IBM Engineer Takes Quantum Computing From Lab to Reality
▼ Summary
– Genya Crossman is a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany, coordinating five working groups developing quantum solutions for healthcare, materials science, and other fields.
– UNESCO declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Heisenberg’s first quantum mechanics paper.
– Quantum computers use qubits that can exist in superposition, enabling them to process complex information faster and more efficiently than classical computers.
– Crossman’s career path included roles at Rigetti Computing and a dual master’s degree, leading to her focus on practical applications and end-user needs in quantum technology.
– She emphasizes that quantum computing is accessible, as anyone can use a quantum computer and program it with languages like Python, even without deep theoretical knowledge.
Quantum computing is moving from theoretical research into practical application, with professionals like IBM’s Genya Crossman leading the charge to make these powerful systems accessible for solving real-world challenges. This year marks a special milestone for the field, with UNESCO designating 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It also commemorates the centenary of Werner Heisenberg’s seminal paper that laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics.
Genya Crossman, a quantum strategy consultant at IBM in Germany and an IEEE member, is at the forefront of this transition. She coordinates five distinct working groups that are developing quantum-based solutions for pressing issues in healthcare, life sciences, materials science, high-energy physics, optimization, and sustainability. Her role involves bridging the gap between advanced research and its tangible implementation.
She recently participated in the sixth annual IEEE Quantum Week in Albuquerque, a significant event where the IBM and community working groups presented their collaborative research publicly for the first time. Crossman notes the conference provided invaluable feedback and helped the audience grasp how quantum computing applies to diverse, real-life situations through concrete examples.
Crossman emphasizes that while the quantum field can appear daunting, you do not need a deep understanding of quantum mechanics to operate a quantum computer. She points out that anyone can use one, and familiarity with programming languages like Python is sufficient to start coding for these machines.
The fundamentals of quantum computing rest on qubits, or quantum bits. Unlike classical bits that are either a 1 or a 0, qubits can exist in a state of superposition, meaning they can be both 1 and 0 simultaneously. This property allows quantum computers to process highly complex information and data at remarkable speeds and with potentially far greater energy efficiency than traditional computers.
IBM has a rich heritage in this domain. IEEE Member Charles H. Bennett, an IBM Fellow, is recognized as the father of quantum information theory, having written the first notes on the subject in 1970. The field now encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including sensors, meteorology, and communications.
Crossman’s own journey into engineering and quantum computing was inspired during her childhood on Boston’s North Shore. She spent summers reading IEEE Spectrum and Scientific American with her sister, encouraged by their father, Antony Crossman, an electrical engineer and IEEE life member. This early exposure to research publications helped steer her toward a career in engineering.
She began her academic path with a physics degree at McGill University, where her father gifted her an IEEE student membership. After a period of exploration that included working in a Paris café, she transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, to continue her physics studies. A summer research opportunity at MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratory, recommended by her advisor, involved examining carrier transport in transistors and diodes made from two-dimensional materials.
Following her graduation in 2017, a referral from a classmate led her to a junior quantum engineer position at Rigetti Computing in Berkeley, California. There, she contributed to the company’s first device database and worked on designing and simulating circuits for superconducting quantum computers. This role provided her with hands-on experience in electrical and microwave engineering and computational modeling, deepening her appreciation for the practical applications of quantum technology and sparking her interest in end-user needs.
To advance her expertise, she moved to Germany in 2020 to pursue a dual master’s degree in computational and applied mathematics through a program offered by Delft University of Technology and Technische Universität Berlin. During her studies, she joined a quantum matter and AI research group led by her mentor, Associate Professor Eliska Greplova. This experience, while valuable, confirmed her preference for industrial work over pursuing a Ph.D.
She graduated in 2022 and joined IBM Research in Germany in January 2023 as a quantum strategy consultant. Her responsibilities have since evolved into a technical engagement lead, where she supports the five quantum working groups. These community-driven groups bring together researchers from both quantum and non-quantum backgrounds to identify key problems and develop interdisciplinary solutions. The groups regularly publish their findings and make them available to the public.
Crossman’s work involves supporting these researchers, helping them access resources within the IBM ecosystem, and connecting them with experts for specialized questions. A significant part of her focus is on the end users who will ultimately apply the research, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
She is also involved with IBM’s responsible computing initiative, which aims to develop and use quantum computing in a manner conscious of its broader impacts. Established in 2022 by IBM and partner organizations, the working groups are dedicated to tackling near-term problems with quantum and interdisciplinary approaches.
Crossman finds great satisfaction in the interdisciplinary nature of quantum engineering, which blends creative problem-solving with technical innovation. She is excited about the current developmental stage of the technology and is eager to see its future trajectory. Reflecting on her career beginnings, she notes that the quantum computing industry was just emerging, and she feels fortunate to have been part of its growth from an early stage.
Remaining an IEEE member helps her stay current with research across multiple, increasingly interconnected fields. She values the opportunity to learn about new developments and looks forward to more collaboration with fellow IEEE members working in quantum computing. She found attending this year’s IEEE Quantum Week particularly rewarding and has always considered IEEE a vital resource for professional growth and knowledge sharing.
(Source: Spectrum IEEE)