Dr. Monika Filipovska, assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received a prestigious NSF Early-concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) to pioneer the use of quantum computing in transportation engineering.

Her project, Quantum Algorithmic Foundations for Reliable Transportation Networks, addresses one of today’s most pressing challenges: ensuring transportation systems remain safe, reliable, and resilient in the face of climate change, aging infrastructure, and unpredictable disruptions.

Unlike traditional computing, which struggles to capture uncertainty in dynamic systems, quantum algorithms can analyze massive datasets and explore countless scenarios simultaneously. This makes them uniquely suited to optimize traffic flow, simulate cascading failures, or prioritize post-disaster repairs.

“This project goes beyond engineering—it’s about public safety and community resilience,” Filipovska explains. “By integrating quantum innovation with civil infrastructure, we’re helping cities prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The award highlights UConn’s growing leadership in interdisciplinary innovation through the UConn Quantum Consortium and statewide QuantumCT initiative, connecting researchers across physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics.

Filipovska’s work not only advances cutting-edge research but also inspires the next generation of engineers and scientists to combine quantum science with real-world problem-solving.

Read the UConn Today article here: UConn Today

Or, check out her research here: monika-filipovska.scholar.uconn.edu