AQFS Research and Training Lab

Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Fusion Energy, and Semiconductors (AQFS) Research and Training Lab

The AQFS Laboratory is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and national resilience by conducting interdisciplinary research in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Fusion Energy, and Semiconductors. As part of the CSUSB College of Natural Sciences, the lab provides a platform for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) students and faculty to engage in impactful research that addresses emerging global challenges and prepares students for high-demand careers in national security and advanced technologies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the AQFS Lab is to contribute to the development of advanced technologies that strengthen national security, promote sustainable innovation, and prepare a diverse and capable technical workforce. Through collaborative research, hands-on learning, and strategic partnerships, we aim to empower students with the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to become future leaders in science and engineering.

Student Engagement and Opportunities

The AQFS Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students can explore research interests, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop professional competencies. Opportunities include:

• Undergraduate and graduate research assistantships
• Faculty-mentored research projects
• Capstone project support
• Access to advanced software, computing platforms, and laboratory resources
• Workshops, seminars, and research symposia
• Guidance on conference participation and scholarly publication

Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing initiatives or propose new ideas aligned with the lab’s research objectives.

Research Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The lab conducts research in the development and application of AI technologies across a range of domains. Current focus areas include:

• Machine learning and neural network architectures
• Large language models (LLMs) and generative AI
• AI ethics, safety, and explainability
• AI applications in scientific discovery, decision support, and defense systems

Students work with industry-standard tools such as Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face to develop AI models and explore real-world use cases.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing holds the potential to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. Research activities include:

• Quantum algorithm development
• Quantum circuit simulation and logic gate modeling
• Quantum-enhanced machine learning techniques
• Quantum cryptography and post-quantum security frameworks

Students utilize platforms such as IBM Qiskit and Google Cirq to design and simulate quantum systems.

Fusion Energy

Fusion energy research is central to achieving clean, sustainable power sources. Although traditionally rooted in physics, computer science students contribute by:

• Simulating plasma dynamics and reactor behavior
• Developing machine learning models for control and prediction
• Designing software tools for experimental data analysis
• Collaborating on multidisciplinary energy modeling initiatives

These projects often involve high-performance computing and data visualization technologies.

Semiconductor Systems

Semiconductors underpin modern digital infrastructure and are essential to national security and economic competitiveness. The lab explores:

• AI-assisted integrated circuit (IC) and chip design
• Embedded systems and secure hardware architectures
• Energy-efficient logic systems
• Simulation and modeling of fabrication processes

Students gain hands-on experience with digital design, VLSI concepts, and hardware/software integration.

Contributions of CSE Students

The AQFS Lab actively involves students in interdisciplinary projects, with roles such as:

Students collaborate with faculty and peers to contribute to meaningful innovations and gain valuable research experience relevant to industry, government, and graduate education.

Getting Involved

The AQFS Lab invites undergraduate and graduate STEM students to participate in cutting-edge research initiatives. Interested students may:

• Apply for research assistantships
• Join existing projects aligned with their interests
• Propose novel research ideas for development
• Receive mentorship in preparation for graduate study or national laboratory internships

To learn more or express interest in joining the lab, please contact the lab co-director or visit the School of Computer Science and Engineering.

Research Consultation and Support Services

The AQFS Lab supports CSUSB faculty and students working with complex data or computationally intensive projects. Whether you’re analyzing large datasets or training machine learning models, we can help you maximize your research potential through access to high-performance computing (HPC) and AI expertise.

We offer assistance with:

• High-Performance Computing (HPC): If your research requires more computing power than your personal computer can handle, we can help you access and utilize CSUSB’s campus HPC to accelerate simulations, data analysis, and model training.
• AI for Research: If you are working with large volumes of data — including video, image, sound, text, or PDFs — our team can help you design and build AI models that extract insights, automate analysis, and advance your research goals.

For support or a consultation, please reach out to the AQFS Lab team. We’re here to collaborate and empower your research with cutting-edge tools and expertise.

Contact Information

Lab Location: Jack Brown Building, JB-361

Dr. Khalil Dajani, Chair and Professor
School of Computer Science and Engineering
Director, AQFS Laboratory
Office: JB-307
Email: khalil.dajani@csusb.edu
Phone: (909) 537-5326

Affiliates and Collaborators