Speakers: Dr. Marianna Bonanome, Dr. Kayla Quinnies, Dr. Constantijn van der Poel, SandboxAQ
Day: Thursday, May 11, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM EST
Location: CS 104
Reception: 3:30pm Convocation Room
Hosts: Jennifer Rexford and Andrew Houck
Title: Quantum Technologies
Abstract: Starting in 1900 with Max Plank, some of the world’s brightest talents developed a new way of thinking about how matter and energy work on the atomic and subatomic scale. This gave rise to quantum theory and kicked off a chain reaction of scientific revolutions that are still going on today. We are now in the midst of the 3rd quantum revolution. We’re able to use quantum particles as sensors, to perform computations, and to create applications. Quantum sensing devices are beginning to revolutionize the fields of medical diagnostics and navigation. Quantum key distribution protocols are already being used to create secret keys in order to protect data. We're just now getting to the point where we're starting to understand the real promise of what quantum science can provide to humanity.
At SandboxAQ we are a technology company that leverages the power of AI and quantum technology to develop commercial products for various industries, including financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications. Our team at SandboxAQ comes from diverse backgrounds, including physics, computer science, neuroscience, mathematics, and cryptography brought together in a culture of experimental thinking and collaboration. We operate with a mission to create breakthrough solutions that push the boundaries of physics and AI. Join us as we discuss these cutting edge technologies and their potential!
Marianna Bonanome, PhD, Head of Education Outreach, SandboxAQ
Bio: Before joining SandboxAQ as the Head of Education Outreach, Marianna was an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the New York City College of Technology, CUNY. She is also the co-founder, and formerly CEO, of Rationarium, a blockchain edtech startup. She is an ardent open source advocate and is an executive board member and Community Manager of the non-profit: The WeBWorK Project (TWP). While at CUNY, she was a co-director of a Title V Department of Education collaborative grant and founded and led an open source university-wide initiative. She received a B.S. in mathematics with a minor in physics from NYU Tandon School of Engineering and both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Graduate School and University Center of CUNY in mathematics. Marianna has been teaching since 2003 and has a passion for mathematics, physics and teaching pedagogy and so actively researches and publishes in the areas of combinatorial group theory, quantum computation and education.
Kayla Quinnies, PhD, Residency Program Manager, SandboxAQ
Bio: Prior to joining the education team at SandboxAQ as the Residency Program Manager, Kayla received her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Virginia, did postdoctoral work in biomedical informatics at Columbia University, and was the Outreach Program Manager for Columbia University Engineering. While at Columbia Engineering, she ran an education program for high school students, working closely with undergraduates and faculty. She has been working in STEM outreach and science community management for over ten years, and is passionate about creating a meaningful experience for students in the Residency Program at SandboxAQ.
Constantijn van der Poel, PhD, AI Resident, SandboxAQ
Bio: As an AI Resident at SandboxAQ, Constantijn’s doctoral research lies at the intersection of quantum physics and artificial intelligence, specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP). Constantijn utilizes tensor networks, which comes from the world of quantum, to model Motzkin spin-chains, whose entanglement captures long-range correlations also found in language.
Constantijn is always eager to learn about new technologies and their applications, and has a passion for sharing what he learns with others. He also has a deep love for delving into the cultures and languages of the world, past and present.