JILA News

High School Students Present Science and Engineering Projects at JILA

Steven Burrows — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:11:25 +0000

High School Students Present Science and Engineering Projects at JILA Steven Burrows Fri, 04/24/2026 - 09:11

Jessica Hoehn / JILA PFC Director of Public Engagement & Education Research

Eric Cornell talks to a student about their project.

On April 22, 2026, the JILA Physics Frontier Center (PFC) and Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community (PISEC) hosted the annual PISEC High School Poster Symposium. 110 students from three different high schools descended on JILA to present posters of science and engineering projects they completed over the course of a semester or year under the guidance of CU mentors. This cornerstone event provides students an opportunity to engage in authentic science communication practices, sharing their work with peers and university researchers. In addition to the poster session, high school students toured research labs in JILA, learning about JILA research and exploring possible future undergraduate opportunities and career paths.

Funded by the National Science Foundation through the JILA PFC, PISEC is a partnership-based community engagement program that connects CU volunteers with local K-12 students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based science experiments and engineering projects. With programs at the elementary through high school levels, PISEC strives to cultivate youths’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and support their STEM identity development. Through mutually beneficial partnerships, the program works to create pathways into STEM disciplines while also supporting the identity and professional development of the university volunteers.

This year, students from Englewood, Northglenn, and Skyline High Schools presented a wide range of projects, from investigating aurora phenomena with a homopolar motor, to creating 3D printed bone scaffolds for tissue engineering, to designing a pedestrian bridge. JILA graduate students, postdocs, and fellows attended the poster session, along with other CU and external community members, making for a lively atmosphere of celebration and connection.

On the heels of PISEC’s 18th year of building and sustaining university-community partnerships, this vibrant symposium underscores JILA’s commitment to community engagement and to supporting the next generation of scientists.

High school students explain their project to poster symposium attendees.

More than 110 students from three Colorado high schools gathered at JILA on April 22, 2026, to present science and engineering projects at the annual PISEC High School Poster Symposium, hosted by the JILA Physics Frontier Center and PISEC. The event offered students hands-on experience in science communication, opportunities to engage with CU researchers, and a firsthand look at JILA research and STEM pathways.

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Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo Receive 2026 R. N. Thomas Award

Steven Burrows — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:07:32 +0000

Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo Receive 2026 R. N. Thomas Award Steven Burrows Fri, 04/24/2026 - 09:07

Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo and nominee Drake Miller III.

JILA is pleased to announce that graduate students Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo are the recipients of the 2026 Richard Nelson Thomas Award, which recognizes outstanding experimental contributions by JILA graduate students. This year’s nominees also included Drake Miller III and Sajal Gupta, highlighting the strength and breadth of graduate research across the institute.

Long was recognized for his contributions at JILA prior to beginning a postdoctoral appointment in Germany. Although he was unable to attend the award presentation in person, his work and engagement during his time at JILA exemplify the standards of excellence and collaboration the Thomas Award is meant to recognize.

Echiburú‑Trujillo was honored for her accomplishments as a JILA graduate student and her contributions to the JILA research community. In addition to her academic work, she has been an active and supportive presence within her group and the broader institute.

The R. N. Thomas Award is presented annually in memory of Richard Nelson Thomas, whose dedication to experimental science and graduate education left a lasting impact at JILA. The award recognizes students whose work and service reflect those values and who contribute meaningfully to JILA’s collaborative research environment.

Kirk Long.

Graduate students Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo have been awarded the 2026 Richard Nelson Thomas Award, an honor rooted in JILA’s astronomy tradition that recognizes outstanding experimental contributions by graduate students. Drake Miller III and Sajal Gupta were also nominated, underscoring the depth of student research across the institute.

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Jun Ye Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Steven Burrows — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:14:02 +0000

Jun Ye Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Steven Burrows Wed, 04/22/2026 - 22:14

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

JILA Fellow Jun Ye has been elected a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies. His election recognizes his extraordinary contributions to physics and quantum science, including pioneering advances in optical atomic clocks, precision measurement, and quantum many-body physics.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors excellence across the sciences, humanities, arts, and public affairs, and brings leaders together to address issues of national and global importance. Academy members span centuries of achievement, from early U.S. founders such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to generations of influential scientists, scholars, and public leaders. Today, the Academy includes more than 250 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients.

Ye, who is also a professor of physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will be formally welcomed at the Academy’s 2026 Induction Weekend this October in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His election reflects the high regard in which he is held by peers across the physics community and underscores JILA’s enduring leadership in fundamental and applied quantum research.

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Jun Ye Elected Corresponding Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences

Steven Burrows — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:11:48 +0000

Jun Ye Elected Corresponding Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Steven Burrows Mon, 04/20/2026 - 12:11

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

JILA Fellow Jun Ye has been elected a corresponding member abroad of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, OeAW), recognizing his internationally influential contributions to physics and quantum science. Election to the OeAW honors scholars whose work has had a profound impact well beyond Austria and reflects exceptional standing within the global research community.

Founded in 1847, the Austrian Academy of Sciences is the country’s leading non-university research institution and a prestigious learned society spanning the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Election as a corresponding member abroad is reserved for distinguished scientists based outside Austria whose research excellence and leadership have shaped their field internationally.

Ye is widely recognized for pioneering advances in optical atomic clocks, precision measurement, and quantum many-body science. His work has set new benchmarks for timekeeping accuracy and has broad implications for fundamental physics, quantum technologies, and geodesy.

As part of the Academy’s 2026 elections, Ye has formally accepted the honor and will be welcomed at official OeAW events in Vienna later this year, including a ceremonial session for newly elected members. His election further highlights JILA’s strong tradition of international scientific leadership and collaboration.

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Leo Illing Receives an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Lauren W Mason — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:05:18 +0000

Leo Illing Receives an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Lauren W Mason Tue, 04/14/2026 - 15:05

Lauren Mason / STROBE Director of Communication & Operations

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. Since 1952, the program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including STEM education. NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM, including STEM education. NSF encourages applications from the full spectrum of talent that the U.S. has to offer.

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JILA Celebrates World Quantum Day 2026

Steven Burrows — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:22:32 +0000

JILA Celebrates World Quantum Day 2026 Steven Burrows Tue, 04/14/2026 - 13:22

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

On April 14, scientists and institutions worldwide mark World Quantum Day, an annual celebration of quantum science and the technologies it enables. At JILA, where quantum research is deeply embedded in the institute’s mission, the day is a moment to recognize both a long history of discovery and the work still shaping the field’s future.

World Quantum Day falls on April 14 in reference to 4.14, the rounded first digits of Planck’s constant, a foundational constant in quantum mechanics. Created as an international, community-driven effort, the day aims to raise public awareness of quantum science and why it matters. In 2026, the celebration continues the global momentum sparked by the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025, which marked 100 years since the emergence of modern quantum theory.

Quantum science touches nearly every corner of JILA. A majority of JILA Fellows work on quantum-related research, spanning theory and experiment and addressing problems at the smallest scales of nature. JILA researchers study systems such as ultracold atoms and molecules, quantum entanglement, precision measurement, and quantum simulation. This work underpins advances in clocks, sensors, lasers, and emerging quantum technologies.

JILA’s leadership in the field is grounded in decades of influential research. The institute has been home to Nobel Prize–winning breakthroughs, including the creation of the first Bose-Einstein condensate and foundational advances in laser-based precision measurement. Today, JILA researchers continue to push those boundaries, combining experimental and theoretical approaches to better control, measure, and understand complex quantum systems.

World Quantum Day also highlights JILA’s place within a broader quantum community at the University of Colorado Boulder and beyond. Through close partnerships with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, NIST, and efforts such as the CUbit Quantum Initiative and NSF Q-SEnSE, JILA plays a central role in a collaborative ecosystem that connects fundamental science with education, workforce development, and real-world impact.

As World Quantum Day 2026 is celebrated around the globe, JILA recognizes the scientists, students, and staff whose work continues to advance quantum science. The day is both a reflection on how far the field has come and a reminder that quantum research remains a powerful driver of discovery, opening new ways to understand the universe and laying the groundwork for technologies yet to come.

JILA joins the global scientific community on April 14 to celebrate World Quantum Day 2026, recognizing the fundamental discoveries and technologies made possible by quantum science. The day highlights JILA’s long-standing leadership in quantum research and its role in shaping the future of precision measurement, sensing, and emerging quantum technologies.

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JILA Graduate Student Anya Grafov Selected as Global Recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award

Steven Burrows — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:05:38 +0000

JILA Graduate Student Anya Grafov Selected as Global Recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award Steven Burrows Mon, 04/06/2026 - 10:05

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

Anya Grafov, a graduate student in the Kapteyn‑Murnane Group at JILA, has been selected as one of the global recipients of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award, an international honor that recognizes exceptional early‑career women for their achievements and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Grafov was nominated through the Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County and is one of 16 awardees selected worldwide.

“I am incredibly honored to share that I have been selected as one of the global recipients of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award,” Grafov said. “This recognition is a major milestone in my journey as a physicist.”

The Zonta Women in STEM Award celebrates women between the ages of 18 and 35 whose work demonstrates innovation, technical excellence, and meaningful contributions to advancing knowledge in STEM fields. International awardees each receive a $10,000 award and a complimentary one‑year supporting membership in Zonta International, reflecting Zonta’s mission to inspire future generations and foster inclusivity and diversity in STEM.

The award comes as Grafov enters the final stages of writing her doctoral thesis in ultrafast magnetism. She emphasized that the recognition extends beyond research alone. “More importantly, it reinforces my dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and building spaces where every student can feel like they truly belong,” she said.

Reflecting on her experiences in physics, Grafov highlighted the importance of supportive research environments. “Having often navigated the isolation of being one of the only women in a male‑dominated field, I understand firsthand the importance of building inclusive communities,” she said.

Grafov expressed gratitude to Zonta International, the Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County, and Zonta District 12, as well as to her mentors. “I am so proud to represent the physics community and look forward to connecting with the other recipients to create a more equitable future in STEM,” she said.

JILA graduate student Anya Grafov, a member of the Kapteyn‑Murnane Group, has been selected as one of just 16 global recipients of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award, which recognizes exceptional early‑career women advancing research and innovation in STEM fields worldwide. The award honors Grafov’s work in ultrafast magnetism and her commitment to fostering more inclusive and equitable scientific communities.

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JILA Researcher Megan Bentley Named Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow

Steven Burrows — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:55:00 +0000

JILA Researcher Megan Bentley Named Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow Steven Burrows Thu, 04/02/2026 - 11:55

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

JILA postdoctoral researcher Dr. Megan Bentley, a member of Heather Lewandowski’s research group, has been awarded a 2026 Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. The prestigious national fellowship recognizes outstanding early career scientists pursuing innovative research in the chemical sciences.

Bentley was selected as one of 18 fellows nationwide in the 2026 cohort following a highly competitive, multi stage review process led by a panel of scientific experts. Fellows are chosen for both the originality of their research and their potential to transition from mentored postdoctoral work to independent scientific leadership.

In the Lewandowski group at JILA, Bentley’s research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with close connections to fundamental chemical physics. Her work aligns with the Beckman Foundation’s mission to support foundational scientific research that advances experimental methods and deepens understanding of the physical world.

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship supports advanced research in core areas of chemistry, including chemical physics and related instrumentation. The award provides multi year funding for salary and research expenses and is designed to accelerate the professional development of exceptional postdoctoral researchers.

Bentley’s selection highlights both her individual research accomplishments and JILA’s strength as a home for interdisciplinary, early career science at the interface of physics and chemistry.

JILA postdoctoral researcher Dr. Megan Bentley, a member of Heather Lewandowski’s research group, has been named a 2026 Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow. The prestigious national award recognizes Bentley’s innovative research and supports outstanding early‑career scientists in the chemical sciences as they transition toward independent research careers.

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Google Quantum AI Engages JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to Lead New Neutral Atom Quantum Computing Effort

Steven Burrows — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:12:02 +0000

Google Quantum AI Engages JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to Lead New Neutral Atom Quantum Computing Effort Steven Burrows Tue, 03/24/2026 - 13:12

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

Adam Kaufman (left) inspects an optical atomic clock at JILA on the University of Colorado campus with students Nelson Darkwah Oppong, Alec Cao and Theo Lukin Yelin. (Image Credit: Patrick Campbell, University of Colorado)

Today, Google Quantum AI announced a major expansion of its quantum computing research program, naming JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead a newly formed neutral atom quantum hardware team. The initiative marks Google’s first large-scale investment in neutral atom quantum computing, a rapidly advancing platform that complements its long‑standing work in superconducting qubits.

Kaufman, an internationally recognized leader in neutral atom physics, will continue his research at JILA as a JILA Fellow while maintaining his academic appointment in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. According to The Colorado Sun, Kaufman’s dual role reflects Google’s strategy of closely integrating industrial-scale engineering with cutting-edge academic research, particularly in Boulder’s growing quantum ecosystem.

In announcing the program, Google emphasized that neutral atom quantum processors offer unique advantages, including the ability to scale to very large arrays—currently on the order of thousands to tens of thousands of qubits—with highly flexible, “any‑to‑any” connectivity. While neutral atom systems operate more slowly than superconducting circuits, their scalability in qubit number makes them especially promising for quantum simulation and fault‑tolerant architectures. Google views the parallel development of both platforms as a way to accelerate progress toward commercially useful quantum computers.

This new collaboration further strengthens JILA’s national and international leadership in quantum science, building on its major federally funded research centers and broad portfolio of competitive grants. By bridging foundational research and industrial-scale quantum engineering, the partnership underscores JILA’s central role in shaping the future of quantum technology.

Please join us in congratulating Adam Kaufman on this exciting opportunity and on his continued contributions to JILA, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, and the global quantum research community.

Learn more:

The Colorado Sun: Google taps Boulder physicist to lead new quantum computing effort
Google Quantum AI Blog: Building superconducting and neutral atom quantum computers

Google Quantum AI has named JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead a new neutral atom quantum computing hardware team, marking a major expansion of its quantum research program. Kaufman will continue his research at JILA and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, strengthening JILA’s leadership and impact in national and international quantum science.

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Q-SEnSE Leads National Quantum Education & Policy Summit, Releases New Workforce Report

Steven Burrows — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:16:45 +0000

Q-SEnSE Leads National Quantum Education & Policy Summit, Releases New Workforce Report Steven Burrows Wed, 03/18/2026 - 10:16

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

Last October, the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering (Q-SEnSE) co-led the Quantum Education & Policy Summit (QEPS), a national convening focused on strengthening coordination across the U.S. quantum education and workforce ecosystem. The Summit brought together educators, workforce leaders, and partners from academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations to address shared challenges in preparing a diverse and scalable quantum workforce.

Held October 23–24, 2025, at the University of Maryland, QEPS convened 44 participants from 20 states and Washington, D.C., with significant representation from community colleges, technical colleges, and teaching-focused institutions. These institutions play a critical role in training the future quantum workforce but are often underrepresented in national quantum initiatives. The Summit was designed to elevate their perspectives and foster collaboration across regions and institution types.

Q-SEnSE organized the event in collaboration with the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes for Robust Quantum Simulations (RQS) and Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN), alongside the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). The Summit was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), with additional partnership from regional quantum organizations including Elevate Quantum, The Bloch Quantum, and South Carolina Quantum.

This week, coinciding with the APS Annual Meeting, the QEPS organizing team released a new report that captures the Summit’s key discussion themes and participant-driven recommendations. The report identifies persistent gaps in national coordination, systemic support, and industry engagement, while highlighting opportunities to better connect regional efforts and expand access to quantum education pathways.

“This event took a tremendous effort from partners across the entire country,” said Dr. Michael Bennett, NSF Q-SEnSE Director of Education and the PI on the project. “The purpose of the Summit was to facilitate field-wide collaboration, and we could not have asked for better partners to bring that purpose to fruition. We have an opportunity to shape the quantum education field for the better right at the start, but only by working collaboratively.”

Together, the findings and recommendations offer guidance for policymakers, funders, and ecosystem leaders working to build a more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable quantum education and workforce landscape. The report reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the growth of the quantum field draws on talent from across the country and across the full range of educational pathways.

View the report here.

The QEPS report is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under award numbers 2016244 and 2534943. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Last October, Q-SEnSE co-led a national Quantum Education & Policy Summit bringing together educators, workforce leaders, and partners from across the U.S. to strengthen coordination in quantum education and workforce development. Released this week alongside the APS Annual Meeting, a new report distills the Summit’s findings and recommendations for building a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable quantum workforce ecosystem.

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