Genya Crossman, a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany, is supercharging quantum computing’s big ideas. Her advocacy is truly one of the more powerful forces shaping the industry. She had a great interest in science and technology from childhood. Through her important efforts where academic quantum research meets real-world quantum applications, she hopes to empower people and businesses alike to leverage the unique capabilities of quantum computing to address today’s tough challenges. At IBM, Crossman is a technical engagement lead, supporting five quantum working groups. Her deep knowledge and experience, combined with a passion for exploration, fuel her drive to lead her teams to create groundbreaking solutions.
Crossman, as it happens, now lives in Germany. Her story began on the North Shore of Boston, where her love of science took root. Growing up, she spent many summer mornings engrossed in publications such as IEEE Spectrum and Scientific American alongside her older sister. Looking back, this formative experience served as a catalyst to her academic interests and career goals.
Back in 2011, Crossman took a big step. She registered at McGill University in Montreal to pursue her dream of getting a bachelor’s degree in physics. She honed her analytical skills under the mentorship of Professor Stéphane Willocq. In the process, she sharpened her grasp of basic physics principles. After graduation from McGill in 2017, Crossman was looking forward to going to graduate school. Before long, she began to feel unsure about what her actual issue focus would be.
A Legacy of Engineering and Innovation
Genya Crossman’s love of engineering and technology seems to be hereditary. Her dad, Antony Crossman, is an electrical and electronics engineer and a distinguished IEEE life member. Yet his influence is clearly seen on her career trajectory so far. Being raised alongside the development of sophisticated engineering principles and technological advancements sparked a continued fascination for Crossman. It spurred him to showcase the limitless possibilities of scientific innovation.
From the very start of her academic journey, Crossman has looked for opportunities to broaden her skills and experience. That summer in 2016, she worked on a research project through MIT’s electrical engineering department. She partnered with the Microsystems Technology Laboratory, establishing herself as a pioneer in the field. Since then, she’s grown substantially as a technical leader. It further bolstered her resolve to steer the world toward a future where quantum computing is a reality.
Crossman’s work with IEEE exemplifies her commitment to keeping in touch with industry trends. As a committee member, she builds relations with fellow leaders and influencers across the country while serving as an advocacy ambassador of WMATA. Collectively, they trade ideas and team up on initiatives that foster creativity. Her participation in initiatives like the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week, held from August 31 to September 5 in Albuquerque, further demonstrates her commitment to fostering dialogue about quantum technologies.
Bridging Theory and Practice
At IBM, Genya Crossman is deeply invested in connecting the quantum computing research community to the end-user community. She knows that theoretical progress is important. The real magic is applying these ideas to address actual global challenges. This guiding philosophy animates the work she does. As chair of five quantum working groups, each one grappling with a different set of complexities behind burgeoning quantum technology, she’s busy.
In addition to managing the technical development of projects, Crossman’s role is to facilitate collaboration and communication between different disciplines and across project teams. By establishing a culture that encourages the freedom to communicate openly and think outside the box, Ms. This enables her peers to pursue wise, creative solutions to big, hairy problems. This collaborative, synergistic approach is imperative in a field developing as quickly as quantum computing.
An advocate for lifelong learning, Crossman aims to prioritize education and outreach efforts. She is particularly interested in empowering people to explore the possibilities of quantum computing and use it to achieve great things. Yet her commitment extends beyond her day-to-day endeavors at IBM. She is involved in this process, attending and engaging workshops and seminars that further the goal of helping everyone understand quantum technologies.
The Future of Quantum Computing
Looking ahead, Genya Crossman is hopeful about the potential of quantum computing. She envisions a world where these advanced technologies are accessible to a broader audience and can be integrated into various sectors, from healthcare to finance. She runs deep dive discussions on building quantum applications. Ultimately, her mission is to help educate the next generation of scientists and engineers to discover this exciting new frontier.
Crossman’s enthusiasm for quantum technology is contagious. And as she keeps raising the bar in her current position within IBM, Covington is all about taking disciplinary walls down. Through collaboration, experts can identify novel applications and creative uses for quantum computing that we cannot even imagine today.
