Team
PI: Xueyue (Sherry) Zhang
Assistant Professor, 2025-
Miller Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley
Ph.D., Caltech
B.Eng., Tsinghua University
CEPSR 912
zhang.xueyue@columbia.edu
Members
Ahmed Shariful Alam
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ph.D., University of Toronto, 2025
My name is Ahmed Shariful Alam. I earned my PhD from the University of Toronto in 2025. Throughout my doctoral studies, I focused on high-speed silicon modulators and low-loss silicon ring resonator-based optical phase shifters. I received the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) scholarship from the Islamic University of Technology in Bangladesh, as well as the KSOP (Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics) scholarship from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. My research at Columbia University will concentrate on silicon color centers.
Kavish Trivedi
Graduate Researcher (PhD track)
B.A., UC Berkeley , 2024
Hi, I’m Kavish Trivedi, I earned my B.A. in Physics from UC Berkeley where my research was focused on spintronic devices. I am interested in exploring open quantum systems and waveguide QED during my time at Columbia. Outside of physics, my hobbies include playing tennis and staring at tide pools.
Tingyao Wang
Graduate Researcher (MS track)
B.E., Zhejiang University, 2024
Hi, I'm Tingyao! I'm a master's student in Quantum Science and Technology at Columbia University. In June 2024, I graduated from Zhejiang University with a B.E. in Computer Science and Technology. I'm currently focusing on quantum control at Sherry's group, and am motivated to explore more in the quantum realm.
Xutong Liu
Graduate Researcher (MS track)
B.S. in Physics, B.A. in Math, New York University, 2024
Hi, I’m Xutong Liu. I majored in Math and Physics as an undergraduate at New York University. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the Quantum Science and Technology Program at Columbia University. My research interests include superconducting qubits and light-matter interactions. I am currently working on packaging design for our superconducting qubit. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to musicals and operas.
Mary Grace D'Avanzo
Graduate Researcher (MS track)
B.S. Ohio State University, 2020
Hello, I'm Grace. I have a BS from the Ohio State University in computer science and engineering with a specialization in AI. For three years I worked at PwC's Innovation Hub on their simulation, AI, and quantum computing teams before coming to Columbia, where I am now earning my Master degree in Quantum Science and Engineering. I am currently working on a control software for our lab equipment and am interested in quantum control and architecture. When I'm not at school you'll catch me with a good book or a doodling.
Martin Castellanos-Cubides
Undergraduate Researcher
Hi, I'm Martin Castellanos-Cubides. I'm an undergraduate in Applied Physics at Columbia University expected to graduate Spring 2026. I'm interested in Quantum Systems Engineering, with a particular interest in photonic systems, topology, and condensed matter — especially defects, which is the project I'm doing in the lab! I like Twizzlers, my dad, and applied physics.
Nicholas Simon
Undergraduate Researcher
Hi, I’m Nicholas! I’m an undergraduate at Columbia currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Math. I'm working on filter designs for superconducting qubits. And I always enjoy learning more from my fellow researchers. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing basketball and poker.
