College of William and Mary
11/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2025 07:28
Alumnus, leader in quantum computing to deliver inaugural joint colloquium
Research & Scholarship
Alumnus, leader in quantum computing to deliver inaugural joint colloquium
Charles Tahan '00 will be the featured speaker for the inaugural School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics Joint Colloquium.
By Randy Ready, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
Published November 6, 2025
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Charles Tahan '00 testifies before the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on May 7, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
The following story originally appeared on the website for the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. - Ed.
Charles Tahan '00, a physicist and national leader in quantum information science, will be the featured speaker for the inaugural School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics Joint Colloquium.
Scheduled for Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. in Small Hall, Room 110, the event is open to the public and will bring together scholars, students and professionals from across William & Mary.
Tahan earned a B.S. in physics and computer science from William & Mary and currently serves as a partner at Microsoft Quantum where he leads technical teams in building quantum computers and shaping industry-wide strategy. Prior to joining Microsoft, Tahan led the National Quantum Initiative as assistant director for quantum information science and director of the national quantum coordination office at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Tahan's talk, "Accelerating the Future of Computing," will discuss how quantum information science is making a foundational shift in computing and information technology and explore how future systems merging classical high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and quantum accelerators may solve problems exponentially faster than current machines. There will be a Q&A session, offering an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with a leader in quantum technology, as well as a short reception afterwards.
The joint colloquium marks a significant step in fostering collaboration across the school and aims to spark interdisciplinary research and innovation. The colloquium reflects William & Mary's broader commitment to advancing integrative science and supporting the university's Vision 2026 priorities of data and impact.
Randy Ready, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
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College of William and Mary published this content on November 06, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 06, 2025 at 13:28 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]