For senior chemistry major and Werth Industry Academic Research Fellowship (IAF) recipient Sahad Ullah, science has always inspired curiosity and excitement. But his path to chemistry wasn’t always so clear.
As a transfer student new to Southern, Sahad planned to pursue a career in nursing. But that changed after a conversation with industry mentor Dr. Mark B. Ritter, a quantum physicist and department chair at IBM Research. Ritter’s guidance helped Sahad realize his passion extended beyond healthcare to the broader frontiers of science.
“I knew I loved science, and one of my closest friends and mentors was a high-level scientist,” Ullah recalled. “That made me think, ‘Why not jump into chemistry and really immerse myself?’”
This conversation, along with successfully completing his anatomy and physiology and introductory physics courses, opened Sahad’s eyes to a pathway he hadn’t considered before — a path that ultimately led him to chemistry.
“Chemistry connects everything,” he explained. “Even in biology, once you reach biochemistry, things get more challenging, and that’s where a lot of people stop. Instead of running from that difficulty, I want to embrace it.”
His commitment earned him a research opportunity at the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology at SCSU (CNT), where he has worked on nanomaterials and computational chemistry while minoring in physics. Through the SCSU i-HUB, Sahad also collaborates with industry mentors for both research and career development.
“This research is actually more exciting to me than some of the standard lab work,” he said. “Using high-tech equipment, running calculations for catalysts and direct air capture—it’s incredible to be part of something with real-world applications.”
Sahad’s academic journey has increasingly focused on quantum mechanics and quantum computing—especially quantum coherence and its potential in computation.
“Quantum computing has the potential to do things that classical computers can’t,” Sahad explains. “It’s exciting to think about how these advancements could revolutionize fields like artificial intelligence, optimization, and materials science.”
He has also studied quantum error correction—a critical area in developing stable, scalable quantum computers. Because qubits are sensitive to environmental disturbances, Sahad is exploring error correction codes and strategies to mitigate decoherence, working toward more reliable quantum systems.
“STEM teaches you a way of thinking—a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder,” he said. “It builds intuition to solve complex problems, not just in science but in life.”
As graduation nears, Sahad hopes more STEM students take their knowledge beyond the classroom to make tangible impact.
“There are so many industries where STEM can make a difference—medicine, environmental science, forensics, manufacturing. I’d love to see more students take their skills beyond the classroom and into the world.”
His advice to current and future students?
“Pay attention. Don’t waste time,” he said. “When you’re young, the world is full of possibilities. Try as many things as possible—math, engineering, science—and see what sparks your interest. Write those things down. You may look back one day and realize, ‘That’s the path I should follow.’”
Christine Broadbridge, executive director of research and innovation at Southern, is confident Sahad’s path will lead to great things.
“Sahad’s passion for fundamental science and the research process is unmatched,” said Broadbridge. “He’s been a wonderful role model for his peers, and we look forward to seeing where his curiosity and drive will take him next.”
