an endowed professorship within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The university seeks an esteemed faculty member to fill this role, with a preference for a scientist who has expertise in quantum sciences, “someone with new ideas,” said So, “who will create a vibrant space in the department.”

“It’s important to think about quantum as a revolutionary and game-changing leap ahead in our ability to compute, to sense the world around us, and to communicate with each other,” said Patrick Vora, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and director of George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

The goal of the professorship is to build a community of learning around quantum technology, said Vora. “It will catalyze new collaborations between faculty members, but always, at the end of the day, our biggest impact is going to be in training our students.”

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of subatomic particles and their properties. Understanding and controlling those properties could drive significant advances in engineering and technology, said Vora, who is leading George Mason’s Quantum Leap, one of seven newly funded catalyst projects in the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

“Your phone runs on quantum science, your computer runs on quantum science,” So added. “New materials, new technologies, and new applications will all rely on quantum.” That could include enhanced weather prediction as well as faster drug discovery and development.

So founded SYYK with his brother Peter, a professor of mechanical and biological engineering at MIT, to continue their mother’s philanthropic efforts after her death in 2021. The charitable nonprofit has a broad mission but prioritizes gifts to educational and cultural institutions.

“Even when we were growing up in Hong Kong, my parents supported local schools,” So said. “They appreciated that education was the foundation of a kid’s future, the foundation of society’s future.”

So believes that strengthening the quantum science program at George Mason will attract top students to the university and encourage more cross-pollination between disciplines like math, computer science, and engineering.

“One of the biggest challenges of realizing quantum technology is less about the ‘quantum’ and more the people,” Vora said. “Developing the science into an industry will require a significant expansion of the workforce. The only way that you can do that is by expanding representation in the workforce. And there are few things that George Mason does as well as providing opportunity for people who may not have had it before.”

So is optimistic that the investment in quantum will better position students to take advantage of the unique opportunity George Mason offers. “We’re right here in the National Capital region, near so many tech companies,” he said, “and there’s a lot of support from the government to develop quantum.”

Indeed, the federal government recently announced that it would inject $2 billion into quantum development, funding nine domestic computer companies to build quantum infrastructure. The White House, meanwhile, also issued executive orders to accelerate the migration of federal computing systems to systems that can protect them from quantum cyberattacks. Quantum-related job postings have tripled in the last 15 years with an average salary of $131,000.

The structure of the new professorship is a novel one at George Mason. The professor’s salary will be covered by the College of Science, while proceeds from the endowment will serve as discretionary funding to support graduate students. The donation also includes a percentage of the gift applied as “current use” funds, available now to provide support while the endowment yield grows.

“Paul So’s extraordinary generosity gives George Mason the ability to move with both urgency and ambition in quantum science,” said Cody W. Edwards, dean of the College of Science. “This endowed professorship will help us recruit a field-shaping scholar, support graduate students, and accelerate the collaborations needed to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists and innovators. It is a gift with immediate impact, long-term vision, and profound significance for the College of Science, George Mason, and the commonwealth.”

Given the surge in quantum investment and jobs around the country, So hopes the gift will encourage additional giving to support quantum at George Mason. “Compared to what is needed, this is just the start,” he said.

“We’re talking about a generation-scale technological shift,” said Vora. “Bringing on this new faculty member, around which our current and future faculty members can collaborate and coalesce, will really change what it looks like to be a quantum scientist in the future.”

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George Mason launches new MS in quantum science and engineering

ckearney — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:23:34 +0000

George Mason launches new MS in quantum science and engineering ckearney Mon, 06/15/2026 - 14:23

��ɫ��Ƶ 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, and biology.

Designed to meet growing workforce demand in one of the world's fastest-evolving technology sectors, the MS program prepares students to apply quantum technologies across disciplines. Photo provided

Quantum technology is transforming industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy. As investment in quantum research and development continues to grow worldwide, so does the need for professionals who can bridge traditional STEM fields with emerging quantum technologies.

The degree was developed in direct response to industry demand for a workforce that can bridge traditional disciplines and emerging quantum technologies.

“When we talked to industry, they told us they want experts in STEM fields who also have knowledge of quantum science and engineering,” said Jessica Rosenberg, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

Reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the field, students enter the program with backgrounds in STEM disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering, and build quantum expertise alongside domain-specific knowledge. The curriculum integrates foundational training in quantum information science and engineering while allowing students to deepen their applied-area expertise through electives in external disciplines.

The master's program focuses on three key areas: quantum computing and algorithms, quantum communications and security, and quantum sensing and measurement technologies.

Rather than training students solely as quantum specialists, the program emphasizes preparing them to apply quantum tools within their primary fields.

Photo provided

“Our goal is not to train pure quantum scientists,” said Michael Jarret, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Computer Science. “We're training professionals who can operate between domains—people who can connect quantum concepts to real-world applications.”

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students complete a master's research project, often in collaboration with industry partners or research laboratories, gaining real-world experience in quantum applications and emerging technologies.

This flexible structure allows the program to evolve alongside the field itself. “As the quantum industry grows over the next decade, this degree is designed to adapt with it,” Jarret added.

Through this approach, graduates will be well-positioned to evaluate and implement quantum solutions in both academic and applied settings while also communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, from current undergraduates to working professionals.

George Mason also offers a Bachelor’s-to-Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway, enabling qualified undergraduates at George Mason to begin working toward the degree during their junior or senior years. At the same time, the program welcomes students entering directly into the master’s, creating opportunities for both early-career and returning learners to engage with quantum technologies.

As quantum technologies continue to reshape fields from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare and energy, programs like George Mason’s MS in quantum science and engineering are critical to building the next generation of talent.

This program is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.

Learn about the program

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