A Recap of the 2025 Quantum Bootcamp
From August 17–22, the University of Arizona hosted the second Arizona Quantum Bootcamp, a weeklong immersive program designed to introduce students to the foundations and frontiers of quantum science. Led by Dr. Kanu Sinha, Assistant Professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the bootcamp welcomed undergraduate and graduate students from Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the University of Arizona (UA).
The bootcamp was supported by the Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) and the College of Science’s Quantum Science Interest Group (SIG). Coordination was led by Brianna Moreno and her team, with preparatory math tutorials provided by graduate students Aaron Bartleson, Annyun Das, and Chloe Marzano. The bootcamp began with preparatory sessions on linear algebra and complex numbers, ensuring students from diverse academic backgrounds could build a shared foundation. Over the following five days, participants engaged in a structured curriculum of lectures and invited talks on cutting-edge topics in quantum science and technology.
Topics included:
- Quantum States and Operators
- Quantum Speedup and Algorithms
- Quantum light and Entangled Photons
- Quantum Logic Gates and Control
- Quantum Nanophotonics and Optomechanics
- Quantum Materials and Atom Interferometry
- Solid-State Quantum Optics
- Quantum Sensing and Atomic Clocks
Among highlights of the week were an experimental demonstration of entangled photon generation led by Prof. Dal Wilson, and a QISKIT tutorial led by Avneet Kaur, an undergraduate quantum researcher at ASU, who participated in the 2024 AZ quantum bootcamp.
The bootcamp was led by three core lecturers: Dr. Kanu Sinha (UA), Prof. Christian Arenz (ASU), and Prof. Ryan Behunin (NAU). Each brought unique perspectives and expertise to the program.
“Organizing and lecturing at the second Arizona Quantum Bootcamp was a truly delightful and rewarding experience,” said Dr. Sinha.
“It was a joy to see the students learn the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, ask numerous thoughtful questions, and leave with a sense of fascination for the subject. I was amazed by the truly multidisciplinary learning environment that we were able to create, where students and faculty from various science and engineering backgrounds could come together and share their excitement towards quantum science. It brought me incredible joy to see several students express interest in pursuing graduate studies and careers in quantum science towards the end of the bootcamp.”
Prof. Arenz, whose lectures focused on the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, was impressed by the intellectual curiosity of the students.
“It was exciting to explore the strange nature of quantum mechanics with students from various backgrounds and learning stages,” said Prof. Christian Arenz. “I was amazed by the excitement of the students and their deep thoughts about quantum information science.”
Prof. Behunin emphasized the importance of programs like this in shaping the future of the field.
“I had a great experience at the Arizona Quantum Bootcamp,” said Prof. Ryan Behunin. “The students were curious, engaged and passionate. Initiatives like this are essential for attracting talent to the rapidly growing field of quantum science and technology.”
In addition to the core lectures, the bootcamp featured invited talks from leading researchers across Arizona and Sandia Labs:
- Dr. Alicia Magann (Sandia Labs) – Quantum Computing & Algorithms
- Prof. Ines Montano (NAU) – Quantum Logic Gates
- Prof. Mohamed ElKabbash (UA) – Quantum Nanophotonics
- Prof. Dal Wilson (UA) – Quantum Optomechanics
- Prof. Kyle Seyler (UA) – Quantum Materials
- Prof. Cris Panda (UA) – Atom Interferometry
- Prof. John Schaibley (UA) – Solid-State Quantum Optics
- Prof. Will Terrano (ASU) – Quantum Sensing
- Prof. Jason Jones (UA) – Optical Atomic Clocks
The success of this year’s bootcamp underscores the growing interest in quantum science across Arizona. “We’re excited to build on this foundation and continue growing Arizona’s quantum community,” said Dr. Sinha.
Student Reflections
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Students praised the structure, accessibility, and depth of the program:
“The Arizona Quantum Bootcamp is special. The lecturers meet you where you're at and guide you toward exploring your curiosities.” — Avneet Kaur
“It was exciting seeing how quantum technologies are developing, especially through the research being done here at UA.” — Kristy Hudgins
“Through the Quantum Bootcamp, I saw how central math is to quantum physics and learned to embrace it.” — Aneesh Burra
Additional survey feedback included:
“I liked learning all sorts of new stuff. It was great having such knowledgeable people teach.”
“The structure of the bootcamp was great — a mix of lectures and guest speakers, tailored to meet us where we were at.”
“I now have a general understanding of quantum mechanics and the many potentials of what I can do if I study it.”