University of New Haven Students Take on the QuantumUp! Challenge
A group of Chargers dove into the cutting-edge field of quantum technology, gaining invaluable skills and experiences through collaboration and creativity.
November 25, 2024
By Caitlin Truesdale, Office of Marketing and Communications
When the QuantumUp! Challenge launched, it opened a gateway for students from diverse backgrounds to explore a groundbreaking field. For some, it was the allure of the unknown.
杏吧原版淭he complexity of quantum concepts and the challenges within them motivated me to join,杏吧原版 shared Prashna Limbu 杏吧原版26 M.S., a candidate in the University杏吧原版檚 graduate program in finance and financial analytics.
Others, such as Satya Narayana Panda 杏吧原版25 M.S., saw it as a natural extension of their passions. 杏吧原版淚杏吧原版檓 a quantum computing enthusiast, and this challenge allowed me to collaborate with top physicists and explore revolutionary technology,杏吧原版 reflected Panda, who is pursuing a graduate degree in business analytics.
The initiative invited participants to tackle complex challenges across four quantum-related topics. Twelve students from the University of New Haven, supported by faculty coaches, embraced the opportunity to step into the world of quantum technologies.
"The University of New Haven is pleased to have sponsored the QuantumUp! Challenge and to have fielded four teams focusing on Quantum Vision, Quantum Resources, Quantum Power, and Quantum Ethics," shared Nancy Savage, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
"The four teams were coached by Professors Meliksetian (Tagliatella College of Engineering), Shpylchyn (Pompea College of Business), and Devilliers (PCoB),杏吧原版 Dr. Savage continued. 杏吧原版淚t was a positive learning experience for all of the University of New Haven participants. By participating in such events, the University can highlight its reputation and raise its visibility."
The students walked away with a deeper understanding of quantum systems, honed research and teamwork skills, and developed the confidence to tackle future professional projects. As Tomiloba Shokunbi 杏吧原版25 M.S., a graduate candidate in finance and financial analytics, put it, 杏吧原版淭his challenge gave us the chance to apply analytical skills and explore energy-efficient solutions in quantum computing.杏吧原版
'The potential for groundbreaking innovation made this challenge irresistible杏吧原版
For many participants, the challenge was as much about personal growth as it was about problem-solving. As students delved into the intricacies of qubits, entanglement, and quantum governance, they discovered how curiosity could bridge gaps in knowledge.
杏吧原版淨uantum computing feels like science fiction becoming reality,杏吧原版 Shokunbi remarked. 杏吧原版淭he potential for groundbreaking innovation made this challenge irresistible.杏吧原版
Participants also appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the experience. Nahian Ehsanul Karim 杏吧原版26 M.S., a non-STEM student, found it exciting to engage with a field outside his academic focus. 杏吧原版淚t was my first time working on a project with people from such diverse academic backgrounds. Now, I feel confident discussing quantum topics or even pursuing a career in quantum technology.杏吧原版
Despite the steep learning curve, the students relied on their curiosity and collaboration to move forward. Karim, who is pursuing a master杏吧原版檚 in business analytics, highlighted the challenge of competing against peers who had years of experience in the field. 杏吧原版淲e overcame these obstacles through teamwork and discipline,杏吧原版 he said.
'I was able to apply knowledge from past projects杏吧原版
Quantum technology杏吧原版檚 complexity presented hurdles that required perseverance. 杏吧原版溞影稍鎡aining effective coordination to develop a business strategy was tough,杏吧原版 Limbu admitted. However, her team turned to thorough research and strong collaboration to rise to the occasion.
Other students, such as Panda, brought prior experiences to the table, leveraging tools such as IBM杏吧原版檚 Qiskit to contribute meaningfully. 杏吧原版淚 was able to apply knowledge from past projects with Intuit and IBM, giving me a competitive edge,杏吧原版 Panda said.
Even with limited time to prepare, participants remained focused on delivering meaningful solutions. 杏吧原版淲e only had ten days to understand, research, and put together a presentation,杏吧原版 Karim recalled. 杏吧原版淏ut we divided tasks based on each member杏吧原版檚 strengths and continuously worked together to grasp challenging concepts.杏吧原版
The payoff was more than worth the effort. As Panda reflected, 杏吧原版淭his experience prepared me to push the boundaries of quantum computing杏吧原版檚 potential to drive human progress.杏吧原版
'...those moments of learning from each other stood out杏吧原版
Beyond the technical knowledge, the QuantumUp! Challenge offered students the chance to connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. 杏吧原版淢eeting future leaders from various institutions and exchanging ideas was the best part,杏吧原版 said Ikechukwu V. Iheanyi 杏吧原版24 MBA. 杏吧原版淭hough it was a competition, those moments of learning from each other stood out.杏吧原版
Limbu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of networking. 杏吧原版淭he most rewarding aspect was gaining new insights while connecting with students and faculty from different universities,杏吧原版 she shared.
Looking ahead, participants believe their experience will have a lasting impact. 杏吧原版淭he skills I developed in critical thinking, teamwork, and presenting technical information will be invaluable,杏吧原版 Shokunbi noted.
Reflecting on the challenge杏吧原版檚 significance, Iheanyi concluded, 杏吧原版淢y participation opened my mind to endless possibilities and deepened my appreciation for research and innovation.杏吧原版