Evan Meyer-Scott, Jamie Sikora and Farzad Qassemi have been recognized for their enthusiasm and dedication in sharing IQC and its research with the public.
This award was created in 2011 in honour of former University of Waterloo President David Johnston’s vital role in the creation of the Institute for Quantum Computing. The award celebrates his commitment to continuous learning, innovation and achievement. Scientific outreach is at the heart of IQC’s mission, and we encourage graduate students to play an active role in bringing IQC to the world — and the world to IQC.
Evan has been involved with outreach efforts since his arrival as a masters student. He helped create IQC’s popular hands-on Quantum Key Distribution demo, and has tirelessly showcased this demo to countless audiences including TEDxWaterloo, the American Association for Advancement of Science, IQC’s quantum summer schools and more.
For the past four years, Jamie has played a central role during the IQC’s annual Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS). He has introduced students to the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, with unanimously positive feedback. Outside of lectures, Jamie is always willing to advise and tutor students, both at IQC and at his former high school.
Farzad has demonstrated a great deal of leadership in organizing outreach activities within the local Persian community, as well as in his home country, Iran. To raise awareness about quantum information in Iran, he has organized several talks and workshops at Shahid Beheshti University. Locally, he engages the Persian Muslim community in discussions about the philosophical aspects of quantum mechanics. He has also contributed to the continued improvement of IQC’s graduate program and the student experience in Waterloo.
Congratulations to all three for this well-deserved recognition.
IQC also congratulates the following students holding other scholarships for the spring 2012 term:
Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Fellowship
Juan Miguel Arrazola
Amin olah Eftekharian
Joshua Geller
Iman Marvian
Adam Paetznick
Ansis Rosmanis
Antonio Scotland
IQC Achievement Award
Jonathan Lavoie