Dr. Maren Mossman Receives Prestigious NSF Award to Advance Quantum Research

Dr. Maren Mossman, the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of San Diego, has been awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to expand quantum research across the United States. The grant, titled Quantum Analog Simulation with Bose-Einstein Condensates in Flexible Light Fields, marks a great achievement for Dr. Mossman, who is one of only 23 recipients selected to advance these cutting-edge projects.

Dr. Mossmans research focuses on fundamental quantum mechanics, the understanding of which underlies everyday devices such as modern computers, lasers, and MRI machines. "Recently, there has been a significant push to develop even more powerful and sensitive quantum technologies, leveraging quantum mechanics in innovative ways to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of these advanced systems," Dr. Mossman explains.

"In my lab at the University of San Diego, we directly study macroscopic quantum systems, cooling clouds of atoms to temperatures near absolute zero to shed light on the fundamental nature of matter. This recent grant will enable me to enhance the capabilities of my experimental apparatus, allowing us to explore the potential and limitations of future quantum-sensing technologies," she says.

This groundbreaking project is a collaborative effort involving Washington State University and Quantum Design. It also provides USD undergraduates with unique opportunities for meaningful research experiences and local internships. Additionally, Dr. Mossman will launch a new public-facing speaker series at USD, bringing accessible quantum-related content to the San Diego community. 

Reflecting on the significance of this award, Dr. Mossman says, “What excites me most about this funding is the increased student engagement it will facilitate, allowing us to continue offering valuable research experiences to students in the Department of Physics and Biophysics. Securing this funding will significantly boost the capabilities of my experiments at USD, paving the way for more flexible and advanced experiments in the future. It is also a significant milestone in my career and will help establish USD as a recognized member of the international quantum research community.”