Prominent Physicist Appointed to Lead UMD Quantum Research and Education

The University of Maryland on Monday named Gretchen Campbell, an internationally recognized researcher and advocate for the field of quantum science, as associate vice president for quantum research and education, effective July 13.

Campbell has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Physics since 2009 and served from 2016-25 as co-director of the Joint Quantum Institute, a partnership between UMD, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. A pioneering experimental physicist, Campbell’s research includes work on Bose-Einstein condensates, ultra-precise atomic clocks and the creation of the first atomtronic circuits.

In this newly established position, she will collaborate with faculty, students and campus partners to increase UMD's prominence in quantum science and technology. Her position will focus on shaping UMD’s strategic vision for quantum research; advancing Gov. Wes Moore’s vision for transforming the state and region into the global “Capital of Quantum;” expanding quantum curricula at the K-12 through graduate levels; and forging strategic partnerships.

"Dr. Campbell brings an exceptional combination of scientific expertise, national leadership and deep experience in building partnerships across academia, government and industry," said Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice. "Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing Maryland’s bold vision for quantum research and education, and strengthening our position as a global hub for quantum innovation."

Campbell’s appointment comes on the heels of two recent major developments that helped solidify UMD as a global leader in quantum science and technology: the launch of the $1 billion Capital of Quantum initiative announced by Gov. Moore and the establishment of the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub to be located at the university’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security.

“The University of Maryland boasts a remarkable legacy in leading quantum exploration, and now is the pivotal moment to amplify our role in this rapidly expanding field and cultivate a quantum-ready workforce,” said Vice President for Research Patrick O’Shea.

Campbell assumes this new role in the Division of Research following an assignment to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), where she served as assistant director for quantum information science and director of the National Quantum Coordination Office. In addition to her work with OSTP, Campbell held multiple leadership roles at NIST, leading the Laser Cooling and Trapping Group in the Quantum Measurement Division.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of Maryland’s quantum community for many years,” Campbell said. “Stepping into this new role, I’m excited to help build on that foundation and continue advancing our leadership alongside our outstanding faculty, students and partners.”

She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the recipient of numerous honors, including the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering, the Arthur Flemming Award that honors outstanding federal employees, the Maria Goeppert Mayer Award from the American Physical Society and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics’ Young Scientist Prize.

Campbell earned her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College.