From Tunisia to Quantum Research: a Journey Across Continents

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

Bridging Physics and Creativity: Noel Ibrahim’s Perspective on Quantum Computing

EPISODE INTRODUCTION On this episode of Women in Quantum, we sit down with Noel Ibrahim, an independent consultant whose journey into quantum computing began with a fascination for fractals at high school parties and blossomed into a passion for physics, mathematics, and pushing boundaries as a woman in tech. Raised in Canada by a family that blended immigrant determination with deep local roots, Noel Ibrahim shares how her early curiosity, love for literature, and supportive upbringing shaped her pursuit of science. Together, we explore her insights on the exciting near-term possibilities for quantum computing—especially in quantum machine learning and chemistry—the realities of commercializing cutting-edge tech, and how women can carve their own paths in the field. Along the way, Noel Ibrahim offers candid reflections on overcoming underestimation, balancing creative and scientific identities, and the importance of staying true to one’s voice in innovation. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone curious about where you might fit in quantum, this conversation will inspire and inform your journey. LINKS * Noelle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelleibrahimphd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelleibrahimphd/] * Watch this show on YouTube - https://youtu.be/MvM1Ju8IHtE [https://youtu.be/MvM1Ju8IHtE] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Discovering fractals in the early 90s 05:43 Potential for near-term commercialization 07:33 Exploring quantum machine learning potential 10:10 Quantum simulation vs. lab experiments 16:49 Evaluating ROI in Quantum Computing 20:17 Influential physics professors and mentors 24:48 Discussing gender and spatial skills 25:37 Questioning gender stereotypes in physics 30:57 Facing career challenges with independence 33:27 Communicating quantum to businesses 38:15 Recognizing and challenging false consciousness 40:27 Quantum computing workshop ideas 43:33 Enjoying technical and innovative questions 46:04 Discussing women's self-confidence

Overcoming Doubt and Driving Impact - Women Pioneers in Quantum Technology

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sahar Hejazi, a pioneering quantum physicist, founder, and global advocate for deep tech innovation. Speaker A sits down with Speaker B to explore how a passion for science and resilience guided her from segregated schools in Iran to leading research in the UK, Japan, and Sweden—breaking barriers in both academia and industry along the way. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of being a woman in quantum, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and the critical differences between academic and industry mindsets in the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape. Speaker B shares lessons on confidence, overcoming doubt, and why community, sustainability, and inclusive leadership are vital for the future of quantum science. If you’re curious about what it takes to thrive—and help others succeed—in the world of quantum technology, this conversation offers candid insights, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration. LINKS * Sahar's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-hejazi-phd-92a42751/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-hejazi-phd-92a42751/] * Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/xtHN7Vbhk-k [https://youtu.be/xtHN7Vbhk-k] TIME STAMPS 00:00 Experiences in segregated schools 04:31 Gender dynamics in education 09:24 Finding a path in engineering 12:15 Embracing global collaboration styles 14:32 Explaining quantum physics basics 19:21 Mindset shift from academia to industry 20:51 Challenges in funding EDI efforts 24:58 Explaining quantum concepts simply 27:58 Connecting through global collaboration 33:49 Funding and resource sharing in quantum 35:31 Learning when to pivot 39:12 Finding clarity through mindfulness 42:28 Defining personal success and impact 47:23 Navigating challenges as a woman 48:46 Closing thoughts on women in Quantum