As principal investigator on the Expeditions project, she is at the forefront of efforts to move quantum computing from theoretical research to practical applications. As a technical engagement lead, she coordinates five working groups that focus on diverse fields including health care and life sciences, materials science, high-energy physics, optimization, and sustainability. Her work focuses on helping researchers harness quantum solutions to address their most challenging problems.
Crossman’s role encompasses overseeing these groups to ensure they develop innovative quantum-based solutions while connecting researchers with the necessary resources within the IBM ecosystem. She connects individuals who can answer highly niche queries and create a common understanding of ideas within a rotating cast of teams and teams’ members’ contributions. She has a deep commitment to quantum computing. Her mission is to get you to understand how it can be used to solve real-world problems.
A Diverse Background in Quantum Mechanics
Crossman has had a passion for quantum computing since her undergraduate career. There she discovered a comforting and inspiring mentor such as Professor Stéphane Willocq. She went on to take part in discussion tracks centered on condensed matter, machine learning, and quantum learning. In true rebel fashion, she dropped out of her master’s program and set off for Paris. Once there, she found work in a café and dove into her environmental activism and artistic pursuits.
Her technical expertise was deepened through substantial experiences. One of her signature projects was developing a clean room environment in the Microsystems Technology Laboratory at MIT’s electrical engineering department. Crossman thanks her father, Antony Crossman, for igniting her interest in engineering and technology. He is a life member of IEEE. He is an electrical and electronics engineer.
“ I began my career right as the quantum computing industry was starting to boom, and I’m so thankful for that.” This foundation has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of quantum computing from a niche field to one with broad implications across various industries.
Fostering Collaboration and Understanding
In her role at IBM, Crossman advocates that same spirit of collaboration among researchers. She thinks that sharing knowledge and figuring out the shared elements among various working groups’ efforts is where the magic—meaning big, structural change—really happens.
Praising a recent joint effort between her teams, she said, “We got really great responses back! It really helped us find overlapping features between groups out.” Such an approach fosters the creation of more powerful, complete solutions specifically designed to address the particular set of challenges that each discipline is dealing with.
Through his work, Crossman personally connects with audiences to build awareness and understanding about the field of quantum computing. She observed following a recent gallery walk that the audience was listening to actual case studies. These examples were instrumental to their understanding of how quantum computing fits into various real-world scenarios and how it works. By unraveling the mysteries of quantum mechanics, she hopes to empower others to discover its future possibilities.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Quantum Engineering
Crossman’s zeal for the field extends to her excitement about collaborating across disciplines. She especially likes the fact that it’s always changing and loves the creative, dynamic nature of problem solving.
And working with everybody, because it’s really an interdisciplinary field. “I love that about [quantum engineering]. This cross-scientific focus not only helps in coming up with more creative and effective solutions, but promotes collaboration and inclusive partnerships among numerous scientific disciplines.
Crossman further clarified how quantum computing is more frequently seen as the face of all things quantum. He further explained the technology’s broader implications outside of conventional computing. She loves that it brings together the need to solve problems with real-world creativity, which she says makes it a thrilling era of development.
She looked back at how the understanding in this field has developed. “When I first started taking quantum mechanics in my undergrad, there wasn’t a lot of resources available,” she noted. With the expanded world of research and resources today comes exciting new potential for veteran practitioners, researchers, and complete newcomers.
Looking Forward: The Future of Quantum Computing
As she maintains her day job at IBM, Crossman is still rightly bullish about quantum computing’s longterm prospects. The possible applications in health care, materials science, and sustainability suggest a revolutionizing effect on society. Her leadership as the chief policy architect within these five working groups has her on the leading edge of this technological renaissance.
With advancements in quantum technology progressing rapidly, Crossman’s role as a consultant is crucial for bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and practical implementations. By steering researchers and encouraging partnerships, she is making sure that groundbreaking solutions with the power to revolutionize communities and industries can continue to thrive.