September 15, 2025
Mizzou Engineering students’ projects will be among those on display at the first-ever Mizzou Quantum Day Sept. 19.
Research teams from across the University of Missouri are leveraging quantum computing to explore topics and questions too complex for traditional computers.
This summer, graduate and undergraduate students were selected to participate in internships through the Mizzou Quantum Innovation Center, in partnership with Mizzou Engineering, the College of Arts and Science and Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. The center provides cloud-based access to IBM’s Quantum Network.
Quantum computing builds on the strange but powerful laws of quantum physics, where particles at the subatomic level can exist in multiple states at once. Unlike traditional computers that rely on bits — fixed as either 0 or 1 — quantum computers use qubits, which can embody many possibilities at the same time. This unique property enables them to tackle calculations and simulations so complex that even the fastest classical supercomputers can’t keep up.
Students used the quantum technology to advance research across disciplines during the summer internships. They will present their work during the inaugural Mizzou Quantum Day on Sept. 19 at the State Historical Society of Missouri. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the day-long event also features keynotes from industry and national lab experts, breakout sessions and a panel discussion on the future of quantum.
“We’re excited to present Mizzou Quantum Day to introduce quantum computing capabilities for research and workforce development to a larger community audience,” Chi-Ren Shyu, chair of the Mizzou Quantum Center’s Executive Committee, said. “We hope it inspires more researchers to take advantage of the unique opportunities we have through the partnership with IBM.”
Here’s a look at some of the student projects, two of which were supported by the National Science Foundation.
Identifying quantum risks
Computer science doctoral student Andrew Woods, president of Mizzou’s Quantum Technology Information and Computing Club, is investigating one of quantum’s hidden vulnerabilities: cross-talk. This phenomenon occurs when operations on one qubit unintentionally affect another qubit. Woods compared it to loud music having an adverse impact on a next-door neighbor.
Through access to IBM processors, Woods has documented these interactions and is working to understand their implications. His findings could play a critical role in protecting sensitive data as quantum machines become more widespread.
“We need to identify these vulnerabilities now, before they become real-world risks,” Woods said.
AI meets quantum for cyber defense
Because of its speed, power and ability to provide multiple probable outcomes at once, quantum computing poses a threat to today’s cryptographic systems, which protect everything from bank accounts to national security.
Dhanya Boyapally, an undergraduate student in computer science, is working on how to defend current cybersecurity systems. She and her team are developing a framework that integrates large language models with quantum methods to detect new types of attacks, automate security policies and simulate threats powered by quantum systems.
“AI systems that can think like quantum are essential,” Boyapally said. “Quantum systems can adapt quickly, recognize new patterns and detect threats that haven’t been seen before. We need to tip the scale in favor of the defenders and not the attackers.”
Transforming health care with quantum imaging
Mina Attari — a doctoral student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of the Machine Learning and Computer Vision Lab — is advancing the use of quantum algorithms in biomedical image analysis. Attari is exploring structural bottlenecks and flow dynamics in vascular networks using quantum methods. She started the project by processing 2D images of retinal vessels and is now expanding her work to analyze more complex, three-dimensional architecture of blood and lymphatic networks. Quantum approaches open new possibilities to analyze and understand these intricate networks with significant scientific and clinical implications.
Getting started in quantum research
For those intrigued by the possibilities of quantum computing but unsure where to begin, Mizzou’s QLearning Buddies program offers a low-pressure entry point.
Launched through the Quantum Innovation Center, the program brings together faculty, students and industry partners for hands-on training through the IBM Quantum Network. No prior experience is required, and participants are guided step by step until they’re ready to apply quantum tools in their own fields.
The program, which requires a commitment of two to three hours per week, is available through Canvas with weekly Q&A sessions, office hours and Zoom discussions. It’s open to anyone in the University of Missouri System.
Discover more Mizzou quantum scholars in this story from Show Me Mizzou.