ElectroScience Laboratory

Yesterday was World Quantum Day, and the Columbus Dispatch highlighted how Ohio State is advancing quantum research, including work being done by Professor Ron Reano. ⚛️

Reano's recent work includes the first quantum key distribution link demonstrated on at ESL using in-ground optical fiber to create ultra-secure communications pathways. Researchers are also working on Ohio's first intercity quantum-secure network between Columbus and Dayton, a project that could have major implications for protecting financial systems, healthcare networks and public infrastructure.

🔗 Read more:

How Columbus is leading the way on World Quantum Day World Quantum Day spotlights the future of computing, and Ohio State is helping make Columbus a leader in quantum research, security and jobs.

Congratulations to Professor Asimina Kiourti on earning a university Accelerator Grant! 👏

Her project proposes integrating sophisticated AI with a novel wearable magnetocardiography (MCG) sensor to empower the first-ever objective quantification of cognitive workload. This breakthrough is critical for managing pediatric concussion, establishing a new paradigm in AI-driven recovery monitoring.

Engineering researchers earn university Accelerator Grants Eight engineering-led teams earned funding in 2025

🌊❄️ New Microwave Approach Could Transform Polar Observations

A new review led by Ohio State researchers Ken Jezek of Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center and ESL Professor Joel Johnson highlights how wideband microwave radiometry could dramatically advance our understanding of sea ice, ocean salinity,and ice‑sheet temperatures. Their work shows that lower‑frequency, wider‑band sensors can probe far deeper into ice and ocean systems than current L‑band missions allow, boosting our ability to monitor polar change and critical subsurface processes.

Supported in part by NASA’s Instrument Incubator Program, this research demonstrates how technologies like CryoRad may help unlock new, more sensitive observations of the cryosphere, enhancing global climate models and informing future satellite missions.

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CryoRad from sea ice to ocean salinity, a new microwave approach could boost polar observations Research shows using wideband microwave radiometry across lower frequencies to strengthen monitoring in polar regions

Congratulations to recent graduate Will Barrett on receiving a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Student of the Year Award! The award recognizes not just Barrett’s technical skill, but also his leadership and vision.

Barrett’s research focuses on signals of opportunity. Instead of building new infrastructure, his team reuses existing signals from Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) communications satellites. Because these satellites are much closer to Earth than traditional GPS satellites, their signals are stronger, harder to disrupt and provide a resilient "second opinion" for autonomous vehicles and aircraft.

Buckeye engineer Will Barrett named named a US Department of Transportation Student of the Year Award recognizes Barrett’s technical skill, leadership and vision

Congratulations to PhD student Ali Kaiss on being recognized as Presidential Fellow, the highest honor given by The Ohio State University Graduate School 👏

The award recognizes the outstanding scholarly accomplishments and potential of graduate students entering the final phase of their dissertation research or terminal degree project.

ESL PhD student named Presidential Fellow Ali Kaiss receives fellowship recognizing outstanding accomplishments