Guiding a Generation of Quantum Thinkers: Maren Mossman Welcomes Curiosity and Community in her Classroom

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its third annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will explore the impact of the liberal arts, discover current faculty research, and be inspired by student, faculty and alumni spotlights.

Guiding a Generation of Quantum Thinkers:
Maren Mossman Welcomes Curiosity and Community in her Classroom

by Jade Terry

Maren Mossman, PhD, is a Clare Boothe Luce assistant professor of physics and biophysics at the University of San Diego. When Mossman talks about quantum physics, she lights up, whether she’s describing atoms at absolute zero or remembering a student’s “aha” moment during office hours. Mossman brings the wonders of quantum science within reach for her students.

At the heart of her work is USD’s Quantum Hydrodynamics Lab, where her team of student researchers study an ultracold state of matter known as a Bose-Einstein condensate. Created by cooling atoms to just above absolute zero, this state of matter allows scientists to observe quantum mechanics in its purest form.

“When atoms get cold, their quantum behavior becomes visible,” Mossman says. “My research often focuses on using these cold atoms to study the fundamental physics at play in other systems by dressing them up to play different roles, which allows us to imitate systems we can't otherwise study directly.”

USD students can get involved with Mossman's research early on, often by their third semester, making meaningful contributions to real experiments. From building apparatuses to analyzing data from national research partners, USD are not just spectators, they help make things happen.

Read the full article on page 37 of Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2025 issue).