Join Our Research Group

We welcome motivated students interested in quantum information, superconducting circuits, and topological phases of matter.

How to Apply

Prospective students who have taken undergraduate quantum mechanics courses are encouraged to apply. Apply to the UIC ECE PhD program (Fall 2026). In your application, please mention interest in working with Ian Mondragon-Shem.

Students are also welcome to reach out via email to discuss the position. Please include:

Your CV or resume
A brief statement of your research interests (1 paragraph)
Unofficial transcript (for students)

Contact: Ian Mondragon-Shem

Email Me

Who Can Join?

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates interested in research are welcome to join. Ideal candidates have completed:

Quantum Mechanics I (or equivalent)
Programming experience (Python preferred)
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Graduate Students

PhD students should have taken courses in:

Quantum Mechanics (graduate level)
Statistical Mechanics or Condensed Matter Physics
Computational physics and numerical methods
Programming skills (Python, Julia, or similar)

How to Prepare

If you're not quite ready yet, here are resources to build your background:

Quantum Mechanics

Textbooks: Griffiths "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", Sakurai "Modern Quantum Mechanics"
Online: MIT OCW 8.04 (Quantum Physics I), 8.05 (Quantum Physics II)

Condensed Matter Physics

Textbooks: Ashcroft & Mermin "Solid State Physics", Altland & Simons "Condensed Matter Field Theory"
Topics: Many-body quantum mechanics, second quantization, Green's functions

Programming & Computation

Python: NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib for scientific computing
Quantum Libraries: QuTiP (Quantum Toolbox in Python), scqubits
Practice: Solve physics problems numerically, implement quantum algorithms