World Quantum Day Spotlight - Paula Austel

Next in our World Quantum Day Spotlight Series is Paula Austel, a quantum security architect from New York.

Q: What was your introduction to quantum computing?

A: I am fortunate to be working at IBM Research where a great deal of quantum research is done. I followed the news of the advances the quantum team was making from the early days. When one of my projects ended, I had an opportunity to join the quantum team to help secure quantum computing. I was very excited for this new challenge.

Q: What is the project within IBM Quantum that you’re most proud to have worked on?

A: I am proud to be part of the Security team for quantum. I handle security and compliance for the IBM Quantum services. Part of the service runs on IBM Cloud and some runs on-premises, in close proximity to the quantum machinery. I work closely with development teams to mature the services to be offered to customers as a general availability offering.

Q: What is the importance of Software to quantum computing?

A: Software is critical to making quantum computing viable for users. As quantum computers near quantum advantage, a state where quantum computers can solve useful problems better than any classical method, it will become more important for software to be available for users to more easily create quantum programs to run on the quantum systems.

Q: Can you share any advice for folks looking to explore a career in quantum computing?

A: Be curious and always willing to learn. Building quantum systems and making them high-performing, secure, and straightforward to use requires teamwork and co-workers with a wide variety of skills. Don’t be afraid to look at opportunities to see if you are a good match. I would not have guessed I would be in quantum computing 5 years ago.