April 04, 2025 -- Yawen Peng, a PhD candidate in electrical and computer engineering, is the first recipient of the new Samit & Reshma Sharma foundation scholarship, which supports Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) graduate studies with significant practical impact in quantum information research.

The $3,000 award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and research excellence.

Peng is working with Dr. Guo-Xing Miao, IQC faculty and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, on enhancing the performance of quantum measurement devices and developing topological quantum computing materials.

“IQC is famous all over the world for its quantum information programs. With access to the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF) and our lab at the Research Advancement Centre there are so many experiments that can be done here. And collaborations with IQC experts in quantum theory and experiments can help advance that research,” said Yawen Peng, PhD candidate in electrical and computer engineering.

Excited about the promise that quantum information holds, Peng plans to continue with research focusing on quantum information and materials after completing his PhD.

“Quantum computing is so promising right now and it inspires me to pursue this research because we want to realize what quantum mechanics theory tells us is possible,” he says. “It is truly an honour to receive this scholarship. Being recognized by IQC and the University of Waterloo is a huge encouragement to keep me pushing forward.”