3rd Annual Quantum Partnership Workshop at SURF

Jul 21, 2026, 1:00 PM → Jul 24, 2026, 4:30 PM US/Mountain

Classroom (SLHVC)

The Quantum Partnership Workshop is a collaborative gathering at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. Hosted by the Great Plains Network (GPN) and The Institute for Underground Science at SURF, in partnership with the South Dakota Quantum Center initiative, this workshop brings together researchers and partners advancing quantum science and technology.

 

This year’s program will focus on Regional Quantum Planning, featuring sessions and discussions on quantum science and research, networking and computing, education and workforce development, and a GPN-Wide Quantum Strategy.

 

Date: Wednesday, July 22 – Friday, July 24, 2026

Location: Sanford Underground Research Facility, Lead, South Dakota
(Sanford Lab Homestake Visitors Center)

Registration Fee:  $115 

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

Featured keynote speaker: 

Emily Easton

Director of Education & Workforce Development

Chicago Quantum Exchange

 

• Featured speakers from across the Great Plains region, bringing expertise from academia, research, industry, and education

• Connect with leaders in quantum research, networking, computing, and technology from across the Great Plains region

• Discover opportunities for new research collaborations, partnerships, and funding initiatives

• Help advance regional strategies for quantum education, workforce development, and talent cultivation

• Participate in focused working sessions to identify shared priorities and future collaborative projects

• Gain behind-the-scenes access to South Dakota Mines' quantum center laboratories and SURF's underground research facilities

• Join a forward-looking conversation on the future of quantum science and technology in the region

• Leave with new connections, actionable ideas, and a clearer roadmap for regional quantum collaboration

Their is an underground tour of SURF on Tuesday, July 21, then the workshop begins Wednesday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. MT with invited talks and discussions at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitors Center. The first evening will include a reception to connect with fellow attendees and explore the region’s rich history, from the legacy of the Homestake Mine to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and ongoing neutrino research at the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

 

The following days will feature keynote talks, breakout and working sessions, and a regional site visit focused on quantum research and infrastructure.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in collaborative dialogue shaping the future of quantum science.

 

 

Tue, July 21

1 SURF Underground Tour

SURF UNDERGROUND TOUR SCHEDULE
Time Activity SDSTA Lead / Facilitator Location
1:00 p.m.
(10 min) Visitors arrive at SURF
Stop at Yates Guard House for parking directions Security Support 630 E. Summit St., Lead, SD
1:10 p.m.
(5 min) Welcome and check-in Cheryl Hess Administration Bldg, Front Desk
1:15 p.m.
(30 min) SURF Overview Doug Tiedt?? E&O Conference Room
1:45 p.m.
(25 min) Safety training and waivers ESH Support E&O Conference Room
2:10 p.m.
(20 min) Don PPE Security Support Yates PPE Room / Ramp
2:30 p.m.
(15 min) Brass in
Cage down to 4100L (Regular Time) Ops Support Yates Shaft
2:45 p.m.
(10 min) Underground Orientation Guides 4850L Big X
2:55 p.m.
(10 min) Enter lab, exchange PPE Science Support 4850L Davis Campus Cart Wash
3:05 p.m.
(75 min) Davis Campus briefing and discussions Guides 4850L Davis Campus
4:20 p.m.
(10 min) Exchange PPE, exit lab Guides 4100L testbed, Yates/Ross headers
4:30 p.m.
(15 min) Cage up to surface (Regular Time) Brass out Ops Support Yates Shaft
4:45 p.m.
(15 min) Return PPE Security Support Yates Ramp / PPE Room
5:00 p.m. Adjourn

Wed, July 22

2 Welcome and Introductions

1:00 pm - Welcome and Announcements (10 minutes) - Mickey and Stacie
1:10 pm - Introductions and University/Organization Updates (20 minutes)

During introductions, each university group to provide a brief update about their related projects and initiatives.

Speakers: Jaret Heise (SDSTA/SURF), Mickey Slimp, Stacie Granum (SDSTA/The Institute)

3 Quantum Science and Research

Foundations and Frontiers of Quantum Science and Research

This session will focus on fundamental concepts, mathematical foundations, and research applications that are shaping the future of quantum science. Through three presentations, attendees will hear about quantum computation, gain insight into the principles of quantum physics, and learn about the cutting-edge research environment and scientific opportunities at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).

The session will feature:

• Group Theoretic Overview of the Quantum Core in Shor's algorithm – Parthasarathi Nag
• Quantum Physics – Dongming Mei
• SURF Research – Jaret Heise

Each speaker will provide a 15-minute overview of their area of expertise, offering participants a broader understanding of how mathematics, physics, and world-leading research infrastructure converge to advance quantum science and technology.

Speakers: Dongming Mei, Jaret Heise (SDSTA/SURF), Parthasarathi Nag

4 Quantum Education and Workforce Development

Quantum Education and Workforce Development: Building the Future Quantum Ecosystem

As quantum science and technology continue to advance, developing a skilled workforce and robust educational pathways is essential to sustaining innovation and expanding opportunities across the region and beyond. This session will explore approaches to quantum education, workforce preparation, and talent development through perspectives from higher education, industry engagement, and emerging educational models.

Through three presentations, participants will gain insight into current efforts to build quantum-ready talent pipelines, strengthen educational programs, and create collaborative pathways that connect students, educators, researchers, and industry partners.

The session will feature:

• Tom Coffin
• Chip Byers
• Brent Van Aartsen

Each speaker will provide a 15-minute overview of their work and perspectives, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and strategies for advancing quantum education and workforce development across the Great Plains region and beyond.

Speakers: Brent Van Aartsen, Chip Byers, Tom Coffin

3:00 PM Break

5 Partner Grant Updates and Collaborative Funding Opportunities (Facilitator: Mickey Slimp)

Partner Grant Updates and Collaborative Funding Opportunities

This interactive session provides an opportunity for participants to share updates on current quantum-related grants, collaborative projects, and funding initiatives across their institutions and organizations. Participants are invited to provide brief updates on active awards, emerging proposals, and potential funding opportunities that could benefit from regional collaboration. The discussion will help identify shared priorities, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities to pursue collaborative research, education, workforce development, and infrastructure funding.

4:15 PM Group Photo

6 Reception

6:00 PM Adjourn

Thu, July 23

7 Reflect on Day 1

Speaker: Mickey Slimp (GPN)

8 Keynote: Emily Easton, Chicago Quantum Exchange, Dir of Education & Workforce

Dr. Emily Easton is Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Chicago Quantum Exchange, where she leads regional workforce initiatives across CQE, the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, and the Q-NEXT Department of Energy quantum center. Her work focuses on building inclusive talent pathways that connect universities, national laboratories, community colleges, K–12 partners, and industry. She develops programs that expand access to quantum education and careers, including hands-on training, undergraduate research experiences, employer engagement, and regional “on-ramps” into the quantum ecosystem.

Speaker: Emily Easton

9 Quantum Network Initiatives

Eden Figueroa - virtual presentation

Speaker: Eden Figueroa

11:15 AM Break

11:30 AM Lunch

Classroom and Outdoor Patio or Terrace (weather permitting)

10 Virtual Speaker: Eden Figueroa, Stony Brook University

Speaker: Eden Figueroa

11 Breakout Group 1: Quantum Networking and Computing (Facilitator: Mickey Slimp; Reporter: Tom Coffin)

Breakout Group 1: Quantum Networking and Computing
Facilitator: Mickey Slimp | Reporter: Tom Coffin

Building on the preceding Quantum Networking Initiatives session, this breakout will provide an opportunity for participants to take a deeper dive into the opportunities, challenges, and next steps for advancing quantum networking and computing across the region. Through collaborative discussion, participants will explore current capabilities, identify gaps and priorities, and consider how universities, national laboratories, industry, and government partners can work together to strengthen research, infrastructure, workforce development, and funding opportunities. The session is designed to generate practical ideas and recommendations that will help shape future collaborations and regional quantum initiatives.

Plus report out for discussion following breakouts

12 Breakout Group 2: Quantum Education and Workforce Development (Facilitator: Mary Bell; Reporter: Chip Byers)

Breakout Group 2: Quantum Education and Workforce Development
Facilitator: Mary Bell | Reporter: Chip Byers

Building on the Quantum Education and Workforce Development: Building the Future Quantum Ecosystem session, this breakout will provide an opportunity for participants to explore strategies for developing a strong, sustainable quantum workforce. Through collaborative discussion, attendees will examine educational pathways, workforce needs, partnerships, and opportunities to better connect K–12 education, higher education, industry, national laboratories, and government. Participants will identify regional strengths, gaps, and priorities while considering practical approaches to expanding quantum literacy, preparing the next generation of researchers and professionals, and creating collaborative initiatives that strengthen the Great Plains quantum ecosystem. The discussion will conclude with key recommendations and actionable next steps to inform future regional collaborations.

Plus report out for discussion following breakouts

13 Breakout Group 3: Quantum Research (Facilitator: Jaret Heise; Reporter: Parthasarathi Nag)

Breakout Group 3: Quantum Research
Facilitator: Jaret Heise | Reporter: Parthasarathi Nag

Building on the Foundations and Frontiers of Quantum Science and Research session, this breakout will provide an opportunity for participants to explore emerging research directions, scientific challenges, and collaborative opportunities in quantum science. Through interactive discussion, attendees will examine how theoretical advances, experimental research, and unique scientific infrastructure can work together to accelerate innovation. Participants will identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, shared research priorities, and potential partnerships among universities, national laboratories, industry, and research facilities. The session will conclude with recommendations and actionable ideas to help strengthen the regional quantum research ecosystem and guide future collaborative initiatives.

Plus report out for discussion following breakouts

3:30 PM Break

14 Breakout Groups Report Out

Each breakout group will report out on key takeaways and ideas from each group discussion.

Reporters:
Breakout Group 1: Quantum Networking and Computing
Reporter: Tom Coffin

Breakout Group 2: Quantum Education and Workforce Development
Reporter: Chip Byers

Breakout Group 3: Quantum Research
Reporter: Parthasarathi Nag

15 Reflect on Day 2

Speaker: MICKEY SLIMP

Fri, July 24

16 Leave for Rapid City, SD Mines - attendees responsible for transportation

17 Nonlinear Optical Properties of 2D Quantum Materials and South Dakota Mines site visit

Talk: Nonlinear Optical Properties of 2D Quantum Materials by Steve Smith, SD Mines

The Quantum Materials Institute is focused on discovery of novel 2D materials, heterostructures and metasurfaces to achieve compact systems with enhanced second-order nonlinear processes, including second harmonic generation (SHG) and spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC), important processes for generating quantum light and implementing quantum communications networks. The institute includes expertise in synthesis, assembly, optical characterization and computational modeling. In concert, self-assembled plasmonic meta-surfaces and their chiral assembly are being developed. We use spatially- and spectrally-resolved, polarization-resolved multi-photon excitation microscopy to observe the effects of stacking, strain, and twist angle in single and few-layer 2D materials including WSe2, In2Se3 and Benzylammonium Perovskites based on I, Br, and Cl. In partnership with MonArk Quantum Foundry, heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides have been designed and fabricated, allowing the effects of transverse electric fields to be investigated. In addition, the infrastructure established by the institute, their capabilities and early demonstrations will be discussed.

Lab Tours following talk

Speaker: Steve Smith

SD Mines campus maps and points of interest

18 Building a GPN-Wide Quantum Strategy - Facilitator: Mickey Slimp

Building a GPN-Wide Quantum Strategy
Facilitator: Mickey Slimp

As the culminating session of the workshop, participants will come together to synthesize key ideas, priorities, and recommendations that emerged throughout the meeting. Drawing from the breakout discussions on quantum research, networking and computing, education and workforce development, and collaborative funding opportunities, the group will identify shared goals and define strategic priorities for advancing quantum science and technology across the Great Plains region. The session will focus on strengthening partnerships, identifying actionable next steps, and establishing a collaborative framework to guide future GPN-wide quantum initiatives.

11:30 AM Break

19 Recap and What's Next in Quantum - Facilitator: Mickey Slimp

Recap and What's Next in Quantum

The workshop will conclude with a reflection on the key themes, outcomes, and connections developed throughout the meeting. Participants will review the strategic priorities and action items identified during the workshop and discuss opportunities to maintain momentum through continued collaboration. The session will include plans for bi-monthly virtual discussion groups, updates on upcoming initiatives, and dates for the 2027 Summer Quantum Partnership Workshop. Participants will be invited to share final thoughts and identify ways to remain engaged as the Great Plains quantum community continues to grow and collaborate.

Speakers: Jaret Heise (SDSTA/SURF), Mickey Slimp, Stacie Granum (SDSTA/The Institute)

12:30 PM Workshop Ends