Augie Martinez Lehigh: Rising Star in Quantum Research
Augie Martinez Lehigh, a standout student at Lehigh University, is making waves in the world of quantum computing research. But who is this young scientist, and what makes his journey so remarkable?
Background
Augie Martinez’s path to Lehigh University is a testament to his drive and academic prowess. Born and raised in a bilingual household, Augie grew up speaking both English and Spanish fluently. This multicultural background would later prove invaluable in his academic pursuits.
From an early age, Augie showed a keen interest in science and technology. He wasn’t just content with learning from textbooks; he wanted to get his hands dirty with real-world applications. This curiosity led him to participate in various science fairs and competitions throughout his high school years.
One of Augie’s most notable achievements before college was his involvement in the FIRST Tech Challenge. He didn’t just participate; he excelled. In 2018, Augie’s team won the 1st Place Design Award, showcasing his knack for creating effective and cohesive designs in robotics competitions. But he didn’t stop there. In both 2019 and 2020, Augie’s team clinched the 1st Place Think Award, recognizing their outstanding robot documentation and high-efficiency mechanisms.
These early successes were just the beginning. Augie’s academic excellence earned him recognition as a College Board National Hispanic Scholar in April 2020, placing him in the top 2.5% of Hispanic American or Latinx juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT.
Education
Augie’s journey to Lehigh University wasn’t a direct path. He first attended Judson Early College Academy, a small urban school known for its challenging coursework. Here, Augie didn’t just survive; he thrived. He graduated with both a High School Diploma and an Associates of Liberal Arts, setting a strong foundation for his future studies.
But Augie’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. Before fully committing to Lehigh, he participated in MIT’s Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community program in 2020. This experience focused on embedded systems and science writing, giving Augie a taste of the cutting-edge research he would later pursue.
In 2021, Augie began his studies at Lehigh University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Physics. This dual major perfectly aligns with his interests in quantum computing and advanced technology.
Career
Despite being a student, Augie has already amassed an impressive list of research internships:
| Period | Position | Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2024 – Present | Research Intern | Institute for Quantum Computing | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada |
| Jan 2023 – Present | Research Intern | MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics | Cambridge, MA, USA |
| May 2023 – Sep 2023 | Research Intern | MIT Lincoln Laboratory | Lexington, MA, USA |
| Sep 2021 – Jan 2022 | Research Intern | MIT Media Lab | Cambridge, MA, USA |
At the MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics, Augie works with the RLE’s Quanta group to improve lasers used in quantum computing research. His current project involves using a wavelength meter as a reference for PID control, ensuring lasers don’t go into ‘multimode’ – a state where they output at multiple wavelengths.
During his time at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Augie contributed to a fast, two-qubit quantum gate implementation effort. He optimized laser sequences to reduce infidelity while maintaining high speeds and even got hands-on experience operating a trapped ion quantum computing system.
At the MIT Media Lab, Augie worked on the ‘AttentivU’ project, which uses electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) sensors to provide users with cognitive metrics. His role involved configuring and soldering onboard electronics for one of the project’s form factors – a pair of glasses.
Achievements
Augie’s list of achievements is as diverse as it is impressive. Beyond his robotics awards, he’s also excelled in academic competitions:
- 1st in Art Reproductions (Academic Decathlon, October 2018)
- 1st in Economics: Micro and Macroeconomics (Academic Decathlon, October 2019)
- 1st in Science (Texas Alliance of Minorities in Engineering, February 2018)
- 1st in Math (Texas Alliance of Minorities in Engineering, February 2018 and 2020)
- 1st in Science: Laser Technologies (Academic Decathlon, October 2018)
These accolades showcase Augie’s well-rounded intellect and his ability to excel across various disciplines.
Skills and Expertise
Augie’s skill set is as diverse as his research experiences. His work across different labs has honed his abilities in:
- Quantum computing principles
- Laser optimization for quantum gates
- PID control systems
- Embedded systems
- EEG and EOG sensor technology
- Robotics design and documentation
- Science writing
This broad range of skills positions Augie well for a future at the forefront of quantum computing research.
Personal Interests
While Augie’s academic and research pursuits take center stage, he’s not all work and no play. His LinkedIn profile hints at a passion for web development. In 2020, he served as the Lead Web Administrator for Learning Through Education And Application By Partnership (LEAP), a non-profit organization in San Antonio, Texas.
This role allowed Augie to combine his technical skills with his passion for education. He developed and managed the organization’s website while also creating exploratory STEM activities for 1st through 8th graders. Topics ranged from drone technology to simple programming games, showcasing Augie’s ability to make complex subjects accessible to younger students.
Notable Projects
One of Augie’s standout projects was his work on improving lasers for quantum computing research at MIT. This project demonstrates the real-world applications of his studies and his ability to contribute to cutting-edge research while still an undergraduate.
Another notable project was his involvement with the ‘AttentivU’ initiative at the MIT Media Lab. This project, which aims to provide users with cognitive metrics through wearable technology, showcases Augie’s versatility. It combines elements of electrical engineering, data analysis, and even a touch of user experience design.
Professional Associations
While the search results don’t explicitly mention professional associations, Augie’s involvement in various research labs and academic competitions suggests he’s well-connected in the world of quantum computing and electrical engineering. His work at prestigious institutions like MIT and the Institute for Quantum Computing likely provides him with valuable networking opportunities in these fields.
In conclusion, Augie Martinez is a rising star in the world of quantum computing research. His journey from a bilingual household to the cutting edge of quantum technology showcases his dedication, intellect, and versatility. As he continues his studies at Lehigh University, the scientific community will undoubtedly be watching to see what groundbreaking discoveries this young researcher will make next.