Credit: Penn State Abington.
Burcu Ozden, assistant professor of engineering and physics at Penn State Abington, has received a three-year, $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study advanced two-dimensional materials for quantum technologies. The project, set to begin in 2026, will involve collaboration among faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates at both Penn State Abington and University Park.
Quantum technologies are increasingly important for secure communication, sensing, and computation. Unlike traditional bits, quantum bits—or qubits—can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling unprecedented processing power. The challenge, Ozden explains, is creating stable qubits at room temperature, which requires highly controlled material systems.
Her research will focus on transition metal dichalcogenides, materials composed of ultra-thin layers that can be precisely engineered. Specifically, Ozden’s team will study atomic-scale “antisite” defects—where atoms swap places in a crystal structure—to develop defect-based qubits. The goal is to create scalable qubits without introducing strain or foreign impurities.
“This project combines experimental work, computational modeling, and a strong educational mission,” Ozden said. She highlighted that Penn State Abington is uniquely positioned to involve undergraduates directly in federally funded quantum research. Students will gain hands-on experience in materials synthesis, optical characterization, and data analysis—skills that are crucial for the next generation of quantum scientists.
The grant will also fund new lab infrastructure and advanced instrumentation, supporting collaborations across engineering, physics, and materials science departments. Abington students will participate through the campus’ undergraduate research program (ACURA), summer research initiatives, and interdisciplinary project teams.
Abington Chancellor Gary Liguori noted that the award underscores the strength of Penn State’s multicampus research ecosystem, where faculty at Commonwealth Campuses lead nationally competitive projects while offering transformative learning experiences for students.
Ozden anticipates that the research will accelerate Penn State’s contributions to quantum materials and defect engineering, while also advancing workforce development aligned with national STEM priorities.
