William Gorgas began his UToledo journey as a computer science and engineering student with no clear direction toward his post-university career.
Then, after his first semester, he discovered quantum computing.
William Gorgas began his UToledo journey as a computer science engineering student, then he discovered quantum computing. Now he’s a junior studying applied physics.
“I did a lot of thinking and studying before finding a path that caught my attention,” Gorgas said. “I decided the best next step was to enroll into a physics.”
In the year that followed, Gorgas studied the basics of quantum computing and researched both professional and academic aspects of the field, including what graduate schools and companies look for in their applicants.
Gorgas made finding research experience in a lab his priority, which led him to Dr. Aniruddha Ray, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
“Before classes started in my second year at UToledo, I emailed Dr. Ray and asked if he had any availability in his optics lab,” Gorgas said. “Luckily for me, not only did he have work for me but he was also my professor for my intro to quantum mechanics class that semester, which opened a door to a very natural relationship.
“Dr. Ray has been extremely influential in my path to my goals, giving me opportunities and career advice I would not have otherwise inferred on my own.”
Ray said Gorgas is an exemplary student.
“I have interacted with William both as his professor in the classroom and as a research mentor. He has performed exceptionally well in both settings, showcasing his strong academic abilities and practical skills in research,” Ray said. “William is a highly driven and self-motivated student, actively engaged in multiple projects in my lab. He has already co-authored a journal publication and presented his research at a local meeting of the American Physical Society’s Eastern Great Lakes section.”
Now a junior, Gorgas made the switch to physics as his major to continue working towards his goal to eventually pursue quantum computing in a professional capacity. He was awarded a USR-CAP to advance his research as well. He divides his time as a research assistant, teaching assistant, taking courses in quantum computing, and balancing his classwork on top of it all.
From his experience at UToledo, Gorgas offers the same advice to freshman Rockets that he would give to himself as a freshman.
“I would tell them and myself to not be afraid to develop relationships with both faculty and peers,” he said. “You never know what opportunities could arise from them — just reach out.”
Beginning this fall semester, the College of Engineering is offering a new course, Special Topics in EECS – Introduction to Quantum Computation and Information, that provides an in-depth introduction to the principles and practices of quantum computing and will equip students with the skills to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies.
