As a high school senior visiting Stony Brook University, Leonardo Castillo Veneros had an unexpected experience in Professor Eden Figueroa’s physics lab that shaped his future. Now a first-year PhD student at Stony Brook, Castillo Veneros recalls the impression left by Figueroa’s passion for his work and involving others.
Castillo Veneros joined Stony Brook as an undergraduate in 2017 and sought involvement in Figueroa’s lab during his first year. “He told me, ‘You don’t need to know everything to get started,'” said Castillo Veneros. This encouragement led him to become a key member of the Quantum Information Technology Lab, focusing on quantum networking and communication.
His current work involves developing cryptography systems and creating a quantum network from Stony Brook to Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The project aims to build a cryptography system operating across 140 kilometers, essential for quantum repeaters that could extend networks over long distances. “It’s a really big project,” he noted.
Castillo Veneros’ interest in physics began with a middle school science project on atomic models. Growing up in Clifton Park, New York, he pursued this interest through high school and chose Stony Brook for its strong science programs. He completed his undergraduate degree in 2021 and earned a master’s degree before entering the PhD program.
As a researcher, Castillo Veneros has faced challenges building complex systems with real-world applications. “With the quantum cryptography project, we were thrown into the water and had to learn how to swim,” he explained.
Figueroa’s mentorship style has been significant for Castillo Veneros, providing guidance while allowing freedom for exploration. This approach enabled him to work on various projects like quantum tomography and heralding quantum memory.
His animated explainer video showcasing one of the lab’s systems was featured at Quantum 2.0/AspenNet Town Hall in San Francisco, earning positive feedback. “The idea was to bridge the gap between theory and application,” he said.
A Bridge to the Doctorate Fellow supported by NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, Castillo Veneros finds the program supportive: “They check in regularly… That sense of community is really important.”
Collaborating with BNL researchers reinforces Long Island as a hub for quantum research. The ultimate goal is building a quantum repeater for secure communication over vast distances.
“Everything we’re doing now is a stepping stone,” he stated regarding their work mirroring future goals. Despite accomplishments, Castillo Veneros continues learning: “There’s still a lot of physics I need to learn.”
While uncertain about his long-term career path, he hopes to remain in research within national labs or academia: “I really enjoy the work I’m doing now.” His advice? “Don’t be afraid to reach out… There are so many opportunities.”
