Interested in quantum technology but don't know where to start?

As quantum technologies continue to make headlines, it can be hard to keep track of what's been done, what's left to do, and what it all means anyway. QSTEP aims to clear a path for upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students to understand what quantum science is all about and how it relates (or could relate) to their future research and careers.

October 2-4, 2026

Registration starts at 4pm and Scientific Sessions start at 7pm

Expert talks will follow a mixed pedagogy/application format: Each topic will be introduced through a 40-minute talk targeted at the advanced undergraduate level and assuming minimal prior knowledge. These introductory talks will be followed by two short "application" talks that illustrate how these concepts are at work in modern quantum science research applications.

Core Skills training sessions will offer hands-on instruction in core technical skills relevant to quantum sciences research.

Attendance is free, but space is limited. We support a limited number of out-of-town students with $250 to support travel & accommodation.

On-site registrations are still welcome. Attendance is free, but no more stipends are available.

QSTEP 2026 Workshop Schedule

Friday

4 - 5:30 PM
Welcome and Registration - Leighty Commons

5:30 - 7 PM
Pizza, Activities booths, and Campus Walks - Leighty Commons

7 - 9 PM
Topic Session: Quantum Networking and Communications (chair: Shengwang Du) - WTHR 200

7 - 7:10 PM
Welcome and Opening Remarks - Valentin Walther

7:10 - 8 PM
Weaving the entangled web: the promise of a quantum internet - Joseph Lukens

8 PM - 8:20 PM
Machine-Learning-Empowered On-Chip Quantum Photonics: From Emitter Control to Integration and Quantum Measurements - Alexandra Boltasseva

8:20 PM - 8:40 PM
Quantum Computers Meet Quantum Networks - Shengwang Du

Saturday

8:30 - 9 AM
Breakfast - WTHR 200

9 - 10:30 AM
Topic Session: Quantum Simulation and Materials (chair: Mike Reppert) - WTHR 200

9 - 9:50
Introduction to Quantum Materials and Quantum Simulations - Jon Hood/Libai Huang

9:50 - 10:10
Quantum simulation using ultracold atoms - Qi Zhou

10:10 - 10:30
Two-dimensional quantum material with a twist - Yihang Zheng

10:30 - 10:45
Coffee Break, Conference Photo

10:45 AM - 12:10 PM
Topic Session: Quantum Computing and Algorithms (chair: Birgit Kaufmann) - WTHR 200

10:45 - 11:35
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Computing - Ralph Kaufmann

11:35 - 11:55
Quantum Error Correction and the Toric Code - Eric Samperton

11:55 - 12:15
Topological Quantum Computing - Shawn Cui

12:15 - 1:30 PM
Lunch Break

1:30 - 3 PM
Core Skills Session #1

3 PM - 4:30 PM
Core Skills Session #2

Quantum Games (Lead: Valentin Walther) - WALC B058

Ocean and the D-Wave annealer (Lead: Birgit Kaufmann) - WALC B066

Introduction to linear algebra (Lead: Mike Reppert) - WALC B091

Introduction to QuTip (Lead: Aanal Shah) - WALC B093

4:30 - 6:30 PM
Poster Session: Purdue Quantum and Beyond - STEW 214 AB

6:30 PM
BBQ and social evening - Tapawingo Park

Sunday

8:30 - 9 AM
Breakfast - WALC B074

9 - 10:30 AM
Topic Session: Quantum Sensing and Measurement (chair: Lee Liu) - Hiler Theater

9 - 9:50 AM
Quantum sensing with spin qubits - Tongcang Li

9:50 - 10:10 AM
Generating Entanglement in Quantum Matter using Entangled-photon X-rays - Laimei Nie

10:10 - 10:30
Attosecond Quantum Optics and Spectroscopy - Niranjan Shivaram

10:30 - 10:45
Coffee Break - WALC B074

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Topic Session: Quantum Systems and Dynamics (Chair: Hadiseh Alaeian) - Hiler Theater

10:45 - 11:35
Fundamental Ideas in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics - Francis Robicheaux

11:35 - 11:55
A trip to the Rydberg zoo - Matt Eiles

11:55 - 12:15 PM
Shining new light on highly symmetric molecules - Lee Liu

Many thanks to our sponsors!

Download the event flyer below

Flyer for QSTEP 2026