Creating Opportunity - How Karuna Anna Navigates Doubt and Drives Innovation in Quantum Science

Creating Opportunity - How Karuna Anna Navigates Doubt and Drives Innovation in Quantum Science

In this episode, we’re joined by Karuna Anna, a computational chemist and machine learning scientist whose journey stretches from a small village in Kerala, India to cutting-edge research labs in the United States. Karuna shares her early curiosity about science, the challenges and opportunities she faced navigating multicultural academic environments, and her innovative work in computational chemistry and machine learning — including designing molecular filters for recycling critical metals from electronic waste. She also opens up about self-doubt, the importance of diverse perspectives in science, and her vision for supporting women and the next generation in STEM. Whether you’re passionate about scientific discovery, leadership, or inclusion in technology, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. LINKS * Karuna's LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karuna-anna-sajeevan-34693887/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karuna-anna-sajeevan-34693887/] * Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/cdRzRuRh70w [https://youtu.be/cdRzRuRh70w] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Embracing uncertainty and speaking up 03:47 Choosing a School for Arts and Science 09:04 Facing technical challenges and learning 13:15 Diverse academic background 16:54 Benefits of computational chemistry 18:19 Using machine learning for research 23:56 Diversity's role in scientific research 27:20 Quantum chemistry meets machine learning 30:01 Balancing family and career challenges 35:06 Understanding Computational Chemistry Basics 36:30 Setting realistic research goals 40:01 Wrapping up the interview

Here's Why Quantum Won't Scale Without Engineers

Welcome to another episode of WIQC, where we dive into the journeys and insights of women leading the way in quantum technology. In today’s conversation, host Candace Gillhoolley sits down with Rachel Noek, a technical program manager in quantum computing whose career has taken her from rural New Mexico to the forefront of cutting-edge research and engineering. Together, they explore Rachel’s early fascination with math and science, the critical role of engineering in quantum’s future, and the challenges and triumphs of managing ambitious programs while balancing family and personal growth. Prepare for an inspiring and honest discussion about finding confidence, shaping opportunities, and the transformative potential of quantum science—both for society and for those building its foundations. Whether you’re quantum curious or already part of the field, this episode is for you. LINKS * Rachel's LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-noek-qc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-noek-qc/] * Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kWiI_2d1ml8 [https://youtu.be/kWiI_2d1ml8] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Women in Quantum 03:31 Internship at Sandia Labs 08:52 Understanding Science and Belief 11:56 Stakeholder communication and risk management 16:46 Overcoming imposter syndrome as manager 18:09 Building confidence through horses 21:15 Career mentorship experiences 24:22 Quantum's potential impact on healthcare 27:39 Balancing career and family 33:28 Challenges in Graduate Research 34:40 Career aspirations in quantum computing 40:38 Proving underestimated resilience 41:58 Flexible work options for families 45:33 Letting go of expectations 49:02 Interview introduction

From Tunisia to Quantum Research: a Journey Across Continents

In this episode of WIQC, host Candace Gillhoolley sits down with quantum computing researcher Sahar Ben Rashid for a deep dive into the human side of the quantum future. From her childhood fascination with astronomy in Tunisia, nurtured by supportive parents and a thriving culture of scientific curiosity, to pursuing advanced research in Germany, Spain, and now Toronto, Sahar Ben Rashid shares her journey through the world of quantum science. Together, they explore her academic path—from applied physics to quantum computing—highlighting the roles of mentorship, global collaboration, and community building along the way. Sahar Ben Rashid discusses the complexity and promise of quantum technology, demystifies the misconceptions around the field, and explains her research on modular quantum processors in accessible terms. She also offers insights for aspiring women in STEM, the importance of diverse skills in the quantum ecosystem, and the powerful motivation of contributing to something bigger than herself. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, tenacity, and the global quest to build the computers of tomorrow. LINKS * Sahar's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-ben-rached/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-ben-rached/] * Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_E6w1B3ee8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_E6w1B3ee8] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Early fascination with astronomy 05:05 Interest in Science Among Tunisian Girls 09:45 Getting into quantum computing 12:51 Studying quantum physics and computing 16:10 Networking and opportunities in quantum computing 17:13 Quantum mechanics professor's impact 22:43 Building Africa's Future Infrastructure 25:57 Challenges in Quantum Computing Development 27:47 Entering the quantum computing field 32:49 Future of Quantum Communications 36:15 Challenges with scaling quantum computers 38:34 Scaling quantum computers with modular chips 43:13 Motivation for working in quantum computing 48:26 Starting Q Tunisia Initiative 51:27 Discussing Women in Quantum Series 52:42 Connecting with industry experts on LinkedIn

You Don’t Need Perfect Grades to Work in Quantum

In this episode, Candace Gillhoolley sits down with Harshitta Gandhi, a researcher at the intersection of quantum computing and quantum machine learning. Together, they explore Harshitta Gandhi's journey from her childhood in Delhi—where her passions lay more with theater, singing, and athletics than science—to pursuing a PhD focused on physics-based quantum machine learning at the University of Central Florida. This conversation delves into how skills from seemingly unrelated pursuits can transfer into quantum research, the mindset shift required to thrive in the field, and the importance of imagination, resilience, and community support. Candace and Harshitta Gandhi also tackle the real-world challenges and opportunities of quantum machine learning, the evolving role of AI, the need for approachability in quantum education, and what it takes to encourage and retain more women in this cutting-edge arena. Get ready for an episode packed with practical advice, personal stories, and a candid look at the future of quantum technology! LINKS * Harshitta's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshitta-gandhi/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshitta-gandhi/] * Watch this interview on YouTube - https://youtu.be/14htuPc-X9w [https://youtu.be/14htuPc-X9w] * Harshitta's on Impact Quantum Season 3 Episode 9 -https://impactquantum.com/podcast/superpositions-and-super-careers-harshittas-quantum-leap/ [https://impactquantum.com/podcast/superpositions-and-super-careers-harshittas-quantum-leap/] * Watch Harshitta's on Impact Quantum Season 3 Episode 9 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwD0TN7EvIE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwD0TN7EvIE] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Balancing hobbies with academics 05:24 Importance of mental rigor in sports 09:23 Supportive community and mentors 12:03 Starting the PhD journey 15:17 Encouragement for women in tech 20:15 Studying time series data 22:01 Explaining quantum machine learning 26:38 Discussing different qubit types 29:01 AI assisting with information retention 32:19 Making quantum computing approachable 35:47 Balancing quantity and quality of qubits 38:28 Creating inclusive spaces in tech 43:48 Embracing a versatile skillset 46:23 Making quantum computing approachable

Communication and Confidence Skills for Women Entering Quantum

In today’s episode, host Candace Gillhoolley sits down with Bruna Shinohara de Mendonça, staff scientist in Quantum at CMC Microsystems, to discuss her journey from a humanities-focused upbringing in São Paulo, Brazil to the cutting edge of quantum research. Bruna shares how curiosity and resilience guided her from initial uncertainty in science to mastering quantum mechanics and overcoming setbacks—like failing her first programming course—on her way to a multifaceted career in quantum algorithms and science communication. Tune in as we explore the importance of representation, building confidence in male-dominated fields, and the power of making quantum accessible to diverse communities worldwide. TIME STAMPS 00:00 Intro to Women in Quantum 04:26 Pursuing a physics education 07:48 Facing doubts from others 11:59 Building self-confidence through experience 17:22 Exploring career opportunities in quantum tech 21:32 Gender differences in job applications 24:19 Quantum computing in physics research 28:52 Topological materials in quantum computing 32:51 Understanding different computing modalities 35:02 Starting science communication in 2019 38:51 Feeling uncertain about teaching skills 43:32 Discussing quantum policy challenges 46:55 Finding unexpected role models 50:17 Encouraging women to ask questions 52:20 Interview closing remarks