Dr. Mina Sartipi, right, talks to Dr. Tian Li
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Quantum Center has announced the formation of new internal and external advisory committees designed to strengthen the center’s research, education and community partnerships in quantum information science and engineering.
The internal advisory committee will provide guidance from across UTC’s colleges and research leadership. Members include:
- Dr. Pamela Riggs-Gelasco, dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Reinhold C. Mann, vice chancellor, Research
- Dr. Mina Sartipi, director, CUIP
- Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi, dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
The external advisory committee will bring national and international expertise in quantum science to UTC. Members include:
- Dr. Nicholas Peters, section head and distinguished research and development staff, Quantum Information Science Section, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Dr. Hossein Sadeghpour, director, Institute for Theoretical Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics; senior scientist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University
- Dr. Mark Saffman, professor of physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison; director, Wisconsin Quantum Institute; chief scientist, Infleqtion
- Dr. Jim Shaffer, American Physical Society fellow and senior scientist, Quantum Ideas Valley Laboratories, Canada
“The Advisory Board advances the center’s mission by guiding strategy and research priorities, fostering connections across academia, industry and government, and enhancing visibility, outreach and resources,” said Dr. Rick Mukherjee, director of the UTC Quantum Center. “The combination of internal leaders who understand the University’s strengths and external experts who are shaping the future of quantum science will provide invaluable guidance as we grow.”
The Quantum Center, housed within the UTC Research Institute, serves as the University’s hub for quantum information science and engineering. Its initiatives span research and development infrastructure, education, business development and use-case-driven projects with real-world impact.
Mukherjee said the advisory groups will ensure the center remains connected to both the local community and the global quantum ecosystem.
“Our mission is not only to advance quantum science but also to prepare students and partners for the opportunities it will create,” Mukherjee said. “By engaging leaders from across UTC and beyond, we are building the foundation for innovation that will benefit Chattanooga, Tennessee and the world.”
