Quantum Day Brings Together Researchers, Educators, and Students
September 16, 2025
Professor of Physics Xuemei May Cheng
Students and faculty from high schools to major research universities, along with researchers from industry and government, came to Â鶹AV’s Park Science Center on Friday, Sept. 12, to participate in Quantum Day, an event sponsored by Bryn Mawr’s Quantum Materials, Sensing, and Education Center (QMSEC).
The official number of registrants for the day was 113, but many more individuals attended, says Professor of Physics Xuemei May Cheng, who organized the event and is QMSEC’s principal investigator.
The day began with opening remarks from Bryn Mawr President Wendy Cadge and a keynote speech from Denise Caldwell, who had a three-decade career at the National Science Foundation, including 10 years as director of the physics division.
The remainder of the day included a career panel, invited talks from leaders in studying and teaching quantum information science and engineering, networking opportunities, demonstrations, and a poster session. Associate Professor of German Qinna Shen led a discussion on the of physics pioneer Emmy Noether, taking attendees from Park to the Cloisters of Old Library, where Noether, who taught at Bryn Mawr during her final years, is interred.
Abby Neil from Johns Hopkins University discusses research done in collaboration with students and faculty from Bryn Mawr and the California Institute of Technology.
Cheng organized the event with help from the co-principal investigators for QMSEC, Professor of Physics Michael Noel, and Physics Lecturer Evan Arena. Physics Chair David Schaffner set up a series of engaging demonstrations, which drew interest from students and visitors alike, adding a dynamic hands-on element to the event.
In addition to Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore, attendees and participants came from Oberlin College, The California Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, West Chester University, Colorado State University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Ursinus College, Villanova University, Community College of Philadelphia, University of Delaware, American Heritage School, Lower Merion High School, and the Baldwin School.
QMSEC was launched in the fall of 2024 through a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Bryn Mawr students working in Professor Xuemei Cheng's lab.
The center integrates resources from higher education, national laboratories, and industry to advance the frontier of quantum information science and engineering through cutting-edge research in quantum materials and quantum sensing, alongside innovative educational initiatives. The center comprises researchers and educators from Â鶹AV, Johns Hopkins University, Colorado State University, Ursinus College, and the University of Pennsylvania.
