Pushing the Boundaries of Computing

Frederick Dehmel UC Berkeley ’24 left his native London to pursue a career in quantum computing.

“I like difficult problems, and it is the newest frontier,” he said. “The theory is still being written, which is rare and exciting.”

A rising senior, Fred’s goal is to attain a Ph.D. in theoretical computer science and mathematics, so he can dedicate his life to research and teaching. “I hope to be a professor in the field as it progresses, contributing to both the research and the next generation of people working on it.”

Berkeley has provided Fred with the opportunity to chase this dream. “I have been able to explore advanced ideas in computation, cryptography, and mathematics while also building experience as both a researcher and teacher.”

One of the difficult problems Fred has had to navigate while at Berkeley has been funding his education and the Phi Psi National Scholarship Program offered a solution.  Fred received the 2025 Solon E. Summerfield Award in recognition of his academic standing, leadership, and service. “The financial assistance has mattered a great deal,” he said. “I’m eternally thankful, and the scholarships motivated me to keep being my best.”

Fred also received a $1,500 scholarship through California Gamma’s Chapter OneFund. “The scholarship helped offset my tuition expenses,” he shared. “That, in turn, allowed me to invest more fully in my education through travel to academic conferences, access to AI tools and subscriptions, and the computing resources needed to support my research and coursework.”

“Your support is felt,” Fred said of the donors who contribute to the Foundation. “It pushes those of us who receive it to live up to what you’ve invested in.”

That investment is already yielding extraordinary returns. Fred has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, taking graduate-level courses, serving as a head teaching assistant in the computer science department, and publishing research on quantum coding.

Beyond the classroom, he has embraced leadership and service, chairing four chapter committees, helping lead initiatives to prevent sexual harassment and violence on campus, and organizing fundraisers for the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to ocean and beach conservation.

Equally important, Fred is committed to lifting others along the way. He actively mentors his brothers and fellow students, embodying the values that donors make possible through their generosity.

“I strive to live out the Fraternity’s values by acting with honor in my work, in how I mentor others, and in the causes I choose to support,” he said.

For all that he gives, Fred also appreciates Phi Psi’s role in his success. He described his brothers as individuals who are driven “to craft the specific life they want to live. Not a lot of people following the crowd in Phi Psi.” They also hold him accountable. “It is much harder to drift when the people around you notice.”

“The brotherhood is for life,” Fred added. “That is the part of Phi Psi I expect to carry with me the longest.”