Rodrigo San Jose Rubio

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Node / Department of Physics, College of Science

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Track

Cybersecurity

Faculty Mentors

Sophia Economou
Professor of Physics

Edwin Barnes
Professor of Physics

Sumeet Khatri
Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Briefly describe the research project you are planning to contribute to and lead as a postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech. What is the problem you are addressing? What is the expected impact of your work?

I will be researching how to distribute entangled states, a uniquely quantum state with no classical analog, over quantum networks. Quantum networks are being developed to distribute entanglement across large distances, connecting hybrid quantum processors (e.g., quantum computers, sensors, etc.) and enabling the generation, distribution, and processing of quantum information alongside classical data. These networks aim to augment classical networks, supporting applications such as secure communications, entanglement-enhanced telescopes, clock synchronization, and access to cloud-based quantum computers, as well as unlocking unforeseen possibilities. I will be investigating how to optimize entanglement distribution, identify the resources required for different applications, and develop realistic protocols for realistic networks with fixed resources.

Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?

I chose Virginia Tech for the incredible professors and the opportunity to work across departments. Professors Sophia Economou and Ed Barnes in the Physics Department have a well established and respected group in the field for their research and I was delighted to see how much they care about bringing more people into the field through research and outreach. I very much respect such a holistic approach to science. I am also lucky to work with Professor Sumeet Khatri in the Computer Science Department who is a new professor here, but already has such an impressive list of publications. I strongly believe his group will grow into something beautiful. Quantum networks are an inherently interdisciplinary field, so I believe I will benefit immensely from working in both departments.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin in this fellowship at Virginia Tech?

I am very excited about the new collaborators and perspectives I will be exposed to at Virginia Tech. The research here has a different flavor than my previous Ph.D. work, so I know I will learn a lot. I also appreciate that this fellowship provides the added flexibility to create my own research problems, rather than being tied to the goals of a specific funding agency. This kind of freedom is truly unique.