Curious about what really goes on behind the scenes in quantum computing—beyond the hype, buzzwords, and complex jargon? This episode of Impact Quantum is your ticket to the inner workings of the industry, as hosts Candace Gillhoolley and Frank La Vigne, along with our semi-sentient host BAILeY, sit down with Princeton PhD physicist and Quantum Machines’ customer success lead, Kevin Villegas Rosales.

Kevin takes us on a journey from his early fascination with the “very small things” in physics to his hands-on role helping university labs, startups, and companies tackle the real-world challenges of quantum hardware. We’ll demystify what customer success means in this high-tech space (hint: it’s worlds more complex than resetting a router), explore the unique misconceptions non-physicists might have about quantum technology, and chat about the critical interplay between classical and quantum computing.

Along the way, Kevin sheds light on the growing intersection of AI and quantum, offers advice for aspiring quantum professionals and those from other fields, and shares his ongoing curiosity about the calibration and usability of quantum systems. Whether you’re deep in quantum research or simply quantum curious, this episode promises insight, inspiration, and a healthy dose of humor.

So grab your Schrödinger’s snacks and get ready to unravel the mysteries of the quantum realm—no PhD required!

Time Stamps

00:00 "Decoding Quantum Computing Mysteries"

03:55 Quantum Machines: Customer Success Role

10:43 Choosing Quantum over Traditional Paths

13:32 Quantum Mechanics in Everyday Tech

17:58 "Quantum Computing Needs Software Engineers"

19:50 Pursuing Careers in Quantum Computing

22:39 "Question and Verify Information"

29:17 Mastering Fundamentals for Quantum Computing

31:33 "Quantum and AI: Divergent Paths"

35:17 "Challenges in Simulating Quantum Computers"

39:02 Open Source Collaboration in Physics

41:53 Solar Advancements and Quantum Computing

46:45 "Quantum Calibration Challenges"

50:21 Mentorship: Knowledge Sharing & Inspiration

54:32 Quantum Computing: Clarity Amid Entanglement

55:46 Impact Quantum Signs Off