Learn more about our graduate students, their research, and how the Institute for Quantum Computing is preparing them for the quantum technology future.
Satchel Armena
MSc Student | Physics (Quantum Information)
Satchel Armena鈥檚 favourite thing about studying at IQC is the enthusiastic community of researchers and graduate students. She describes IQC as unique from other institutions because there are so many experts spanning many different areas of quantum research all in one place.
鈥淎t IQC, there is such a variety of experts and opportunities to learn about quantum information from new perspectives, while at other schools, there might only be one or two researchers studying quantum topics.鈥澛
Satchel鈥檚 master鈥檚 research explores using different properties of entangled photons to probe fundamental theories in quantum physics, called Bell inequalities. Through her research, she studies which theories best predict experimental results, with a focus on improving our fundamental understanding of nature. By better understanding these fundamental theories of quantum physics, scientists can lay the groundwork for future discoveries and breakthroughs.
Read more about Satchel's journey
Jack deGooyer
MASc Student | Electrical and Computer Engineering (Quantum Information)聽
Jack deGooyer describes himself as 鈥渁n engineer through and through.鈥 He is fascinated by the interconnections between fields and topics, and then looks for practical applications for ideas coming from the physics world. This led him to graduate school at IQC, where he is excited by the collaborative research environment and interdisciplinarity that stems from having multiple disciplines housed within the IQC community.
鈥淚QC is a community of people who are also pursuing their passions and the possibilities that their collaborative research enables. It鈥檚 an environment where people cross-pollinate ideas. While often you鈥檙e not working on the same project, it may be that you鈥檙e still pushing forward someone else鈥檚 project with the benefits of your independent research鈥
Jack鈥檚 work leads the development of full-scale cameras with applications in soft tissue imaging and healthcare. His research looks at integrating circuit development with new quantum sensors, in order to create an array of sensors that work together in these imaging applications.
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Sarah Meng Li
MMath Student | Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information)聽
Sarah Li recognizes the value of learning from inspiring mentors and is enthusiastic about sharing her love for quantum with others. Working with her supervisor, Michele Mosca at IQC has given her the confidence to pursue fundamental research and apply those theories to solve real-life problems.聽
鈥淚QC is a hub for quantum computing in Canada. As someone who is just starting their career, I am very grateful to be part of this community! IQC encourages diversity in research interests and backgrounds. The vibrant and diverse research environment here encourages me to become a well-rounded researcher.鈥
Sarah鈥檚 research considers fault-tolerant solutions for future quantum computers by leveraging the power of quantum compilation. In a quantum system, the information storage unit 鈥 the qubit 鈥 is incredibly sensitive to interference. An optimized compiling process will be more efficient and more robust to quantum noises.
Read more about Sarah's journey
Grant Brassem
MSc Student | Physics, Quantum Technology Specialization
Grant Brassem is part of the third cohort of students to embark on the聽Quantum Technology specialization聽within the Master of Science in Physics program. This 12-month, course-based degree lets students push the frontiers of knowledge and is offered by the聽Institute for Quantum Computing聽(IQC),聽the Department of Physics and Astronomy聽and the聽聽(TQT) at the University of 蓝莓视频.
After completing a BSc at 蓝莓视频 and a theoretical master's degree, Grant knew he wanted to delve into the practical side of physics, specifically researching low-temperature physics. When he saw the Quantum Technology program listed on the 蓝莓视频 website, he knew it was the perfect fit for him.
鈥淚鈥檇 get hands-on experience with the actual software platforms used to run modern laboratory equipment, while simultaneously gaining a strong theoretical background to do the work. The best part of this program is that it gives you a solid foundation to further your career鈥攚hether in academia, specialized lab work, or industry.鈥
The in-person nature of the program means he can utilize the state-of-the-art IQC laboratories for independent projects and make meaningful connections with industry mentors, startups, and a community of over 300 quantum researchers.
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Nithin Aaron
MSc Student | Physics (Quantum Information)
Nithin Aaron knew he excelled at math, physics, and chemistry, and particularly enjoyed physics, but it wasn鈥檛 until he took an introductory quantum mechanics course in his second year that he discovered quantum computing and was instantly fascinated.聽After researching graduate programs around the world, it was ultimately the reputation of IQC and the excellent fit he found with his supervisor聽professor Pierre-Nicholas Roy聽from the Department of Chemistry, that finalized his decision to come to 蓝莓视频.
"I love IQC and the graduate student communities at 蓝莓视频. IQC has nice perks like coffee, cookie time every day, and pizza at student seminars. They often host social events, as well as interesting colloquiums and public lectures, so there is always something to look forward to outside of my research and coursework."
Nithin studies quantum molecular systems using computational methods such as the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG), quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), and generative modelling. In particular, this theoretical work focuses on a particular type of QMC called path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) and apply it to study quantum models of water molecules.
Read more about Nithin's journey