Mark Johnston receives GRFP Honorable Mention
Graduate Student Mark Johnston was awarded an Honorable Mention for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)! The NSF GRFP is one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships.
The proposed work focuses on Quantum Monte Carlo simulation of an exotic type of particle arising in solid-state systems known as “Majorana fermions”, which are uniquely weird in that they are both a particle and a particle vacancy (or “hole”) at the same time. His goal is to develop algorithms which perform quantum simulations of these particles that can achieve far greater computational efficiency than current state-of-the-art algorithms. Ultimately Johnston wants to make these algorithms open-source for all researchers in his field to use going forward. In addition to research, Johnston emphasized broader impacts, proposing a summer quantum computing program for Forsyth county middle/high school students with the aim of teaching students in the local community about the basics of coding and quantum computing.
Pictured Left:
First year graduate student, Mark Johnston.
Below are questions asked about his research and award.
“What motivates your research?”
Mark Johnston: “In my time working with Dr. Huffman, I’ve gained an appreciation for the strange properties of Majorana particles. As a concept they’re really quite bizarre, but there is mounting evidence that they really do show up in physical systems. Even if they didn’t, many theoretical works have used their strange properties to obtain real, tangible results. I therefore see great importance in developing a better theoretical understanding of how these particles behave, to promote such findings in the future. Additionally, there is great interest in using Majorana particles to build quantum computers, so there is an element of commercial and security interest in my research as well.”
“What does the recognition mean to you?”
Mark Johnston: “I am honored to be recognized for this Honorable Mention! The recognition makes me feel more confident and proud of what I am doing, and I look forward to seeing what opportunities this line of research will give me.”