The Pearl Sullivan Engineering IDEAs Clinic hosted an Optics & Quantum Communications Workshop for students from across campus, supported by a group of University of Waterloo alumni who built their careers at Microsoft.
The three-day event, delivered in partnership with Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF), introduced 70 Waterloo Engineering students to the emerging field of quantum telecommunications.
Activities included building traditional fibre optic communication modules and simulating Quantum Key Distribution — a technology slated to solve the cryptographic vulnerabilities of our current methods of communication.
The year of quantum
The United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in recognition of the field’s powerful potential to reshape our understanding of the universe and revolutionize technological advancements. As quantum mechanics moves out of the lab and into practical applications, collaboration between different disciplines is critical.
“We're proud to collaborate with the IDEAS Clinic to develop this workshop and give students hands-on experience with what makes quantum technology unique,” John Donohue, senior manager of scientific outreach at IQC, said. “As quantum information science is an inherently interdisciplinary field, bringing together students with diverse perspectives and expertise is essential to meet the growing needs of research and industry.”
Industry-relevant learning
The workshop is part of the Ideas Clinic Technology Hub which is supported by the UWAlumni@Microsoft group. The hub’s mission is to give students practical, industry-relevant exposure to challenges in quantum computing, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without Waterloo’s work-integrated learning opportunities,” Sheri Panabaker, ex-Microsoft UX leader, said. "The co-op program opened doors for our careers at amazing companies like Microsoft. Supporting the Ideas Clinic is our way of helping the next generation work in environments that mirror the real world. It’s a space where students from different disciplines collaborate, problem-solve and build the soft and technical skills they’ll need in the workplace. As proud alumni, we want to invest in that kind of experiential learning and support the University’s drive for creative and innovative teaching.”
Extracurricular skills training
A full lineup of interactive demos and activities gave students an opportunity to explore concepts like quantum phenomena, secure communication and microscopy with expert guidance on-hand. They even got to play with a simulated Quantum Key Distribution system to understand how it solves real-world cybersecurity challenges.
“I’ve had a strong interest in quantum computing for a while now, and this extracurricular workshop aligned with both my academic goals and where I see myself professionally,” said Areeb Khan, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student.
“I came in looking for a refresher on quantum mechanics — especially around quantum cryptography and quantum light — and it delivered. I plan to keep building my skills while exploring what to do after graduation.”
Campus partners and teamwork
The Pearl Sullivan Engineering IDEAs Clinic would like to thank Dr. Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, Nicolette Shaw and Alyson Ranger for sharing career insights and delivering live demos on the TEM and SEM; Dr. Nathan Fitzpatrick’s QNFCF team for their support; Dr. Michael Pope’s OBEC team for providing access to their labs and equipment; Dr. Ahmad Ghavami for donating components used in the workshop’s hands-on builds and the Institute of Quantum Computing (IQC).
An interdisciplinary team of Waterloo researchers presented the paper Modular and Accessible Hands-On Optics Workshops to Bridge Gaps in Quantum Engineering Education at the 2025 IEEE Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics (ETOP). It discusses a series of workshops designed to bridge first- and second-year engineering students’ theoretical understanding of optics and quantum concepts with practical, hands-on experience.
Get in touch with Silas Ifeanyi, the engineering educational developer at the Pearl Sullivan Engineering IDEAs Clinic at the University of Waterloo, to find out how you can support and participate in upcoming interdisciplinary workshops and innovation challenges designed to improve educational outcomes.
Introduction to quantum telecommunications in the Ideas Clinic.
Exploring light waves and polarization.
Projecting an image of microbes in water onto a sheet of paper - essentially making a microscope with a syringe, a laser and a sheet of paper.
Learning to send and receive data using BB84, a Quantum Communication Protocol. Students are using Quantum Key Distribution simulators designed and built collaboratively by IQC and the IDEAs Clinic.