This year’s class of MSPQC students includes 11 students from around the world. Learn more about them below.
Rafael Alapisco
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at University of Sussex
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I’m interested in quantum computation
What do you hope to do with your degree? Improve my CV
Hobbies/interests: plants
Kevin Davis
Before UW–Madison: I have B.S. degrees in physics and E.E. from Penn State and an M.S. degree in physics from the University of Pittsburgh. I have worked as an electrical engineer in various capacities throughout my career.
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I liked the fact that is was a focused one-year program with a terminal Master’s degree.
What do you hope to do with your degree? I would like to get a job working for some company as part of a quantum computing development team.
Hobbies/interests: Acting, singing, watching EPL soccer
Carter Dewey
Before UW–Madison:
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program?
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Hobbies/interests:
Swagat Kumar
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at Shiv Nadar University
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? It is the only program in the U.S. that is specifically aimed at quantum computing at as Master’s level.
What do you hope to do with your degree? I want to get some work experience in current quantum computing companies before eventually working towards a PhD in the field.
Hobbies/interests: Making educational content, cooking
Jacob Lenz
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at UW–Milwaukee
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? Interest in quantum physics and computing
What do you hope to do with your degree? Research
Hobbies/interests: Reading, running
Fengguang Liu
Before UW–Madison: Delaware state University / Changchun University of Science and Technology
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? Quantum computing is a new area which is fulled of mysteries. It’s amazing for me because I love mystery. It’s my honor to uncover its mystery.
What do you hope to do with your degree? To be honest, I want to do more deep research. Hence, I may pursue a PhD degree in related fields.
Hobbies/interests: Watching movies and reading mysteries.
Linipun Phuttitarn
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at Thammasat University
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I want to switch over from engineering’s product development to research. This program seem to be a good starting point. UW–Madison is also a good school.
What do you hope to do with your degree? Kick-start my career in Quantum Computer research or a stepping-stone into Ph.D.
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, watching movies
Jack Reily
Before UW–Madison: I graduated from UIUC in 2019 and then worked at Milwaukee Tool for a year
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? Madison’s program is accelerated and close to home. Also, I know Madison is a good school. Additionally, this program was recommended by a professor at UIUC.
What do you hope to do with your degree? I hope to join industry to help develop viable quantum computers.
Hobbies/interests: Football, golf, and music
Utku Saglam
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I want to improve myself in Quantum Computing.
What do you hope to do with your degree? I want to continue to a Ph.D. program in Quantum Computation.
Hobbies/interests: I like doing oil and watercolour paintings, art, reading about history, doing martial arts (taekwondo and kickboxing), going to the gym, cycling in nature, swimming, cooking, backpacking and traveling.
Bradley Shrader
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at Ball State University
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I’ve had an interest in quantum computing since high school and was intrigued by UW–Madison’s dedicated program for it. When it came time to accept offers on my applications, UW–Madison was my best opportunity to pursue graduate education.
What do you hope to do with your degree? Hope to go into private sector research for a few years, and maybe one day return to academia to teach.
Hobbies/interests: I like to design video games in my free time, and before the pandemic I enjoyed going out with friends to play billiards and go bowling.
Richard Toohey
Before UW–Madison: Undergrad at UW–Madison. I worked at Epic as a project manager and was in the Navy as a Nuclear Electricians Mate.
Why did you choose UW–Madison’s MSPQC program? I think it is exciting to be a part of a new program, the like of which is novel in the U.S.
What do you hope to do with your degree? Pursue a Ph.D.
Hobbies/interests: I have been a woodworker for several years and I enjoy golfing.