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Scholar discovers her passion, right on time

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:15:33 +0000

Scholar discovers her passion, right on time Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 02/19/2026 - 08:15

Kirsten Apodaca

Megan Thompson

For as long as she can remember, Megan Thompson wanted to study something science related. Fast forward to her senior year as a double-major in physics and math at CU �鶹ӰԺ, she is fully immersed in the sciences and has found her passion—precision time measurement.

The path that led her to time metrology and precision time measurement was shaped by several pivotal moments, each bringing her closer to the research field she enjoys today.

In middle school, Thompson considered studying aerospace engineering but soon realized she was more interested in the physics behind how everything works.

In high school, she participated in a Saturday morning lecture series hosted by Fermilab. “They had different experimentalists and theorists talk about their research, and that’s when it hit me. I remember thinking ‘that’s what I want to do,’” she says.

After applying to several universities, Thompson chose CU �鶹ӰԺ—and now feels very lucky she did. Growing up in Colorado and with family ties to CU �鶹ӰԺ, she was familiar with the campus. But, as she recalls, “I had no idea how good the physics program was until I actually came to CU �鶹ӰԺ.”

Quantum Scholars sparks an interest

During her freshman year, Thompson attended the Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair. There, she spoke with Professor Noah Finkelstein at the Quantum Scholars booth, which sounded like an ideal way to explore different areas of physics and quantum.

“Quantum Scholars seemed like an amazing opportunity to meet people with similar passions and learn more about a field I was interested in,” says Thompson.

She applied and was accepted to the program. Thompson was awarded the Jennifer Turner-Valle Scholars Fellowship, established in honor of the late Dr. Jennifer Turner-Valle, an engineering physics alumna. Thompson said Dr. Turner-Valle’s legacy as a teacher, role model and mentor in the fields of optical engineering and business was inspirational.

At one of the Quantum Scholars meetings, Professor Scott Diddams gave a talk on metrology and precision measurement that sparked Thompson’s interest. She realized that was the research field she wanted to pursue.

Time for research

In spring 2024, thanks in part to connections made by her Academic Advisor Claudia Numan and Professor John Cumalat, Thompson began working on precision time measurement research with Judah Levine, professor adjoint of physics and fellow of JILA and NIST.

A storied scientist with a long legacy in time and frequency, Levine joined what was then known as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in 1969. It was later renamed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the 1980s. He worked for many years on developing methods for comparing clocks that are only linked by noisy and unreliable channels.

Though Levine is semi-retired, he remains active in the research community—mentoring students, advising on policy, and conducting research. He is currently working on how to connect clocks on the Moon and eventually on Mars, with the existing reference systems on Earth. Early on, Thompson says Levine gave her a stack of papers to read. She pored over them and now meets with him weekly as he continues to guide her research.

“The methods of combining clocks make use of algorithms and statistical methods that are not part of the undergraduate physics curriculum,” says Levine. “Megan has learned to speak a language that is very different from the language heard in the undergraduate physics laboratories.”

Thompson works with a clock ensemble—a series of 32 clocks at NIST. Using computational physics, she analyzes the noise stability of atomic clocks and works to characterize all of the clocks in the ensemble as one entity.

Her work involves modifying an algorithm to estimate the state of a dynamic system from a series of noisy measurements, with the goal of minimizing the variance of estimation error.

“In timekeeping, it’s important to have something as stable and as predictable as possible,” says Thompson. “Without timescales, GPS and cell phones wouldn’t work, and a lot of modern infrastructure would fall apart without the precise understanding of time.”

Levine adds, “apart from the numerous practical applications, the proposed re-definition of the length of the second in terms of an optical-transition frequency depends fundamentally on ensemble techniques that can transform the optical frequency into a lower frequency that can be used in conventional applications.”

Thompson’s next big task? Creating a modified version of the Kalman time scale.

Thompson is currently writing her senior honors thesis on this research, which she plans to defend before graduating this spring.

Reflecting on Quantum Scholars

“I’ve loved being able to learn about the different disciplines of quantum science and engineering from leaders in the field. I wouldn’t have found my current area of interest without Quantum Scholars,” she says.

Quantum Scholars not only helped Thompson find her research area, it also connected her to a community of students pursuing similar interests. As a member of the first cohort, she’s seen the program flourish over the last few years. Thompson says, “I really like the community that’s been built. It’s helped me meet more of my peers.”

Thompson is currently mentoring a younger student through the program’s Alice and Bob mentoring initiative. She also participated in the program’s hackathon during her sophomore year, where her team won first place!

Advice for future students & what’s next

Her top advice for future students? “Go to your professors’ office hours if you can!”

She also highly recommends connecting with academic advisors and faculty when looking for a research position. “Those connections can really help. Even if they’re not in the research field you’re interested in, they can point you in the right direction,” she adds.

After graduating this spring, Thompson plans to pursue a PhD in physics, focusing on optical metrology theory.

How CU �鶹ӰԺ senior Megan Thompson (Math,Phys'26) found her calling in precision time measurement and the mentors who helped guide her path.

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Meadowlark Optics invests in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:38:18 +0000

Meadowlark Optics invests in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 01/29/2026 - 12:38

Kirsten Apodaca

CU graduate and Meadowlark employee Connor Wolenski (MS,ElEngr) tests a spatial light modulator. This Meadowlark product manipulates and positions atoms in quantum research and quantum computers.

In a recent gift to the Quantum Scholars program, local optics company Meadowlark Optics is generously supporting $70,000 in scholarships for undergraduates exploring the quantum field at the �鶹ӰԺ.

Created through a partnership between the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Quantum Scholars provides students with scholarship support, talks by prominent quantum scientists and industry leaders, professional development opportunities, and connections to employment and internships.

The financial support from Meadowlark Optics comes at a critical time for Quantum Scholars, which has quickly grown to meet student demand since its inception three years ago. Over 150 students are in the program this spring with about half receiving scholarships sponsored by alumni, industry partners and external organizations.

Meadowlark’s roots

Founded by alumnus Tom Baur (MS,Astrogeophys’69), Meadowlark’s history traces back to humble beginnings. Baur hadn’t exactly planned on being an entrepreneur.

While measuring magnetic fields on the sun at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) as part of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Baur developed several product ideas. He soon decided to go commercial. Baur explains “I had run out of challenges at HAO and it was time for a new chapter.”

With no prior business experience besides farming and ranching, Baur launched the company in 1979 – first out of his home, then later expanding to the barn and chicken coop.

Nearly 47 years later, Meadowlark Optics has expanded several times over. The company recently acquired �鶹ӰԺ Nonlinear Systems and added a state-of-the-art facility to their headquarters in Frederick, Colorado. Baur says his wife, Jeanne, was instrumental in developing the 80-acre business park where Meadowlark operates.

An industry leader in polarization systems, Meadowlark Optics supports a number of fields including the rapidly growing quantum industry. Described as a “pick-and-shovels” company, they design and manufacture many of the optical components that quantum companies use to develop advanced quantum systems.

Jeanne and Tom Baur

Supporting the next generation of quantum leaders

As the founder of Meadowlark Optics and a CU �鶹ӰԺ graduate school alumnus, Tom and his wife Jeanne Baur have supported several initiatives at the university.

In 2020, the Baurs partnered with SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to establish an endowed chair in optics and photonics, currently held by Cindy Regal, professor of physics and JILA fellow.

Tom Baur has also served on the Department of Physics Advisory Board for the last several years, providing advice and valuable connections to the department. Thanks in large part to his advocacy, the department has forged stronger connections with industry partners through the advisory board and by establishing an annual Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

He recalls hearing about Quantum Scholars from Mike Ritzwoller, professor of distinction and co-founder of Quantum Scholars, about the quality of students in the program and how well-received it has been.

“It seemed like a good program to support,” said Tom Baur. “At Meadowlark Optics, we’ve hired a number of graduates from CU �鶹ӰԺ over the years, so it made sense as a company to support CU in a manner that helps them continue to lead the nation in quantum research.”

Tom Baur talks with a student at the 2025 Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

Supporting the emerging workforce is key to strengthening the growing quantum industry and related businesses. Tom Baur adds, “there’s a real need for students at the bachelor’s level to support cutting-edge research in this field.”

The Baurs and Meadowlark Optics have made a lasting impact on the Quantum Scholars program. “The program’s success owes a great deal to their generosity and to the steadfast support of Meadowlark Optics,” says Ritzwoller. “The program thrives because of friends like the Baurs, whose dedication and belief in our students make all the difference.”

The Baurs were particularly moved by a scholar’s experience struggling to maintain good grades while working a second job. They hope Meadowlark Optics’ gift to Quantum Scholars will support and encourage students, allowing them to focus on their studies as much as possible.

And every little bit helps. Hoping the contribution from Meadowlark Optics will inspire others to donate, Jeanne Baur adds, “it doesn’t have to be a big gift to make an impact.”

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Tom Baur talks with a student at the 2025 Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

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If at first you don’t succeed: Outstanding grad’s perseverance pays off

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:48:40 +0000

If at first you don’t succeed: Outstanding grad’s perseverance pays off Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 12/23/2025 - 08:48

Quantum Scholar Hero Trent had a rocky start to her college career at CU �鶹ӰԺ. But she faced the challenge head on, and now she's been named outstanding graduate in engineering physics and she landed a job at Quantinuum, thanks in part to connections made through Quantum Scholars.

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Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:46:37 +0000

Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:46

New funding from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) will support growing demand for the Quantum Scholars program, providing approximately 25 new scholarships for the innovative program.

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Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:44:36 +0000

Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 06/09/2025 - 11:44

Arjun Dalwadi, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student, is immersing himself in all things quantum through the Quantum Scholars program and as an undergraduate researcher in the Gyenis Lab. Dalwadi is on the journey to make an impact for quantum computing.

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Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:43:35 +0000

Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 05/27/2025 - 11:43

Students are getting a unique perspective on the quantum field and industry through a program they themselves are helping to shape. Quantum Scholars, which launched in 2023, is providing community and fellowships to students in physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

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Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:42:21 +0000

Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/30/2025 - 11:42

Quantum Scholars Emily Jerris and Annalise Cabra started CU Women of Quantum to help women interested in careers in quantum to network and share experiences.

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CU President Todd Saliman speaks at Quantum Scholars Meeting

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:40:16 +0000

CU President Todd Saliman speaks at Quantum Scholars Meeting Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 12/11/2024 - 11:40

At the program’s December meeting, Todd Saliman reaffirmed CU’s commitment to the quantum education and research happening on campus.

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Quantum Scholars program draws new sponsors from industry, alums

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:37:31 +0000

Quantum Scholars program draws new sponsors from industry, alums Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 06/20/2024 - 11:37

The Quantum Scholars program has garnered support from several new sponsors, leading to an increase in the number of fellowships available for students this fall.

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End of year celebration concludes second year of Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 06 May 2024 17:32:19 +0000

End of year celebration concludes second year of Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:32

Quantum Scholars hosted an end of year celebration in late April, marking an end to the second year of this highly successful and innovative program. Over 50 students participated in Quantum Scholars this year, with just over half receiving fellowships.

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