Genya Crossman is a quantum strategy consultant at IBM based in Germany. She is at the forefront of pushing quantum computing out of theoretical frameworks and translating them into applied computation. Born into a family of engineers, she has always been deeply curious about the world and how things work. Her father, Antony Crossman, electrical and electronics engineer and IEEE life member, further underscores her tech and innovation roots. Crossman’s bachelor’s degree in physics was completed in 2017. She had always wanted to go on to graduate studies, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study or in what direction.
In her current role at IBM, she coordinates five working groups dedicated to tackling pressing issues in health care, life sciences, materials science, high-energy physics, optimization, and sustainability. These cospecialization hubs will work to create quantum-powered solutions that serve tangible, everyday needs. Crossman’s journey is a story that embodies this thrilling moment in the quantum technology revolution. She knows how far her work can reach, and she wants to stretch it as far as she can.
Crossman’s enthusiasm for the budding field of quantum computing was evident as she opened the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week. The convention was held in Albuquerque from August 31 through September 5. This exciting event brought together world-leading experts and quantum tech aficionados alike, to bundle their visions of the impact of emerging quantum technologies. She’s been an advocate for this topic since her undergrad days.
A Journey Through Quantum Mechanics
For Crossman, the world of quantum mechanics was first opened to her as an undergraduate. She recounts what a struggle it was then to discover anything, let alone to get information about the field itself.
“When I started learning about quantum mechanics in undergrad, there wasn’t much information out there,” – Genya Crossman.
“The beginning of my career was when the quantum computing industry was just getting started. I’m really grateful for that,” – Genya Crossman.
This unique timing has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of quantum technologies from obscure concepts to mainstream discussion.
Leading Quantum Working Groups
Now, as the new technical engagement lead for IBM’s Collaboration and Transportation Analytics teams, Crossman has even broader responsibilities. She now chairs five of these working groups focused on creating quantum solutions. These organizations are addressing important challenges in every sector, from health care to sustainability. Under her leadership, a collaborative dialogue took place to help establish common features among various projects.
“We got great feedback and information about identifying common features across groups,” – Genya Crossman.
Crossman’s coordination of these working groups serves as a testament to her focus on utilizing quantum computing for tangible, beneficial uses. The collaborative work of these teams is key in focusing on some of the most complex issues that need creative solutions the most.
Engaging with the Community
Crossman has been deeply engaged in conversations about the broader implications of quantum technologies. At IEEE Quantum Week, she anecdotally illustrated to the audiences how the best examples let audiences understand how quantum computing fits in around every use case.
“The audience got to hear real-life examples to understand how quantum computing applies to different scenarios and how it works,” – Genya Crossman.
Her passion for quantum engineering comes from its inter-disciplinary approach. She loves the creativity of developing solutions to complex challenges through collaboration with diverse teams.
“I really enjoy [quantum engineering] and working with everyone because it’s such an interdisciplinary field,” – Genya Crossman.
Looking toward the future of quantum computing, she was optimistic about what was to come.
“It combines problem-solving with creativity. It’s really at an exciting stage of development,” – Genya Crossman.
At IBM, Crossman began her research by developing the predecessor to the company’s first device database. She then became the primary architect for its schema. Her contributions have been central in establishing the foundation for broader use cases of quantum computing.