Julia Shapiro earns Best Poster Award at CCI Symposium 2026
Julia Shapiro, a Virginia Tech graduate student in mathematics, received the Best Poster Award at last week’s 2026 CCI Symposium for her poster, ‘Quantum Locally Recoverable Codes from AG Codes.’ The award recognizes the potential use of quantum codes to secure modern computing infrastructure and her ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to a broad audience.
Shapiro’s research is grounded in coding theory, a field that underpins reliable communication and data storage. Using tools from algebra and geometry, her work advances quantum error correction, an essential component in developing more robust quantum computing and communication systems.
“My research focuses on coding theory, the mathematics behind reliable communication. I use tools from algebra and geometry to study quantum error correction, with the goal of making quantum systems more robust.”
Her advisor, Professor Gretchen Matthews, said Shapiro’s work highlights key challenges in quantum information science.
“Julia’s work on the mathematics of quantum information theory demonstrates how we can handle some fundamental differences in quantum and classical information, especially as they pertain to data accessibility and quantum algorithms,” said Matthews, who is also the CCI Southwest Virginia Node director.
Shapiro’s interest in mathematics developed through interdisciplinary exploration. She began her undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo as a computer science major before shifting her focus to mathematics. Courses in abstract algebra, cryptography and linear algebra sparked her interest, particularly in areas where theory and computation intersect.
A senior-year coding theory course, taught in the computer science department, proved especially influential, combining algebraic techniques with computational ideas and helping define her academic goals.
That direction became clearer during Virginia Tech’s Department of Mathematics Visitors Day in 2022, when she met Matthews and learned more about departmental research. The experience played a key role in her decision to pursue a doctoral degree at Virginia Tech.
Shapiro said poster presentations, particularly in highly competitive settings, are critical for career development because they emphasize conversation and adaptability.
“Unlike formal talks, they encourage one-on-one interactions that lead to deeper discussions, new ideas and potential collaborations,” she said.
“You are not just presenting — you are engaging, answering questions and adapting in real time,” she added.
Since 2023, Shapiro has participated in several CCI Southwest Virginia programs, including the Student Researcher Showcase and Graduate Student Summit, which she said have helped expand her professional network beyond mathematics.
“These events have given me sustained exposure to researchers in academia, industry and government, allowing me to build a strong professional network and gain visibility beyond mathematics,” she said.
Shapiro is projected to complete her PhD in spring 2027. She is a Department of War Cyber Service Academy scholar and has completed multiple summer internships with her sponsor. After an additional internship in summer 2026, she plans to transition into the Department of War workforce following graduation.