Micki Rodenbush Feels "Support in Taking Risks" through Noblitt Scholars Program
Monday, September 08, 2025
Micki Rodenbush explores her passion for quantum computing through internships, research, conferences, and the Noblitt Scholars Program.
Major: Physics, with a concurrent master's degree in engineering management
Minors: Computer science and mathematics
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Micki Rodenbush is using her time in college to learn everything she can about quantum computing.
This summer, the senior participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign working on experimental improvement of superconducting qubits. It is not the first time Rodenbush has pushed her learning beyond campus; she traveled to a scholars conference that focused on leadership, service, and building community with the Noblitt Scholars Program.
Rodenbush also recently had the opportunity to attend the American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, California and present in the undergraduate poster session.
"For me, the most valuable part of the Noblitt Scholars program has been the support in taking risks while following my passion," Rodenbush said. "I knew coming into Rose that I wanted to pursue quantum computing but never thought I would be able to get hands-on experience in the field immediately following my freshman year."
Rodenbush completed an internship with Northrop Grumman working on superconducting electronics and machine learning after her first year at Rose-Hulman. Last year, she expanded her learning with an internship at BAE Systems conducting laboratory work in electro-optical sensing.
"The most influential part of my college experience has been working in industry during my summer internships," Rodenbush said. "Rose gives its students all the tools they need to succeed in the real world, so getting to go out and prove myself in industry has been such a fun challenge."
Rodenbush has proven herself in both technical and leadership skills. On-campus, she is the president of the Society of Physics Students and is a member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, as well as several committees within the Noblitt Scholars Program. Rodenbush has also gotten comfortable telling the stories of the efforts of herself and her peers through her roles as marketing chair for the Computer Security Club and content creator for the Research At Rose Instagram account.
"Being a member of extra-curriculars has benefitted me academically, professionally, and socially," Rodenbush said. "It is a great way to build meaningful connections with faculty and peers, as well as strengthen your resume and expand your network."
After Rose-Hulman, Micki intends to pursue a PhD in physics before working in quantum computing within the defense industry.
Minors: Computer science and mathematics
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Micki Rodenbush is using her time in college to learn everything she can about quantum computing.
This summer, the senior participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign working on experimental improvement of superconducting qubits. It is not the first time Rodenbush has pushed her learning beyond campus; she traveled to a scholars conference that focused on leadership, service, and building community with the Noblitt Scholars Program.
Rodenbush also recently had the opportunity to attend the American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, California and present in the undergraduate poster session.
"For me, the most valuable part of the Noblitt Scholars program has been the support in taking risks while following my passion," Rodenbush said. "I knew coming into Rose that I wanted to pursue quantum computing but never thought I would be able to get hands-on experience in the field immediately following my freshman year."
Rodenbush completed an internship with Northrop Grumman working on superconducting electronics and machine learning after her first year at Rose-Hulman. Last year, she expanded her learning with an internship at BAE Systems conducting laboratory work in electro-optical sensing.
"The most influential part of my college experience has been working in industry during my summer internships," Rodenbush said. "Rose gives its students all the tools they need to succeed in the real world, so getting to go out and prove myself in industry has been such a fun challenge."
Rodenbush has proven herself in both technical and leadership skills. On-campus, she is the president of the Society of Physics Students and is a member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, as well as several committees within the Noblitt Scholars Program. Rodenbush has also gotten comfortable telling the stories of the efforts of herself and her peers through her roles as marketing chair for the Computer Security Club and content creator for the Research At Rose Instagram account.
"Being a member of extra-curriculars has benefitted me academically, professionally, and socially," Rodenbush said. "It is a great way to build meaningful connections with faculty and peers, as well as strengthen your resume and expand your network."
After Rose-Hulman, Micki intends to pursue a PhD in physics before working in quantum computing within the defense industry.