By Sarah Fullerton
Digital Communications Specialist
This year’s Faculty of Science Alumni Gold Medal winner is graduating from the University of Waterloo for the second time. After earning a degree in Computer Science in 2024, Stanley Miao continued at the University of Waterloo to complete a Bachelor of Science from the Faculty of Science, graduating with minors in Physics and Applied Mathematics.
The Alumni Gold Medal recognizes the academic achievement of graduating students in each of the six faculties at the University of Waterloo. “The past year was challenging, and this recognition feels incredibly meaningful,” says Miao. “I didn’t expect this at all."
Originally from Toronto, Miao came to Waterloo for its reputation in computer science and physics and its affiliation with the Perimeter Institute, where he’s now a master's student in quantum information.
“I started in computer science, but I kept taking physics courses and realized how much I enjoyed both,” says Miao. “After taking Phys 234: Quantum Physics 1, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue further. That course changed everything for me.”
That curiosity led him to do hands-on quantum computing and machine learning research. As part of a unique co-op experience through a partnership with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Miao spent a term in Norway working on quantum reservoir computing, an experimental approach to using quantum systems for machine learning tasks. Under his supervisors, he worked on a software package to simplify the framework of quantum reservoir computing, proposing a new method using a tool called stabilizer formalism, inspired by quantum error-correcting codes.
“It was my first real research experience,” he says. “Living in Norway and working in that environment taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do.”
He followed that up with a summer at the Vector Institute in Toronto, developing generative quantum eigen solvers. These tools use machine learning to optimize quantum algorithms, with potential applications in areas like drug discovery.
Now pursuing a master’s degree at the Perimeter Institute, Stanley is exploring quantum information theory. Under the supervision of Drs. Debbie Leung and Alex May, Miao is analyzing the fundamental limits and capabilities of quantum communication, developing protocols for coordinating the transfer of information in quantum networks involving multiple parties.
“Everything still feels new,” he says. “But this award gives me confidence that I’m on the right path.”
When asked what’s next, Stanley sees a doctoral program in his future and plans to pursue a research career. “I love learning,” he says. “And I’m open to wherever that takes me.”