Genya Crossman, a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany, is at the forefront of advancing quantum computing applications beyond the confines of laboratories. Her experience and enthusiasm for quantum technologies are a great addition to our team. These days, she leads five different working groups, focused on creating real-world, commercially viable quantum-based solutions. These groups tackle pressing challenges in various fields, including health care, life sciences, materials science, high-energy physics, optimization, and sustainability.
In 2014, Crossman made her quantum computing debut, enrolling in the University of Massachusetts, Amherst’s physics degree program. That decision was just the start of her wild ride in this innovative field. She seems to have made a pretty solid foundation in condensed matter, machine learning and quantum learning. Consequently, she has emerged as an influential leader of IBM’s quantum endeavors. Her role includes supporting the researchers, helping to identify what resources are available within IBM’s vast ecosystem, and connecting experts to help answer specific, specialized questions.
A Commitment to Quantum Innovation
At IBM, Crossman leads interdisciplinary teams focused on solving the world’s problems using quantum technology. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among scientists and researchers who share a common goal: to harness the potential of quantum computing for societal benefit.
We received really helpful feedback and really useful information about their experiences beginning to identify common features across different discerning design groups,” Crossman said. This input is really critical. It gives the working groups the freedom to use their combined expertise to address challenges in creative, new ways.
Outside of research, Crossman places a strong emphasis on education and outreach in making quantum more accessible and understandable. Her descriptions mirror sentiments she recently expressed while participating as a panelist in discussions at the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week. This unique experience took place August 31 – September 5 in Albuquerque. The competition allowed students to think about and showcase how quantum computing would apply to real-life situations.
“The audience got to hear real-life examples to understand how quantum computing applies to different scenarios and how it works,” Crossman commented. These sorts of engagements are critically important both to demystify quantum technologies and to help bring their realistic uses and tangible applications into view.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Along with overseeing the working groups, Crossman has been crucial to spearheading the creation of IBM’s first device database. She created the original version of this database. Finally, later she defined its schema to make it more readily accessible to researchers so they could more effectively take advantage of quantum computing resources. Her legacy is expressed through all her contributions, deep commitment to bringing together theoretical understanding with practice.
“I love quantum engineering and I love getting to work with all of you all, because it’s such an interdisciplinary field,” Crossman said. This collaborative, interdisciplinary process encourages risk-taking and creative problem-solving. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, an integral part of addressing multifaceted, complex issues that require expertise from multiple fields.
A large part of Crossman’s background is the result of working alongside her mentor, Eliska Greplova, an associate professor at TU Delft. Their partnership is a great example of how mentorship plays a key role in helping prepare and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. These experiences have given Crossman a unique perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum technologies.
The term quantum computing gets used to shorthand everything quantum, she noted. This intentionally vague definition highlights the importance of establishing standards and clear parameters as practice and research in the field expands.
Lifelong Learning and Passion for Quantum
Now, beyond her professional achievements, there is actually a personal passion for lifelong learning. She nurtured her passion for science by spending summer mornings reading IEEE Spectrum and Scientific American with her older sister. This early exposure to the scientific literature has had a tremendous impact on her career path.
Crossman’s academic journey culminated in a bachelor’s degree in physics from McGill University in Montreal in 2017. She looked back on her initial experiences working in the field. “Even when I was learning about quantum mechanics as an undergrad, there wasn’t a lot out there,” she said. This absence of resources inspired her to become an active contributor to the field.
Though hindsight is 20/20, the beginning of my career was an exciting time for the quantum computing industry overall, as it was just getting started. I’m really grateful for that,” she expressed. Her timing in coming into the field couldn’t have been better. She has seen and played an integral role in unprecedented advancements that have the potential to transform sectors.
Though in the midst of an exciting and promising career at IBM, Crossman’s dedication to moving quantum technologies forward certainly isn’t over yet. With an emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and learning, her goal is to help others discover what’s possible through quantum computing.