Mason Science Series Upcoming Events
Quantum Technology – The Next Frontier
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. with light hors d'oeuvres. The discussion begins at 4:00 p.m., and runs for an hour followed by a post discussion reception.
Country Club of Fairfax
5110 Ox Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
This event is FREE. Registration Required.
Abstract
Computers with unprecedented power. Sensors that go beyond all limits. Perfectly secure communications. These capabilities are becoming reality thanks to quantum technology, an area where scientists leverage quantum physics for societal benefit.
Join Dean Cody Edwards in conversation with Dr. Patrick Vora as they discuss the latest developments and possibilities in quantum technology, and how George Mason is leading the way.
Quantum mechanics explains how the universe works at the smallest length scales. The first quantum revolution enabled the invention of the laser and transistor, the basic building block of computers. Today, the second quantum revolution focuses on creating technologies that use quantum behaviors to achieve transformative advancements in computing, sensing, and cryptography.
About the Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC)
The Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) at George Mason University supports the exploration of these high-risk high-reward ideas by fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-focused environment at Mason. This provides a unique environment for graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to make transformative contributions to quantum technology.
Science at quantum scale controls chemistry and the behavior of materials, therefore the “second quantum revolution” develops new electronics and digital information technologies. Quantum materials host collective electronic phenomena that exhibit unconventional behaviors and can potentially serve as the basis for entirely new computing concepts. Advancements in technology are inevitably driven by the combination of new, nonclassical materials, sensors, and algorithms. Success in such areas requires a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers who approach quantum with an open mind.
About the Speakers
Patrick VoraAssociate Professor, Physics and Astronomy | Director, Quantum Science and Engineering Center
Dr. Patrick M. Vora received his PhD in physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010 with a specialization in condensed matter physics. His work focused on exciton photophysics of carbon materials including nanotubes and graphene oxide, magnetotransport in magnetic nanocrystalline solids and carbide-derived carbons, and resistive switching in nanowire networks.
Following his PhD, Vora stayed on as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania where he developed expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy through time-resolved photoluminescence measurements of semiconductor nanocrystal assemblies. Vora was then awarded a postdoctoral researcher position at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) through the National Research Council Research Associateship Program in 2012. There he studied quantum information science and quantum optics by exploring interactions between quantum dot molecules and photonic crystal cavities. His work demonstrated a new highly-tunable single photon source that was patented and the first demonstration of polaritons in a coupled quantum dot molecule – cavity system.
Vora joined George Mason University as an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy in 2014. There he began construction of an experimental condensed matter physics laboratory that focused on using cryogenic optical spectroscopy to understand the properties of novel materials. His work has explored emerging material systems for phase change memory, neuromorphic computing, spintronics, and quantum photonics. He has graduated two PhD students who have gone on to join the quantum industry and mentored seventeen undergraduates and five high school students.
His efforts in research and teaching have been recognized by the Dean’s Early Career Award in 2017, the NSF CAREER award in 2019, and nominations for the Teaching Excellence Award and Mentor Excellence Award. Vora was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020 and continues to enthusiastically pursue materials-based solutions to challenges in quantum technology as well as launching efforts to improve representation in the field of quantum at large.
Cody W. EdwardsDean, College of Science | Professor of Biology
Dr. Cody W. Edwards is Dean of the College of Science and Professor of Biology at George Mason University, where he provides strategic and academic leadership for 12 departments and programs, 16 research centers, and a $90M annual budget. A dedicated leader in higher education, Edwards advances student access and success, faculty development, research growth, and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen Mason’s mission as Virginia’s largest public research university.
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