Genya Crossman is a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany. There’s no doubt that she is one of the most important pioneers in the world of quantum computing today. She chairs five vibrant working groups that are developing real-world, quantum-based solutions. These communities are uniquely positioned to address critical problems in all sectors—from health care to life sciences to materials science to high-energy physics to optimization and sustainability. Her work is a reflection of what quantum technologies can achieve in addressing some of the world’s most difficult challenges.
Crossman’s role at IBM involves supporting researchers by locating resources, facilitating the use of the IBM ecosystem, and identifying experts to address specialized inquiries. She brings to this role an impressive academic background matched with meaningful on-the-ground experience. Performance of quantum applications is in addition to the leadership she has provided in academia.
Crossman’s path to the quantum tech world started with a strong academic base. She has a bachelor’s degree in physics from McGill University in Montreal, earned in 2017. Initially planning to pursue graduate studies immediately, she took a two-year detour, working in a café in Paris before enrolling in the physics program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Support and Collaboration in Quantum Research
As coordinator for five TSC working groups, Crossman’s work at IBM helps keep the spirit of collaboration alive between researchers. These interested and engaged constituencies are zeroing in on areas of need where quantum solutions can have the most significant meaningful outcomes. By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, Crossman makes sure that teams are able to spot and act on shared characteristics between their projects.
“We got great feedback and information about identifying common features across groups.” – Genya Crossman
Her passion and drive for bringing together the right researchers with the right resources will help her foster innovative ideas. By leveraging the extensive IBM ecosystem, she helps teams navigate the complexities of quantum computing and directs them to experts who can provide insights on niche questions. This encouraging structure fosters an ecosystem of development and cooperation that serves as an invaluable crucible for furthering quantum research.
Crossman’s dedication to education goes beyond her job responsibilities. She champions that we all need to learn how to use quantum computing technologies and focus on solving real-world problems with them. She was deeply involved in the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week, held Aug. 31 to Sept. 5 in Albuquerque. This commitment is indicative of her long-standing passion and commitment to educating the public about quantum computing.
“The audience got to hear real-life examples to understand how quantum computing applies to different scenarios and how it works.” – Genya Crossman
Passion for Quantum Technology
Crossman’s love for quantum computing was sparked by her experiences as a child, particularly due to her upbringing and family background. Having grown up with her dad, an electrical engineer and IEEE life member. This background ignited her lifelong interest in technology from a young age. Many summer mornings were spent poring over IEEE Spectrum and Scientific American alongside her sister, sparking her interest in scientific exploration.
“When I started learning about quantum mechanics in undergrad, there wasn’t much information out there,” – Genya Crossman
From a young age, her curiosity drove a passion for learning that lasted a lifetime. This motivation drove her to find ways to explore the field more thoroughly. It wasn’t until working with her mentor Eliska Greplova at TU Delft that she made an even stronger commitment to the quantum space. Greplova’s invitation to join her quantum matter and AI research group turned out to be Crossman’s career-defining inflection point.
Crossman says she’s excited that quantum engineering is so interdisciplinary. She loves working in highly collaborative teams that include a mix of disciplines and points of view.
“I really enjoy quantum engineering and working with everyone because it’s such an interdisciplinary field,” – Genya Crossman
She finds that this approach to collaboration improves creative problem-solving skills and encourages out-of-the-box thinking necessary for developing innovative solutions.
The Future of Quantum Computing
With the quantum computing industry rapidly developing all around her, Crossman can’t help but think about how lucky she is to have started in this exciting new space. She walked into the sector right as it was starting to pick up steam. All of this experience is incredibly valuable to her.
“The beginning of my career was when the quantum computing industry was just getting started. I’m really grateful for that.” – Genya Crossman
Her sentiments are a direct product of her own development and journey. They highlight the transformative potential of quantum computing as it makes the leap from laboratories to real-world applications. She recognizes that while many still describe various advancements as “quantum computing,” there is a broad spectrum of research and application that extends beyond this term.
“Quantum computing is often used to describe all quantum work,” – Genya Crossman
As Crossman explained, the trajectory of quantum technologies today is looking much more positive. She’s passionate about the work still to come and the opportunities on the horizon. She is deeply committed to helping make intentional, inclusive space in this rapidly evolving field.
“It combines problem-solving with creativity. It’s really at an exciting stage of development.” – Genya Crossman
