Dakota State University is taking part in a national research effort aimed at using artificial intelligence to advance quantum computing in nuclear physics.

Dr. Peng Guo, an associate professor of theoretical physics at DSU, will serve as a co-principal investigator on a project led by Argonne National Laboratory.

The project, called “AI-Enabled Optimization of Quantum Circuit Design for Realistic Nuclear Problems,” is supported through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission.

The national initiative brings together government, industry and universities to accelerate scientific discovery by combining artificial intelligence, supercomputing, quantum systems and advanced scientific instruments.

Guo and researchers from Argonne, Northwestern University will develop an artificial intelligence system capable of designing quantum computing workflows for complex nuclear physics problems.

The system will test different algorithms, quantum circuit designs and hardware configurations, looking for solutions that are accurate while requiring fewer computing resources.

Researchers say the goal is to make it easier and faster to use quantum computers to study nuclear systems that are beyond the capabilities of conventional computers.

Guo says he is excited to work with researchers from Argonne, Northwestern and hopes the Genesis Mission will create opportunities for DSU faculty and students.

DSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dr. Ashley Podhradsky says Guo’s involvement demonstrates the growing impact of quantum research at Dakota State.

Guo’s research focuses on computational nuclear physics and subatomic particles, as well as emerging technologies including quantum computing and machine learning.

His work with Argonne builds on a nearly 300-thousand-dollar National Science Foundation fellowship he received in 2025 to develop new methods for simulating particle interactions on quantum computers.