by 
By Matt Swayne
Insider Brief
- The University of South Carolina appointed former NASA SCaN Chief Scientist Dr. Nasser Barghouty and former DHS emerging technologies advisor Jalal Mapar to multi-year Senior External Advisor roles aimed at expanding the university’s quantum information science and technology initiatives.
- Over the next two years, the advisors will support applied quantum research, faculty and student collaboration, and strategic program development tied to South Carolina’s broader quantum ecosystem and workforce goals.
- The appointments build on South Carolina’s 2023 commitment of $15 million toward statewide quantum readiness and are intended to connect university-led research with national security, infrastructure, and economic priorities.
PRESS RELEASE — The University of South Carolina (USC) has established two multi-year university Senior External Advisor roles designed to strengthen advanced research, education, and program development in quantum information science.
The agreements bring two nationally recognized leaders in science and technology to South Carolina: Dr. Nasser F. Barghouty, former Chief Scientist for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program (SCaN) at NASA headquarters, and Jalal Mapar, former Senior Advisor for Emerging Technologies at the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.
Over a two-year engagement, the Senior External Advisors will contribute to applied research in quantum information science and technology (QIST) related initiatives, collaborate with faculty and students, and support the development of strategic programs that advance University of South Carolina’s growing quantum ecosystem. Their work will span strategy and technical development, research advising, and academic collaboration, strengthening institutional capacity across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Barghouty previously led NASA’s quantum communications and networking strategy and had spent two decades advancing research and flight programs in cosmic rays astrophysics, space radiation and space weather at both NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and NASA headquarters in Washington, DC.
“I am confident that USC will create a pivotal and competitive role for itself in the strategically critical and burgeoning QIST domains, at both the national and international levels – I am grateful and fortunate to be part of that effort. This confidence is predicated on the academic strength of the college and the university, as well as on the foresight of the state to invest early and deliberately in QIST and in its own quantum ecosystem.” — Dr. Nasser Barghouty
Mr. Mapar shaped federal research investments in quantum technologies, infrastructure resilience, and advanced modeling, and represented DHS in national science and technology policy coordination efforts.
“Quantum technologies will influence everything from economic competitiveness to national security and States that invest early in quantum research and talent development will shape the future of this field. I’m excited to work with the University of South Carolina to help connect research, workforce development, and real-world national challenges.” — Jalal Mapar
Together, the advisor roles signal University of South Carolina’s commitment to pairing institutional growth with experienced leadership drawn from federal science and technology agencies.
In practical terms, the advisors bring deep operational expertise into university research environments, accelerating knowledge transfer and helping ensure that emerging quantum initiatives are informed by real-world system performance, national security and economic considerations, and long-term infrastructure needs.
The initiative builds on South Carolina’s earlier statewide investment in quantum information science and technology. In 2023, state leaders committed $15 million to coordinate quantum readiness across institutions and industries. These advisor roles represent a strategic investment in people and leadership, complementing the applied research projects now underway across the state.
Through sustained collaboration, mentorship, and applied engagement, the Senior External Advisors establish a foundation for continued innovation, knowledge sharing, and institutional growth that will benefit students, researchers, and USC’s quantum ecosystem.
More information about ongoing quantum initiatives in South Carolina can be found at scquantum.org.
Source: The Quantum Insider
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