In the fifth installment of a six-part series highlighting the 2023 Open Quantum Initiative fellows, three undergraduates who researched quantum algorithms and error correction describe their work, discuss what they learned, and offer advice to young people who are interested in the growing field. Read previous installments that feature students who spent their summer researching quantum memory applications, working with and designing new experimental tools, studying nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, and researching quantum communication experiments and protocols. Watch for our final installment, which features fellows who evaluated defects and dopants in materials for quantum applications.
‘I want to continue working in quantum information because it represents the future’
As the Open Quantum Initiative series continues with the fifth of six parts, undergraduate fellows describe their summer research in quantum algorithms for quantum computers
Home Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Physics
OQI Institution: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Andy Li, Physicist, Fermilab Quantum Institute
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: The focus of my research was to observe and analyze the effects of noise models in quantum variational algorithms. I wanted to see how these algorithms behave under noise channels.
Q: What was your role?
A: My role focused on coding simulations that modeled variational quantum algorithms. After successfully implementing these algorithms, I proceeded to implement noise models that introduced noise into the simulations. I then evaluated the energy of these systems and derived other results.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: Research experience and collaboration within a research-focused field. I have also gained more expertise in working with quantum computers, simulations, coding, and optimization methods. It was also very gratifying to travel to a different location to complete a project.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering (QISE)?
A: I would like to continue working in the quantum information field because it represents the future. I strongly believe that this revolutionary technology is something that everyone should strive to be involved into the best of their abilities, or should at least try to get some experience in.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I will continue working with my mentor [to study] the behavior of variational quantum algorithms under different noise channels. Additionally I will prepare for my graduate school applications and my final school year at UCLA.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. I like to read, listen to music, and cook. I also dedicate a significant portion of my time to practicing kickboxing, calisthenics, and rock climbing.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: My best advice is to reach out to people in the field and express your interest in participating. Another very important thing to do is to [pursue] any opportunity that can get you closer to your desired career goal. It is always scary to start on projects like this, but don’t let that feeling discourage you.
Santiago Lopez
Home Institution: Purdue University
Majors: Physics and Math
OQI Institution: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Gabe Perdue, Scientist, Quantum Science Program
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: This summer I focused on developing software to run and simulate quantum error correction codes with realistic error models. The code was all made from scratch using Python libraries (mainly just NumPy).
Q: What was your role?
A: My role was to develop this code from theoretical and general papers about the subject. I programmed a lot of the software [so it could be used] in a universal way where many different circuits can be built, and the results can be seen and analyzed.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: The question should be, “What did I not gain from the OQI experience?” From research experience and connections, to trips around the country and amazing mentors, I cannot say I gained just a single thing from this program. However, if I had to choose a single thing [it would be] inspiration. This program inspired [in] me [a belief] that my path in science and in quantum doesn’t need to be a “proper” path.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: After this program I have gained many new perspectives about QISE. One of which is that developing this field is going to take many kinds of people, not just physicists and engineers. Additionally, the people who will and should be involved should not only differ in their studies, but also in their experience and background. To be able to create something that will impact the entire world, we will need to have people who are representative of the scale of the impact.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I have two years left in my undergraduate studies, and after finishing I am hoping to pursue a PhD in physics focused in QISE. I want to explore the theoretical side of QISE but also implement this theory by answering important research questions through experimental applications.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: Outside of research I enjoy working out (this summer I focused on running and calisthenics), and I also love watching anime. In addition to these, I have a good time playing video games as well as hanging out with friends.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: It doesn’t matter what your background is (whether that be education, race, gender, age, etc.), there is a place for you in QISE. This is because the field is continuously growing and the people who are involved want diversity and inclusivity for everyone.
Jonathan Andrade Plascencia
Home Institution: Cornell University
Majors: Chemistry, Physics
OQI Institution: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Gabe Perdue, Scientist, Quantum Science Program
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: My focus was developing quantum error correction (QEC) demonstrations for Fermilab to use in the process of communicating between different disciplines.
Q: What was your role?
A: My role was creating a specific nine-qubit code, giving an intuition about how a specific family of code plays a vital role in large-scale QEC, Bacon-Shor subsystem concatenating.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: I have gained a fonder understanding of what it means to be empowered by a team and to seek out a fuller version of myself to support an initiative.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: That QISE is not as enclosed as the public makes it seem. Although the fields require a deeper understanding, the tools to get that understanding can be right near you.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: My next steps are taking the gift of empowerment CQE gave to me and applying it to my community by founding an inclusive Quantum Computing Association. Ultimately, I'm hoping to further familiarize myself with developing quantum algorithms to help solve our quantum chemistry problems.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I enjoy assisting Latine-x initiatives on campus, journaling, and spending time with my amazing family. I'm always amazed at what we are all capable of, and it helps me feel encouraged about finding my place in this life.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Do not ever feel intimidated by daunting concepts. Oftentimes, it only seems that way because there are communication barriers. So, go out and learn what's out there in your own creative ways, and build that special tool of explaining concepts to break those barriers.
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