Congratulations to PhD candidate Cece Henderson (she/her) and PhD students Nic Swanson (he/him) and Ben Wong (he/him) on receiving a Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D). Valued at $40,000 per year, the scholarship runs for three years.
All three wanted to come to the University of Waterloo because of the uniqueness of the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization (C&O). Swanson and Wong both also mentioned the multidisciplinary field and ability to collaborate.
“I love working here because I get exposed to the interdisciplinary perspectives of my math peers in the C&O department, theoretical physicists at the Perimeter Institute, and quantum computer scientists from theory to experiment at IQC,” says Wong.
Henderson studies graph theory, Swanson explores cryptography and Wong’s research has a quantum focus.
Specifically, Henderson’s research focuses design theory working with Dr. Luke Postle and Dr. Sophie Spirkl. She investigates graphs (networks of dots with lines between them) and asks what conditions need to be true so that we are guaranteed to have the ability to break a graph down into very organized pieces. She says, “In an abstract sense, results like these are nice because they show us that we can always find order even among the most chaotic graph as long as it meets a couple of global conditions.”
Swanson, under the supervision of Dr. David Jao, explores new ways to protect sensitive digital information against the growing capabilities of quantum computers. He says, “I design and study ways to make post-quantum cryptographic systems faster and more efficient, while also looking for vulnerabilities that could undermine their security.”
Wong’s research focuses on classifying the computational resources required to understand quantum systems based on their algebraic structure. Working under the supervision of Dr. David Gosset, he wants to identify whether quantum systems can be understood algorithmically with classical resources, with quantum resources, or determine to what extent their solution is intractable. These results provide a theoretical understanding of the magnetic and thermal properties of quantum systems while also providing practical targets for demonstrations of quantum advantage and chemical simulation.
The CGRS D aims to recognize and support the next generation of outstanding research trainees. By funding a high-quality research training experience, the program seeks to create impact both within and beyond the research environment. The federal research funding agencies assessed applications equally on two criteria: research potential and relevant experience and achievements obtained within and beyond academia.
The scholarship is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), announced in Budget 2024. The harmonized talent program includes the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The CRTAS supports emerging innovators with funding and research training that builds research skills, fosters creativity and prepares them to contribute to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity. It also helps graduate students and postdoctoral researchers move into careers across all sectors that rely on strong research skills.