Office of the Vice President for Research

In coordination with the Quantum Working Group, the Office of the Vice President for Research is excited to organize and host an event regarding Quantum Opportunities. We will hear from Dr. Carleton Coffrin who will present:

• “On the Emerging Potential of Quantum Computing for Materials Discovery”.

  This talk will give an overview of recent efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory to use quantum computers for solving challenging material science questions. Our findings identify quantum magnetic materials as one of the most promising applications for near-term quantum computing technologies. The challenges and successes of integrating commercially available quantum computers into material discovery workflows will be discussed based on ongoing collaboration with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. As part of this event, we will moderate a discussion regarding opportunities in the Quantum field as it pertains to the University of Utah.   Keynote Presentation

• Carleton Coffrin is a senior scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory with expertise in computer science, optimization, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. In 2012 Dr. Coffrin received a PhD in Computer Science from Brown University with a focus on developing numerical methods for mathematical optimization. Dr. Coffrin started exploring the field of quantum computation in 2016 when he joined Los Alamos National Laboratory and has had the opportunity to benchmark a wide variety of quantum computing hardware platforms. Presently Dr. Coffrin leads a team of around 50 scientists that are documenting how Los Alamos National Laboratory could use quantum computing technology to improve scientific discovery.

  Event Details

• Date: Monday, October 13, 2025
• Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
• Location: Warnock Engineering Building, Evans Conference Room
• Submit Registration Here

  A Message to Researchers:

• This event serves as the inception to the Quantum Working Group. An RSVP will add you to the corresponding communications list.
• Researchers currently operating in this research space, looking for collaborators, and/or planning a response to upcoming, high-impact research opportunities are strongly encouraged to attend.
• New researchers who are interested in Quantum are also welcome.
• While engaged individuals may have other events or commitments during this timeframe, we welcome your attendance for any portion of this event that you can make.
• There may be additional opportunities for interested and relevant faculty members to attend a small group meeting with Dr. Coffrin. If you are interested in joining this meeting, please email Natalie McElroy. Space is limited and not guaranteed.

  Please share this announcement with research faculty, staff, community partners, industry professionals, and other interested affiliates. Questions can be directed to Natalie McElroy