Our guest today, Genya Crossman, is a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany. Now, she’s stretching the edges of the envelope of quantum computing by helming creative working groups that address practical, real-world problems. She is an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Her educational mission is to help people all over the world understand, prepare for, and power the potential of quantum technologies. Her fervor for this field is rooted in her deep appreciation for lifelong learning. She’s interested in big problems and how they can be simplified and solved by the latest computational approaches.
Crossman chairs five energetic working groups at IBM. These include tackling challenges in health care & life sciences, materials science, high-energy physics and optimization & sustainability. This role highlights the depths of her technical prowess. Most importantly, it shines light on her leadership in advancing collaboration to develop impactful quantum-based solutions. Her entrance into the realm of quantum computing comes with strong educational underpinnings. Moreover, mentorship and a strong familial connection to the engineering community have played a crucial role in her journey as well.
A Foundation in Education and Mentorship
Genya Crossman’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in physics from McGill University in Montreal. Her father’s modeling of life as a research scientist strongly influenced her eventual entry into the world of research. Antony Crossman, electrical and electronics engineer and IEEE life member. So when she enrolled at McGill University in 2011, he selflessly bestowed on her an IEEE student membership. This gesture lit her curiosity for the engineering field and through it provided her with essential tools that would help strengthen her educational endeavor.
While at McGill, Crossman was mentored by Eliska Greplova, an associate professor at TU Delft. Side by side, they uncovered the fundamentals of carrier transport in low-dimensional transistors and diodes based on two-dimensional materials. This hands-on experience not only sharpened her technical skills, but highlighted how vital mentorship is in academia. Crossman thanks Greplova for helping walk her through intricate research processes. This timely support gave Crossman the confidence to present her findings and engage with her newfound peers in the broader scientific community.
Second, her introduction to how research should be presented came from reading IEEE Spectrum. Because of its articles, she learned about cutting-edge breakthroughs in technology and engineering. This exposure has stoked her passion for quantum computing and inspired her to help others learn about its applications.
Leading Quantum Working Groups
In her new capacity as technical engagement lead for IBM, Genya Crossman now leads five working groups. Together, they address the most pressing challenges with the power of quantum computing. These groups focus on diverse areas such as health care and life sciences, where quantum solutions can potentially revolutionize patient care, artificial intelligence and materials science, which looks to create novel materials with never-before-seen characteristics, high-energy physics, including addressing the most fundamental questions about the universe, optimization problems in various industries, and equitable sustainability initiatives that respond to climate change and resource use.
Crossman’s stack leadership style encourages collaborative thinking and a spirit of sharing newly acquired knowledge between participants. In creating this kind of culture where ideas develop, she pushes her teams to move beyond conventional limits. Each working group is made up of a diverse array of specialists, including scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and artists, to foster interdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges. She remains all in on this collaborative model. She believes that quantum computing can help us begin to solve the most complex challenges facing humanity.
Moreover, Crossman’s role as a coordinator extends beyond managing projects. She actively engages with stakeholders to promote awareness of quantum technology’s benefits and applications. This outreach effort is helping to close the loop between theoretical innovations and real-world applications. It’s making sure that quantum solutions get into the hands of those who can benefit from them the most.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Genya Crossman, the new program officer for science, technology and public policy, exemplifies this spirit of a lifelong learner. She is always on the lookout for new learning and development opportunities in quantum computing and adjacent disciplines. Attending events like the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week from August 31 to September 5 in Albuquerque has been pivotal for her professional development. These kinds of events offer irreplaceable networking and chances to hear from the sharpest minds doing the most innovative research in the game.
Her passion for continuous education goes further than her own professional development. It carries over to her work at IBM as well. By staying updated on the latest research developments across multiple fields through her IEEE membership, Crossman ensures that her teams are informed and equipped to tackle emerging challenges. Her commitment to continuing education enhances her leadership skills. It increases her influence in order to meaningfully direct all of her 100+ working groups to do the work they need to.
Beyond getting out ahead on research trends, Crossman plays a significant role in formulating discussions and sometimes the course of directions within the IEEE community. She appreciates the group for its function in spreading the word and attracting innovators within the engineering and technology space. Her engagement with IEEE underscores the importance of professional organizations in shaping the future of emerging technologies like quantum computing.