Non-physicists find opportunity in the quantum industry, improving the university experience
Aug 1, 2024
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Margaret Arakawa, chief marketing officer at IonQ and a former economist, discusses her transition from classical computing to the quantum sector. She highlights the opportunities for non-physicists in quantum technology and the challenge of communicating its complexities to a general audience. Nat Mendelsohn shares insights on the student experience in physics, focusing on the lingering effects of the pandemic and the importance of inclusivity in academic environments. Together, they explore how the quantum field can attract diverse skill sets to thrive.
Margaret Arakawa's transition from classical computing to quantum technology highlights the diverse opportunities available for non-physicists in this emerging industry.
The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students emphasizes the need for addressing foundational knowledge gaps and mental health issues in higher education.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Quantum Technology
The increasing mainstream acceptance of quantum technology is attracting professionals from diverse backgrounds, even those without traditional physics expertise. Margaret Arakawa, who transitioned from a successful 20-year career in the computing sector at Microsoft to become the Chief Marketing Officer at IonQ, illustrates this trend. She highlights the growing interest in quantum computing as a new paradigm that promises challenges and opportunities, emphasizing her excitement for contributing to the industry's growth. Arakawa believes that her experience in understanding classical computing has uniquely positioned her to market quantum solutions effectively, showcasing the vital role that people from various disciplines play in advancing this field.
Supporting Physics Students
The physics student experience is evolving, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced significant challenges for new cohorts. Nat Mendelssohn, a PhD student, notes that students are facing difficulties due to gaps in foundational knowledge resulting from remote learning, leading to stresses associated with university examinations. Additionally, mental health issues have escalated as students find it challenging to engage socially after prolonged isolation. The Institute of Physics student panel, which Mendelssohn represents, aims to address these issues by fostering student collaboration and providing support, highlighting the necessity for ongoing dialogue about mental health and educational disparities in physics.
Challenges in the Particle Physics Community
During the 42nd International Conference on High Energy Physics, significant discussions centered on the necessity for new particle colliders and the challenges they pose in the current scientific climate. As the physics community grapples with environmental sustainability and funding pressures, the conversation turned towards the future of particle physics beyond the Large Hadron Collider. Notably, there is a consensus on the importance of building a Higgs factory to facilitate new discoveries, but concerns about resource allocation and justification of expenses remain prevalent. This gathering showcased a range of opinions regarding the direction of research funding, reflecting an urgent need for transparency and communication about the value of such large-scale scientific endeavors.
Innovations in Quantum Sensing Materials
Hannah Stern's groundbreaking research into materials for quantum applications addresses the search for novel substrates suitable for quantum sensing and networking. By focusing on defects in hexagonal boron nitride, she explores how these imperfections can exhibit useful quantum properties, making them candidates for sensing technologies. Stern's work demonstrates that these defects facilitate optical transitions, allowing manipulation of quantum states using light to achieve sensitive measurements. Her research highlights the potential for advancing quantum applications through innovative materials, reinforcing the intersection of material science and quantum physics.
This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Margaret Arakawa. She is chief marketing officer at IonQ – which makes trapped ion quantum computers. An economist by training, Arakawa spent 25 years in the (classical) computing industry before joining IonQ. We chat about why she made the move to the quantum sector and about the wide range of opportunities for non-physicists in the quantum-technology industry.
Arakawa also talks about the challenges of marketing quantum technology to customers who might not understand the underlying physics and explains why the quantum industry must avoid hype.
Our second guest is Nat Mendelsohn, who represents the English Midlands on the Institute of Physics’ Student Community Panel. He talks to Physics World’s Katherine Skipper about the student experience – what is good and what can be improved. He also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on higher education.
Finally, I chat with Skipper about her trip to Prague for the 42nd International Conference on High Energy Physics. High on the agenda was what collider of the future will be the successor of the Large Hadron Collider.
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