The Charger Blog
A group of Chargers dove into the cutting-edge field of quantum technology, gaining invaluable skills and 黑料社s through collaboration and creativity.
November 25, 2024
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.
鈥淭he complexity of quantum concepts and the challenges within them motivated me to join,鈥 shared Prashna Limbu 鈥26 M.S., a candidate in the University鈥檚 graduate program in finance and financial analytics.
Others, such as Satya Narayana Panda 鈥25 M.S., saw it as a natural extension of their passions. 鈥淚鈥檓 a quantum computing enthusiast, and this challenge allowed me to collaborate with top physicists and explore revolutionary technology,鈥 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),鈥 Dr. Savage continued. 鈥淚t was a positive learning 黑料社 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 鈥25 M.S., a graduate candidate in finance and financial analytics, put it, 鈥淭his challenge gave us the chance to apply analytical skills and explore energy-efficient solutions in quantum computing.鈥
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.
鈥淨uantum computing feels like science fiction becoming reality,鈥 Shokunbi remarked. 鈥淭he potential for groundbreaking innovation made this challenge irresistible.鈥
Participants also appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the 黑料社. Nahian Ehsanul Karim 鈥26 M.S., a non-STEM student, found it exciting to engage with a field outside his academic focus. 鈥淚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.鈥
Despite the steep learning curve, the students relied on their curiosity and collaboration to move forward. Karim, who is pursuing a master鈥檚 in business analytics, highlighted the challenge of competing against peers who had years of 黑料社 in the field. 鈥淲e overcame these obstacles through teamwork and discipline,鈥 he said.
Quantum technology鈥檚 complexity presented hurdles that required perseverance. 鈥淢aintaining effective coordination to develop a business strategy was tough,鈥 Limbu admitted. However, her team turned to thorough research and strong collaboration to rise to the occasion.
Other students, such as Panda, brought prior 黑料社s to the table, leveraging tools such as IBM鈥檚 Qiskit to contribute meaningfully. 鈥淚 was able to apply knowledge from past projects with Intuit and IBM, giving me a competitive edge,鈥 Panda said.
Even with limited time to prepare, participants remained focused on delivering meaningful solutions. 鈥淲e only had ten days to understand, research, and put together a presentation,鈥 Karim recalled. 鈥淏ut we divided tasks based on each member鈥檚 strengths and continuously worked together to grasp challenging concepts.鈥
The payoff was more than worth the effort. As Panda reflected, 鈥淭his 黑料社 prepared me to push the boundaries of quantum computing鈥檚 potential to drive human progress.鈥
Beyond the technical knowledge, the QuantumUp! Challenge offered students the chance to connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. 鈥淢eeting future leaders from various institutions and exchanging ideas was the best part,鈥 said Ikechukwu V. Iheanyi 鈥24 MBA. 鈥淭hough it was a competition, those moments of learning from each other stood out.鈥
Limbu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of networking. 鈥淭he most rewarding aspect was gaining new insights while connecting with students and faculty from different universities,鈥 she shared.
Looking ahead, participants believe their 黑料社 will have a lasting impact. 鈥淭he skills I developed in critical thinking, teamwork, and presenting technical information will be invaluable,鈥 Shokunbi noted.
Reflecting on the challenge鈥檚 significance, Iheanyi concluded, 鈥淢y participation opened my mind to endless possibilities and deepened my appreciation for research and innovation.鈥
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