Science Café Las Vegas, supported by the UNLV College of Sciences, is an organization geared towards bringing fascinating science discussions to the public of Southern Nevada.

We invite scientists to give short (~10-15 minute) presentations to the public at our fantastic venue, McMullan's Irish Pub, and then have roundtable discussions about anything you could possibly wish to know.

Science Café Las Vegas is on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m.

Come on down to the pub for lively science discussion, delicious brews, fantastic food, and a great time! Family friendly (under age 21 allowed).

Joshua Island, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UNLV-Physics and Astronomy Department

"From a Pencil to a Quantum Computer"

Quantum computers are predicted to efficiently solve computationally difficult problems ranging from cryptography to materials science. In this Science Cafe talk, I will introduce the merits of quantum computing and describe our efforts toward experimental realization of the basic building blocks of quantum computers, the quantum bit (or qubit). Using two-dimensional materials with characteristics similar to those of layered graphite, we able to create artifical crystals possessing an environment suitable for topological (error free) qubits. I will describe the process to create these crystals using tape and nail (yes, that's correct) and our long-term goals in understanding quasi-particles for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

McMullan's Irish Pub

4650 W. Tropicana Ave. #110
Las Vegas, NV 89103
702-247-7000