Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Research focus
Quantum computing

Education
Ph.D. Physics, Harvard University, 2016
A.B. Physics, Harvard University, 2010

Max Parsons joined Electrical & Computer Engineering as an assistant professor after joining the UW as director of the Quantum Technologies Training and Testbed (QT3) lab in 2022. Prior to joining the UW, Max worked as a scientist at Meta’s Reality Labs.

Parsons’ research interests intersect quantum physics and electrical engineering. He is currently focused on the development of quantum computers based on arrays of laser-cooled and laser-trapped atoms which are programmed using pulses of light, as well as the development of quantum networks and sensors based on quantum defects in solids beginning with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Parsons continues to direct the QT3 lab, which is developing a shared user facility for measuring quantum materials and devices, instructional labs and other tools for hands-on practical training, and quantum information hardware testbeds. In addition to numerous academic publications, Parsons holds more than 30 patents in the fields of mixed reality and quantum computing.