NSF awards CAREER grants to researchers in quantum physics and learning science

Two researchers have been honored with National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER awards for distinct scientific pursuits.

Subhasish Mandal, an assistant professor at West Virginia University, will use the grant to design materials essential for advancing quantum computing. His research focuses on how electrons interact with atomic vibrations to stabilize quantum states. By utilizing large-scale simulations and studying stacked atomic layers, Mandal aims to identify materials that exhibit superconductivity and topological quantum states, which could form the basis for practical quantum computers.

Paulo Carvalho, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, received the award to investigate the relationship between student motivation and learning strategies. His research aims to understand why students may abandon effective study techniques and how motivation influences the use of effortful learning methods. Through laboratory experiments and studies in college chemistry courses, Carvalho intends to develop AI-driven learning tools that adapt to student engagement and persistence.