I was already admitted to a PhD program, why should I apply to QPAQT?
There are lots of reasons to apply to QPAQT. Here are a few of them:
- Fascinating interdisciplinary curriculum probing one of the deepest technological questions of our era: how can we leverage quantum systems for new technologies in computing, communications, and sensing?
- Program perks such as conference travel budget, computer and software supplies, textbooks, and funds for activities like cleanroom training.
- Possibility to receive a QPAQT Fellowship that offers a $34k/yr stipend for your second year of grad school. The QPAQT Fellowship is more flexible than a normal research assistantship and allows your potential research advisor to use project grant money on other items that accelerate research like equipment and supplies.
- Join a cohort of like-minded graduate students across disciplines (Chemistry, Engineering, Optical Science, Physics, etc.) to interact, share ideas, and learn together skills like science communication, research teamwork, and potential career paths.
I recieved an AMO Fellowship from the Physics PhD program, should I also apply for the QPAQT fellowship?
Yes! In addition to all the reasons stated above, unlike the AMO Fellowship, the QPAQT Fellowship isn't tied to an Assistantship and the funds are not drawn from your advisor's research grants. While you are still expected to take 650 research credits with a QPAQT faculty advisor, the QPAQT Fellowship gives you more independence than you might have on an Assistantship. It also allows your potential advisor to spend research funds on other things that will accelerate your research, such as equipment.
If I complete the QPAQT program, then what will be on my transcript after completing my PhD?
Your PhD would still be in your traditional degree program (Physics, OSE, Chemistry, or Engineering, depending on which program you applied to). If you choose to do the Graduate Certificate in Quantum Science & Technology, this would be an extra line in your transcript, in addition to your normal PhD. The QPAQT curriculum is the same as the curriculum for the Quantum S&T curriculum, so completing QPAQT would result in earning the Quantum S&T certificate. Technically you could do the certificate without joining QPAQT, but then you would not enjoy the program perks, interdisciplinary cohort, etc.
Is it possible to request a deferment of admission to QPAQT?
QPAQT doesn't have a deferment process in place at this time. If you defer admission to your UNM grad program, you are welcome to apply to QPAQT the next year.
I was given an offer of admission to QPAQT, but I'm not sure what to do, any advice?
The main questions are whether the curriculum interests you and whether you hope to do your PhD research with one of the QPAQT core or affiliate faculty. If the answer is yes to both, then we highly recommend it! If the answer is no to either, then you may want to discuss further with trusted advisors.
How does QPAQT integrate with the Physics Ph.D. program?
All students in the Physics PhD program take 5 core courses and 4 elective courses prior to candidacy. If you choose to participate in QPAQT, you would use two of the electives on Quantum Optics I and Principles & Platforms of Quantum Technology, and then choose whatever you want for the other two electives.
How does QPAQT integrate with the OSE Ph.D. program?
All students in the OSE PhD program take 3 core courses, 5 additional courses from a track, and an additional "Pool B" elective course. If you choose to participate in QPAQT and also do the Quantum Optics Track within OSE, you would use Quantum Optics I for the Quantum Optics Track and Principles & Platforms of Quantum Technology for the Pool B elective. If you do another track within OSE, then most likely you would use Introduction to Quantum Technology for Chemists and Engineers as the Pool B elective and Principles & Platforms for Quantum Technology as an extra elective.
How does QPAQT integrate with the Chemistry Ph.D. program?
All students in the Chemistry PhD program take 4 core courses and at least 2 elective courses, all with a CHEM prefix. If you choose to participate in QPAQT, you would use the two electives on Introduction to Quantum Technology for Chemists and Engineers and Principles & Platforms for Quantum Technology, both of which are listed under the CHEM prefix.
How does QPAQT integrate with the Engineering Ph.D. program?
All students in the Engineering PhD program with Computer Engineering or Electrical Emgineering concentration take at least 4 courses, of which 1 may be an elective. If you choose to participate in QPAQT, you would use Introduction to Quantum Technology for Chemists and Engineers as the elective and Principles & Platforms for Quantum Technology as a second free elective, both of which are listed under the ECE prefix.
How does QPAQT integrate with the Quantum Information concentration within the Physics Ph.D. program?
All students taking the QI concentration within the Physics PhD are requeired to take Introduction to QUantum Informtion, 2 electives from a pool, and an additional elective. Quantum Optics I and Principles & Platforms of Quantum Technology can be applied towards these electives.
I applied for QPAQT and was admitted, but I did not receive a Fellowship. What was the reason?
We only can offer a limited number of Fellowships, and they are awarded based on a number of factors including the funding source. For example, NSF requires that Fellowships funded through NSF funds must be applied to US citizens and/or Permanent Residents. We also try to spread fellowships across disciplines and aim to include as many potential faculty research advisors as possible. If you did not recieve a Fellowship it does not mean you are not an excellent, qualified student.
I decided to join QPAQT, what are my next steps?
First: make sure to reply to your QPAQT admission email confirming your decision by the April 15 deadline. After that, we will be in touch with further info in August. The program will begin with an orientation event in the Fall of your first year, and your first course will be in the Spring: a seminar series in quantum photonics and quantum technology. The full QPAQT curriculum will begin Fall of your second year.
