PFW's Liu selected to head quantum computing team

An associate professor at Purdue University Fort Wayne is teaming with four Arizona State University faculty on a $300,000 National Science Foundation Cyber Training Initiative grant. David Liu of PFW’s Department of Computer Science is the project leader for a two-year program teaching graduate and research students the fundamentals of quantum computing, emphasizing materials science and chemistry.

“Quantum computers are a new way to compute based on quantum mechanics,” Liu said. “Some things it would take a supercomputer thousands of years, a quantum computer could do in maybe a couple of hours. It’s revolutionary and changes everything.”

As an example, Liu compared how a regular computer would approach solving a maze by trying out one path at a time, but a quantum computer can map out every path simultaneously.

The project will provide 80 students and researchers from across the country with experience using state-of-the-art quantum computers and Qiskit quantum computing framework from IBM and CUDA-Q—an open-source development platform from Nvidia—and higher-performance computers at Purdue West Lafayette and Arizona State. The goal is to develop a diverse, quantum-ready workforce capable of filling vital jobs that advance quantum technologies, promote national security, and strengthen economic growth.

“Quantum computing holds the promise of revolutionizing countless industries, from healthcare to manufacturing,” said Sherif Elfayoumy, the Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. “We are thrilled to support Dr. Liu's project, which empowers students from renowned institutions to acquire the quantum computing skills necessary to drive innovation, particularly in the critical fields of materials science and chemistry. 

“The College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at PFW recognizes the immense potential of these disciplines and their far-reaching economic implications for northeast Indiana and beyond. To foster cutting-edge research and education, the College is establishing a state-of-the-art metallurgy facility that will equip PFW students with the tools and knowledge to lead the future of materials science, and Dr. Liu’s project complements those efforts.”

The application for the grant started a year ago, and the award was announced earlier this semester. The grant is a collaboration between the PFW Office of Research and Innovation and the Purdue Rosen Center for Advanced Computing. If the pilot program is successful, Liu said there’s an opportunity to apply for an extension of 3-to-5 years. 

Liu came to PFW in 2004.