Robert Kwolek '26 

Electrical and Computer Engineering
Commonwealth Honors College

Lexington, Massachusetts
 

What drew you to this field of study?

I was drawn to engineering primarily because I enjoy using knowledge and creativity to solve interesting problems. The field is also a great mixture between theory and application, from which one can further specialize. Electrical and computer engineering, in particular, offers a chance to investigate the inner workings of everyday technologies—from phones to wireless communication to the internet—which are all around us but remain a mystery to most people. It’s satisfying to not only learn how technology functions, but also know how to design it from the ground up.

At UMass, I work in the Quantum Information Systems Lab. Quantum information science and technology is a relatively new field, and there’s still much that is unknown. We’re running into physical boundaries with classical computing, so further progress will necessitate new forms of computation. Historically, photonics has been primarily developed for communication purposes, but its potential as an alternate computing and sensing platform is a big reason why I’m excited to be working in this area.

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How do you conduct your research?

Our lab is developing next-generation nanophotonic devices and systems for quantum computing, communication, and sensing applications. My work in the lab focuses on the fabrication-aware design and measurement of integrated quantum photonic chips and components. I learn about different possible designs, figure out the math behind them, and put them into component files, which we can test and simulate using different tools in order to optimize their performance. Once these are created, we can measure and test circuits made of these building blocks to determine how well they work. A big focus is on taking theoretical actions and figuring out physical structures on a chip that can accomplish certain tasks. For instance, when we want to split light into two paths, we shoot it into a big box. How does that work? Well, the fun part is figuring it out.

What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?

Advancing photonic chips holds promise to revolutionize all sorts of things, from communication to sensing to measurement. Photonic chips can offer far more precision than classical schemes; this can allow for more precise measurements in, for example, medical devices or communication systems. It could also revolutionize computation as a whole, particularly if we can enable communication between different quantum computers or physically implement all-optical quantum computers, especially if this is done at chip scale. What’s amazing is that it all boils down to converting between different colors of light.

How does your faculty mentor support your research?

Rajveer Nehra, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has mentored me since I joined the Quantum Information Systems Lab at the end of my sophomore year. Most of my knowledge in the field comes from him, either directly or through papers and resources he’s sent my way. This has been very helpful as I’ve learned about a new field and tried to sort out what’s most important. Professor Nehra believes in the capabilities of all the students in his lab, whether they’re undergraduates or graduate students, so he always offers us chances to take on a project or contribute in a way we find interesting. He's also very encouraging of our professional development, whether helping us attend conferences or celebrating our achievements.

What do you find most exciting about your research?

I love getting in the zone when I have a task to do that’s both interesting and challenging. Hours can pass in the blink of an eye when I connect deeply with a problem. Research offers a lot of opportunities for those moments because the challenges we encounter are so novel and interesting. Not all of research is made up of never-before-seen problems, but those times get you through the busywork.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the exploration I’ve done in order to achieve this level of familiarity with my field—all in just about a year. Quantum information science and technology was a complete mystery to me before joining the lab, and I’ve learned so much about it. A lot of this growth was independent, being one of the founding members of the lab, but I also owe a lot to my collaborations with other students here. Research is inherently collaborative; nothing is achieved alone in the lab. It feels really good to learn how to stand on my own two feet as a researcher.

How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?

Research has been a great supplement to my education at UMass. Having a chance to apply classroom knowledge to a practical, real-world scenario through research is invaluable for learning. At the same time, I may learn how to use a certain technique in the lab, while my classes offer a deeper explanation for the “why” behind that method.

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What are your plans for the future?

I’m still figuring out my long-term plans at the moment. I expect I may work at the intersection of research and industry for a time to gain more experience in both before determining my future career path.

Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?

I highly recommend the electrical and computer engineering department because of its great professors and classes. Everyone here is very friendly and sociable; it’s not at all the stereotypical group of “asocial engineers.”

Overall, you can really do whatever you want at UMass, from joining clubs or conducting research to making late-night food runs. There’s much going on here, and you can do anything you set your mind to. There are so many unique personalities and stories on campus—it really offers a lot of different perspectives through which to view the world and explore your own path.

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