Celia Merzbacher

Congratulations on your selection as a 2024 HPCwire Person to Watch. Maybe we should start with a brief snapshot of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium’s scope and mission. How big is the organization now, what is its central mission, and what are its most pressing near-term goals?

QED-C has the mission to enable and grow the quantum industry and supply chain, including quantum computing, quantum communications and networking, and quantum sensing and metrology. The consortium, managed by SRI International, was created in the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 and is supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and by its non-government members.

Today, QED-C has roughly 250 members from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other stakeholders from the U.S. and from 18 other countries. Members represent all parts of the “quantum stack,” from component suppliers to hardware and software developers to end users. QED-C goals are to identify and address gaps in technologies, standards and benchmarks, workforce, and policy. We actively work to identify the most impactful and near-term use cases and accelerate progress toward making them real.

How do you see your role as QED-C Executive Director? What’s the toughest part of the job, and what’s most rewarding?

QED-C is a consortium, and as the Executive Director, I focus on identifying obstacles to the formation of a robust quantum ecosystem that allows companies to build products and successful businesses. I am creating and leading an organization that is recognized as a world-leading authority on the state-of-the-art in quantum technology, its economic value, and the pathways to achieve myriad benefits. Our membership is diverse, and it is necessary to take their various perspectives into consideration, but given the early stage of the industry — or industries — there are many common areas consortium members can address together to speed progress.

The toughest part is balancing the diverse needs of members from different parts of the ecosystem — businesses developing software and hardware for quantum computers; quantum networks and quantum sensors; enabling technologies; and supporting service providers (e.g. patent firms, etc.). Each member represents a critical part of the value chain that will be essential for the success of the overall industry. Fortunately, I have a great team that makes operations run smoothly and personally helps members every day.

The most rewarding aspect of the job is seeing QED-C become a trusted community where competitors come together to tackle common problems that will speed the progress of the entire sector. Witnessing the connections and relationships is incredibly satisfying. Members lead the various committees, which undertake projects and provide collective industry perspective. Active members truly are our superpower.

The U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act, which established the creation of QED-C, was not reauthorized last year but is expected to be this year. What should we look for in changes to this Act; what have we learned and how will that be reflected in the reauthorized version and, perhaps in QED-C efforts?

The original legislation focused on investing and coordinating federal scientific programs. A need remains for a broad program in physical science, computer science, and engineering research. Over the last five years, we have seen considerable scientific and technological progress, and real-world applications are increasingly within grasp. Private sector investments have increased substantially, and nations around the globe are establishing and growing quantum programs.

We are also seeing individual states here in the U.S. striving to include a quantum tech allocation. Quantum technologies will impact both economic and national security, and therefore it is essential that the National Quantum Initiative ensure that there are pathways that facilitate the translation of research from the lab to practical application. The legislation introduced in House (HR 6213) expands the original funding and initiatives.

The quantum industry has become such a diverse place with wildly differing expectations. What do you think is the biggest misconception about the current stage of quantum’s development? What advice can you offer companies trying to sift through the competing claims and decide whether to explore quantum?

Quantum technology is based on properties that are not intuitive or easy to understand. As is often the case, initial enthusiasm and hype have left a trail of expectations not rooted in the reality of the current state of the technology. One of the biggest misconceptions is that quantum computers will replace classical computers. This isn’t true as for many applications; conventional computers based on digital technology (ones and zeros) still will be better at solving certain problems. But quantum computers will allow incredibly important problems to be solved that classical computers cannot handle.

While it may be years before a quantum computer that is sufficiently powerful is available, companies should start “getting smart” about how quantum computers and other quantum technologies for sensing and communication could impact their businesses. Engaging with an organization like QED-C is one way for those quantum “takers” to learn from the quantum “makers” and from the community.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM, and what advice would you give to young people who wish to follow in your footsteps?

I grew up with parents who were STEM role models. My degrees were in geology and my research was focused on the chemistry and structure of geologic materials. After graduate school I became interested in manmade materials and was fortunate to have the opportunity to become a research scientist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where there is research on everything from nanomaterials to space satellites and underwater acoustics.

I would advise young people to stay curious and take advantage of the opportunities around you to explore and learn. Keep your eyes open for potential mentors — those who are farther along in their careers are generally happy to be a mentor and give you help and advice — and take it!

Outside of the professional sphere, what can you tell us about yourself – unique hobbies, favorite places, etc.? Is there anything about you your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

Outside of work, I enjoy rowing in a single scull. Even in a crowded urban environment like Washington DC, when you shove off from the dock you feel a sense of tranquility. It is a great all-around workout and the rowing community is full of warm and friendly folks. I recommend the book or the movie “The Boys in the Boat” if you want to get an understanding of the sport.