Subhasish Mandal, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been recognized for his study of materials that could be used to develop quantum computers.
Mandal is one of 24 United States and Canadian early-career scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy to receive the 2026 Cottrell Scholars award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
Each Cottrell Scholar receives $120,000.
“I’m honored and grateful for the RCSA’s recognition,” Mandal said. “This award will support my research into the discovery and design of materials that can reliably host the delicate quantum states we need to make ultra-high-powered, error-free quantum computing a reality. At the same time, this award will allow expanding access to education in quantum science for high school and undergraduate students.”
Mandal’s research is about “tuning quantum matter and phases through strong electronic interaction,” he said. He is developing a computational framework for predicting quantum phases in certain unusual materials and “heterostructures” that are notable for strong interactions between their electrons and that offer high-temperature superconductivity. These materials hold significant promise for sustaining quantum states that don’t collapse when exposed to environmental noise.
“Predicting new materials and phases by directly solving quantum mechanical equations has been a tradition in the last decade,” he explained. “However, predicting the same for the strongly correlated quantum materials without tuning parameters is a challenging task. In my research group, we try to solve this problem using high-performance computations.”
Quantum computing remains largely theoretical for now, but Mandal’s work will help expedite real-world outcomes. One outcome to emerge from the Cottrell Award will be expanded access to quantum science education for high school and undergraduate students in rural and underserved communities, through Mandal’s development of activities like online learning, hands-on workshops and research opportunities.
“Mandal’s cutting-edge research and outstanding teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels make him one of the brightest stars in our department,” said Maura McLaughlin, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Eberly Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy.
“The outreach program he will develop through this award exemplifies the land-grant mission by bringing modern physics to underserved students across the state.”