Research

Research institute building the AI-literate workforce of the future receives major new grant

Emily Adams — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:39:59 +0000

Research institute building the AI-literate workforce of the future receives major new grant Emily Adams Thu, 07/31/2025 - 13:39

The pioneering U.S. National Science Foundation National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (NSF iSAT), led by the ��ñ��, launched in 2020 to explore how classrooms could become more effective and engaging learning environments.

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Researchers test the trustworthiness of AI—by playing sudoku

Emily Adams — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:20:53 +0000

Researchers test the trustworthiness of AI—by playing sudoku Emily Adams Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:20

In a new study, a team of computer scientists and engineers from the ��ñ�� created nearly 2,300 original sudoku puzzles, which require players to enter numbers into a grid following certain rules, then asked several AI tools to fill them in.

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Shaping the future of quantum systems

Emily Adams — Thu, 08 May 2025 21:12:11 +0000

Shaping the future of quantum systems Emily Adams Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:12

Susan Glairon

Ramin Ayanzadeh joined ��ñ��’s Department of Computer Science as an assistant professor in the fall of 2024. His research focuses on trustworthy quantum computing to enhance the reliability and security of quantum systems.

Your research area is quite complex—let’s break it down. Can you explain quantum computing?

Three properties—superposition, entanglement and interference—are needed for quantum computers to solve complex problems much faster than classical supercomputers.

To my knowledge, I’m the only faculty member in the region who focuses on quantum software, systems and the architecture of quantum computers."

Classical computers use bits that are like tiny switches, each one is either off (0) or on (1). However, quantum computing uses quantum bits called qubits, which are more like spinning coins. They can exist in a superposition of both 0 and 1 simultaneously, like a coin spinning in mid-air, not yet heads or tails.

But quantum power doesn’t stop there. With entanglement, pairs of qubits can become deeply connected, so that flipping one is like instantly flipping the other, no matter how far apart they are—kind of like a pair of magic dice that always land on matching numbers.

And through interference, quantum computers guide the spinning coins toward the right answer by reinforcing correct paths and canceling out wrong ones—like tuning a symphony so only the right notes ring out clearly.

Together, these properties give quantum computers the potential to solve some problems much faster than any traditional machine.

Why is quantum computing important?

We believe that quantum computers are going to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers. It's beyond scaling what we already have. For example, even if we covered an entire country like Germany with supercomputers and powered them with all of Earth’s energy, some problems would still take hundreds of years to solve.

Quantum computers could solve some of these problems in just hours or days, unlocking new possibilities for scientific discovery. Their impact spans across fields like drug discovery, climate research, finance and healthcare.

What are some of the challenges of quantum computing?

The challenge with quantum computing is that quantum hardware is inherently noisy, making it highly susceptible to errors. As a result, instead of producing reliable solutions, computations often end in noise, meaning the qubits are unintentionally disturbed by their environment.

There are different qubit technology approaches, such as building qubits using superconducting devices, photons and atoms, and more are coming.

The superconducting qubit technology is one of the leading candidates, and major companies like Google and IBM are following this path. With this technology, quantum devices must be physically shielded from the environment, but completely isolating them is almost impossible. These quantum technologies are operated near absolute zero—around negative 273 degrees Celsius—to maintain quantum stability. The cables inside dilution refrigerators, specialized cooling systems used to reach extremely low temperatures, transmit some heat from the external environment, introducing noise.

As errors and noise accumulate, especially in large programs, they overwhelm the computation. Instead of producing meaningful results, the quantum program outputs random numbers. We need solutions to either prevent these issues or to detect and correct them during computation.

What unique contributions do you bring to ��ñ��’s quantum efforts?

To my knowledge, I’m the only faculty member in the region who focuses on quantum software, systems and the architecture of quantum computers. Most other faculty members work primarily at the physical level, aiming to build larger and more advanced quantum hardware, or they focus on theoretical aspects at the end-user side. I am the only researcher whose work bridges these middle layers.

Your research focuses on “trustworthy” quantum computing. What does trustworthy mean in this context?

Waiting for physicists to significantly improve hardware quality could take decades, if not centuries. Instead, we aim to bridge the gap between the expectations of end users—such as mathematicians, chemists and finance professionals—and the current limitations of noisy, error-prone quantum hardware.

This is the main portion of the “trustworthy” term, but there's another angle.

One key focus is error detection and correction. The goal is to identify and fix errors as they occur to prevent them from propagating through a computation. For example, in a quantum program with a million operations, if we regularly check the state of the qubits and correct errors immediately, we can maintain the integrity of the results. This approach is known as fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) and is a critical step toward making quantum computing more reliable.

To implement error correction effectively, we need thousands, or millions, or even billions of these qubits. It's not going to happen very soon. We don't want to wait many years for large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers to become a reality before benefiting from them—we want to start realizing their potential in the near-term. That's the goal of my research group in the coming years.

What are some of quantum computing’s challenges with security?

Security is a key aspect of trustworthiness. Since in the future most users won’t have their own quantum computers, most will rely on cloud providers to access remote quantum computers.

The intellectual property involved in this technology is so sensitive. As companies increasingly delegate their quantum programs to remote servers, a critical question arises: What if the server isn't trustworthy? What if an insider gains access?

Our goal is to protect the security and privacy of quantum users.

Will quantum computing be limited to a small group of experts, or will it benefit the general public?

While not everyone will directly use quantum computers, everyone will benefit from them. For example, in pharmaceuticals, a major challenge is early disease detection, such as identifying cancer at its earliest stages. Quantum technology could help detect many diseases that are currently undetectable.

Quantum science and technology can also take navigation systems, sensors and clocks to the next level. Our current navigation systems are vulnerable to spoofing. NSA studies have reported thousands of spoofing incidents by Russia in the United States, where GPS signals are manipulated, causing inaccuracies in location data. By leveraging quantum technology, we can develop navigation systems that are protected against such spoofing.

Will quantum computing have an effect on AI?

I am also involved in quantum AI and quantum machine learning, where we're exploring the next generation of AI. AI is a software challenge, while quantum is a hardware concept. The question we’re addressing is: What happens to AI and machine learning if we gain access to large, reliable quantum computers? Could this lead to a new type of AI and machine learning?

One area we’re exploring is understanding the limitations of current AI when quantum data, primarily generated by quantum sensors, begins to play a role. Quantum sensors, devices that use quantum-mechanical properties to measure physical quantities, such as magnetic fields or acceleration, with extreme precision, can outperform classical sensors in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, making them valuable for applications in navigation, medical imaging and fundamental physics research.

Why did you choose ��ñ��? What makes us different in the field of quantum?

��ñ�� is gaining momentum in quantum research, setting itself apart from peer institutions in a significant way.

We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including new ones that I’m developing. ��ñ�� also has courses in the physics department, with faculty from ECEE (Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering) contributing to quantum engineering. Through initiatives like CUbit and the Elevate Quantum Initiative and other activities in the region, we have already started training.

I believe the university is going to play a crucial role in meeting the nation's growing demand for experts in quantum science and technology. When we start to have quantum computers, there will be a huge demand for quantum experts, and ��ñ�� is in a position to play a crucial role in training the next generations of quantum scientists and engineers.

Within five to 10 miles of ��ñ�� there’s a dense concentration of quantum activities, unlike any other school I’m aware of. We have four quantum companies in our vicinity as well as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), all of which are essential for success in this field.

Ramin Ayanzadeh's research focuses on trustworthy quantum computing to enhance the reliability and security of quantum systems.

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CS robotics research to help strengthen domestic battery supply chain

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:23:28 +0000

CS robotics research to help strengthen domestic battery supply chain Alexandra Grac… Mon, 12/02/2024 - 15:23

Grace Wilson

Nikolaus Correll

Computer science professor Nikolaus Correll and his lab at ��ñ�� have been awarded $1.8 million by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to help establish a circular supply chain for domestic electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The percentage of EV passenger vehicles on the road is expected to rise to 28% by 2030 and 58% by 2040, globally.

The existing supply chain for EV batteries relies mostly on recycling to recover critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel or copper.

However, conventional battery recycling methods are energy-intensive, produce significant quantities of greenhouse gases, and lead to large volumes of waste deposited in landfills.

��ñ�� joins 12 other projects around the country working to change this dynamic through ARPA-E's Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR) program.

Correll's project focuses on autonomous robotic disassembly of EV lithium-ion battery packs. Humanoid robots will work together with robotic arms to manipulate wire harnesses and remove screws and other components before dismantling commercial battery packs with a heavy-duty industrial arm.

Correll explained that people are interested in using robots for the task due to the hazardous nature of the work.

"The batteries are quite dangerous to handle due to the risk of electrocution and spontaneous ignition," Correll said.

The Correll Lab's project will use state-of-the-art perception models and large-language models to consider the physics and context of each battery.

By advancing the efficiency and ability of battery disassembly systems, component recycling could be done at a commercial scale more safely and cost-effectively, leading to less waste in landfills and more material available for new EV batteries.

The director of ARPA-E, Evelyn N. Wang, said, "I look forward to seeing how these CIRCULAR projects develop regeneration, repair, reuse, and remanufacture technologies to create a sustainable EV battery supply chain."

Professor Nikolaus Correll and his lab awarded $1.8 million by ARPA-E to research autonomous electric vehicle battery disassembly

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Robotic disassembly

Alumnus receives international recognition for undergraduate thesis

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:42:41 +0000

Alumnus receives international recognition for undergraduate thesis Alexandra Grac… Thu, 11/21/2024 - 14:42

Nathaniel Collins (Math'23) received the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award from the Vienna Center for Logic and Algorithms for his work, "Count-Free Weisfeiler–Leman and Group Isomorphism" completed under supervision from Associate Professor Joshua Grochow.

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Most US book bans target children’s literature featuring diverse characters and authors of color [The Conversation]

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:42:32 +0000

Most US book bans target children’s literature featuring diverse characters and authors of color [The Conversation] Alexandra Grac… Thu, 11/14/2024 - 16:42

PhD student Katherine Spoon in the Clauset Lab writes for The Conversation on who gets targeted for book bans and how they effect communities.

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Computer Science faculty gain funding for AI-genomics startup

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:01:16 +0000

Computer Science faculty gain funding for AI-genomics startup Alexandra Grac… Thu, 11/07/2024 - 16:01

Codebreaker, from the lab of Ryan Layer, a computer science assistant professor and member of the Biofrontiers Institute, was awarded $125,000 to build a platform for generating variant genomes at scale in an AI framework.

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New Computer Science Faculty, 2024

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 19:16:46 +0000

New Computer Science Faculty, 2024 Alexandra Grac… Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:16

Join us in welcoming our new Department of Computer Science faculty and learn about what they're excited to pursue.

Fruzsina Agocs, Assistant Professor

At ��ñ�� I’ll be working on the design and implementation of efficient numerical methods for challenging problems (mostly presenting as differential equations) in science and engineering. I’m particularly looking forward to being able to work with people from computer since, applied math, physics, and beyond in the interdisciplinary, collaborative setting offered by the university.

Ramin Ayanzadeh, Assistant Professor

I am excited to work on trustworthy quantum computing to enhance the reliability and security of quantum computers and emerging accelerators, as well as exploring quantum intelligence to pursue synergistic opportunities between quantum computing, machine learning, AI, and optimization.

Mona ElHelbawy, Associate Teaching Professor, CS Post-Baccalaureate

I am excited to be joining the Computer Science Department at the ��ñ��! My goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel supported by our programs. I believe it is important to address learning needs both inside and outside the classroom, and to celebrate the diversity that each student brings as a valuable strength. I am looking forward to working alongside the wonderful faculty and staff at ��ñ�� to strengthen our programs and build meaningful partnerships

Curry Guinn, Associate Teaching Professor, CS Post-Baccalaureate

I’m thrilled to join the teaching faculty in the post-baccalaureate program in Applied Computer Science at ��ñ��. One of the most rewarding aspects of this position is engaging with passionate, motivated students who are eager to learn and grow. I'm especially excited to introduce the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to the classroom. Over the past five years, AI has undergone rapid transformations, and I’m eager to help students understand the inner workings of these technologies, apply them to real-world problems, and innovate for the future. My goal is to empower students to not only grasp the concepts of computer science but also to become contributors to the evolution of this ever-changing field.

Esther Rolf, Assistant Professor

I am thrilled to start my new research lab at ��ñ�� CS and tackle some of the most challenging and impactful problems in geospatial and statistical machine learning. Along with the PhD students in my lab, I am excited to push the frontiers of fundamental machine learning research for practical social and scientific impacts, and to find new collaborators in this mission across the University of Colorado.

Join us in welcoming our new Department of Computer Science faculty and learn about what they're excited to pursue.

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Who's on the list? How award nominations can support diversity

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:30:19 +0000

Who's on the list? How award nominations can support diversity Alexandra Grac… Fri, 09/27/2024 - 14:30

Grace Wilson

Associate Professor Daniel Acuna

Daniel Acuna, an associate professor in computer science, is part of a group advocating for the broader computer science community to help increase the diversity of nominees for scientific awards.

"Science Needs You: Mobilizing for Diversity in Award Recognition," an opinion piece Acuna and his coauthors wrote for the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), outlines how nominators can help broaden recognition of diverse contributors in science.

Acuna's Science of Science and Computational Discovery Lab focuses, among other themes, on who has the opportunity to make scientific discoveries and how those discoveries are acknowledged. This lens is useful in considering how to promote broader recognition.

Awards start with a nomination process, which means that only those submitted for nomination have a chance of receiving the award, Acuna explains. Changing this simple lever by encouraging people to nominate holistically and thoughtfully could change the landscape of scientific recognition and discovery.

The article highlights some of the work that the ACM has done to help broaden representation, including the ACM Shepherds program, which connects nominators with people familiar with the process who are willing to help.

Not just a trophy

In the competitive world of academic grants and tenure, scientific awards and their accompanying visibility can motivate aspiring scientists.

The article explains this can be especially impactful to "persons from populations underrepresented in computing who may view awardees as inspirational trailblazers and role models."

The awards can also have practical benefits to awardees, who can use them as evidence of service requirements for tenure consideration.

"While many organizations would like to broaden the populations of people who get recognized," Acuna said, "we should also consider the process by which recognition happens. It is usually a community effort, and change can happen through all of us."

In an opinion piece published by the Association of Computing Machinery, associate professor Daniel Acuna and his co-authors advocate for the wider computer science community to consider who and how they nominate for scientific awards.

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Orit Peleg selected as a 2024 Schmidt Science Polymath

Alexandra Grace Wilson — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:17:13 +0000

Orit Peleg selected as a 2024 Schmidt Science Polymath Alexandra Grac… Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:17

Grace Wilson

Orit Peleg, associate professor of computer science and Biofrontiers Institute faculty member at ��ñ�� is one of six researchers recognized for their boundary-pushing work by the prestigious Schmidt Sciences Polymath Program.

Each researcher will receive a total of up to $2.5 million over five years, joining a global community of 21 Polymaths from six countries.

The Polymath Program provides significant, flexible multi-year grants to enable awardees to pursue risky, novel theories that would otherwise be difficult to fund.

Peleg will focus on the evolutionary origins and diversification of communication across different animal species and how it manifests in group cognition of social animals.

"This award validates my belief that some of the most exciting discoveries lie at the intersections of diverse fields," Peleg said. "I am deeply grateful to my mentors and mentees for their inspiration and guidance along the way, and to Schmidt Sciences for their generous support."

This year, the program received 117 applications from 65 nominating universities and partners that were evaluated by senior scientists, prior Polymath awardees and other experts.

The six recipients were selected based on both their past achievements—including a demonstrated capacity for high-impact research and high-variance thinking—and their ideas for boundary-breaking future projects.

In Peleg's lab, her mentees research how biological communication signals are generated and interpreted. While the channel may change - whether chemical, sound, or light - the living creatures of our world all encode high-dimensional biological features into low-dimensional communication patterns.

“Curiosity doesn’t operate in a silo, and neither should science,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences. “That’s why we support several initiatives to enable researchers to pursue interdisciplinary hypotheses, in collaboration. The Schmidt Sciences Polymath Program allows bold, creative thinkers to pursue knowledge across boundaries and in doing so, to help all of us better understand the deep interconnections between people, planet and universe.”

The Polymaths benefit from a network of winners that convenes annually to develop ideas for collaboration, funding and further study. The recipients represent the top 5 percent of applicants who are given funding to pursue research within three years after being awarded tenure.

“We are delighted to support the Polymaths to pursue what excites them. Through our funding, we hope to achieve breakthroughs and transform the way science is conducted,” said Stu Feldman, chief scientist at Schmidt Sciences.

��ñ�� Schmidt Sciences

Schmidt Sciences supports interdisciplinary researchers across scientific fields, geographies and career levels through Schmidt Science Fellows, Schmidt Polymaths and other initiatives. The Polymath program began in 2021 with awards to two scientists.

Peleg will receive a total of up to $2.5 million over five years to pursue the origins of animal communication and how it influences the group cognition of social animals.

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Research

Research institute building the AI-literate workforce of the future receives major new grant

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Researchers test the trustworthiness of AI—by playing sudoku

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Shaping the future of quantum systems

Your research area is quite complex—let’s break it down. Can you explain quantum computing?

Why is quantum computing important?

What are some of the challenges of quantum computing?

What unique contributions do you bring to ��ñ����’s quantum efforts?

Your research focuses on “trustworthy” quantum computing. What does trustworthy mean in this context?

What are some of quantum computing’s challenges with security?

Will quantum computing be limited to a small group of experts, or will it benefit the general public?

Will quantum computing have an effect on AI?

Why did you choose ��ñ����? What makes us different in the field of quantum?

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CS robotics research to help strengthen domestic battery supply chain

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Alumnus receives international recognition for undergraduate thesis

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Most US book bans target children’s literature featuring diverse characters and authors of color [The Conversation]

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Computer Science faculty gain funding for AI-genomics startup

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New Computer Science Faculty, 2024

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Who's on the list? How award nominations can support diversity

Not just a trophy

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Orit Peleg selected as a 2024 Schmidt Science Polymath

��ñ���� Schmidt Sciences

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What unique contributions do you bring to ��ñ��’s quantum efforts?

Why did you choose ��ñ��? What makes us different in the field of quantum?

��ñ�� Schmidt Sciences