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Our Community

Meet the Team

We are a diverse group of students, researchers, and experts united by a single mission: to democratize quantum education.

Leadership & Core Team

Elisa Torres Durney

Elisa Torres Durney

Founder & CEO

📍 Chile

Founder & CEO of Girls in Quantum, leading a global education platform reaching 8,000+ learners across 60+ countries. International speaker recognized by Forbes, Nature, and The White House for advancing diversity in STEM.

Sophia Guertler

Sophia Guertler

Head of Operations

📍 Germany

Works at the intersection of integrated photonics and quantum technologies, supporting research and operations within neuromorphic quantum photonics.

Diya Nair

Diya Nair

Head of Outreach

📍 UK

Leads outreach initiatives at Girls in Quantum and co-authored *Quantum Computing through Geopolitics*, connecting quantum science with global policy conversations.

Nafisa Shamim Rafa

Nafisa Shamim Rafa

Project Manager

📍 Bangladesh

Researcher and software developer with experience across open-source quantum programs, global research initiatives, and developer advocacy.

Harshitha Poludas

Harshitha Poludas

Advisory Board Manager

📍 USA

Works in cryptography research, supporting secure systems and contributing to academic and applied research efforts.

Amruta Rashinkar

Amruta Rashinkar

Team Management Lead

📍 USA

Focused on building strong, collaborative teams and making complex quantum ideas easier to understand and work with.

Pavitra Bhargavi Allamaraju

Pavitra Bhargavi Allamaraju

Research & Academic Lead

📍 Canada

Researcher working across quantum computing and AI, with an interest in applying emerging technologies to real-world challenges.

Gvantsa Kapanadze

Gvantsa Kapanadze

Programs & Projects

📍 Georgia

Works on program development and project coordination, with a focus on infocommunications and applied quantum technologies.

Katie Handford

Katie Handford

Academic Content Manager

📍 UK

Develops academic content in quantum communications and cryptography, translating technical topics into clear learning materials.

Jessica Wonges

Jessica Wonges

Media & Communications

📍 Germany

Works across media and communications, shaping narratives around physics, science outreach, and global collaboration.

Dhruv Sachdeva

Dhruv Sachdeva

Team Management

📍 India

Contributes to team coordination and quantum education initiatives, with a focus on simplifying complex technical ideas.

Advisory Board

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hellstern

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hellstern

Professor & Theoretical Physicist

Professor with a background in theoretical physics and nearly 20 years of experience in the finance industry. His work focuses on applying technologies such as quantum computing to business models. He bridges academia, industry, and public authorities and has mentored Girls in Quantum research projects.

Biliana Rajevic

Biliana Rajevic

Head of Strategy @ Quantum Brilliance

Head of Strategy & Corporate Development at Quantum Brilliance with over 25 years of international experience. She has a strong background in strategic leadership, corporate communications, and finance and is co-founder of Quantum Women, supporting women in advancing their careers.

Cierra Choucair

Cierra Choucair

Founder, CEO & Journalist

Founder, CEO, journalist, and data analyst with experience in science communication and industry engagement. She transitioned back into the field of science through self-directed learning and supports initiatives aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Angela Q. Chen

Angela Q. Chen

Senior Quantum Engineer @ Rigetti

Senior Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing with a PhD in physics, specializing in superconducting qubits. She has led diversity initiatives, relaunched internship programs, and provides guidance on educational development and career pathways in STEM.

Shruti Taksali

Shruti Taksali

Assistant Professor

Assistant professor with a PhD in nanoelectronics, specializing in quantum hardware. She offers expertise in research and education within nanoelectronics and quantum systems.

Dawn Wood

Dawn Wood

Principal Engineer @ BAE Systems

Principal Engineer at BAE Systems with expertise in integrating quantum sensors into defense platforms. She is a STEM ambassador focused on inspiring future generations and sharing practical applications of quantum technologies.

Arthi Udayakumar

Arthi Udayakumar

Quantum Specialist @ Accenture Labs

AI/ML and Quantum Computational Science Specialist at Accenture Labs. She works on identifying use cases for quantum computing, collaborating with clients and academia, and conducting educational workshops.

Michael Holynski

Michael Holynski

Professor of Quantum Sensing

Professor of Quantum Sensing at the University of Birmingham and Principal Investigator of the UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging, and Timing. He has experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership of interdisciplinary teams and supports equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Madeleine Georgopoulou

Madeleine Georgopoulou

Patent Assistant

Patent assistant with a PhD in Quantum Magnetism and a background in chemical physics. She provides insights into career pathways beyond academia, particularly in patent law, and contributes to education and professional networking initiatives.

Irene Papaefstathiou

Irene Papaefstathiou

Quantum Engineer @ Moody's

Quantum computing engineer at Moody’s with a PhD in theoretical physics from the Max Planck Institute. She has experience in international academic environments and supports representation and community building in STEM.

Priya Pahwa

Priya Pahwa

MTech Student in Quantum Computing

MTech student in Quantum Computing with research experience at institutions including the Harish Chandra Research Institute and the Indian Space Research Organization. She brings technical expertise in quantum tools and experimental research.

Claudia Perry

Claudia Perry

Digital Science Associate @ bp

Digital Science Associate at bp with a background in mathematics and computer science. She works on proof-of-concept projects in quantum computing, sensing, and security and chairs the Responsible Quantum Innovation Working Group at UKQuantum.

Ginevra Fulco

Ginevra Fulco

Physicist & Communicator

Physicist and science communicator with research experience at the Max Planck Institute. She produces educational content on quantum technologies for a large online audience and contributes to outreach and strategic initiatives.

Maria Violaris

Maria Violaris

Quantum Physicist @ Oxford Quantum Circuits

Quantum physicist and science communicator at Oxford Quantum Circuits with a PhD in quantum information. She creates educational content through videos, podcasts, and thought experiments, making complex topics accessible to wider audiences.

María Gragera Garcés

María Gragera Garcés

PhD Candidate @ U of Edinburgh

PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh with industry and academic experience at IBM and Cisco. She leads bqb Quantum Youth and contributes expertise in distributed quantum computing and community engagement.

Muna Numan Said

Muna Numan Said

Quantum ML Researcher

Quantum machine learning researcher with expertise in quantum error correction and AI. She mentors women in STEM, particularly in underrepresented regions, and develops technology-driven solutions with social impact.

Rani Aher

Rani Aher

Technology Leader @ Mastercard

Technology leader at Mastercard with over 20 years of experience in data engineering and cloud transformation. She is pursuing a PhD in quantum computing and contributes perspectives on industrial-scale program management and quantum applications.

Lourdes Rios

Lourdes Rios

ML Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer with experience in deploying production-grade AI systems. She provides perspectives on the intersection of quantum computing and AI and contributes to cross-functional, multilingual collaboration.

Jessica Marta Manhica

Jessica Marta Manhica

Intern at C12 Quantum Electronics

Intern at C12 Quantum Electronics with a master’s degree in Nanoscale Engineering. She has professional experience in cleanroom environments and nanofabrication and contributes expertise in research, analysis, and process improvement.

Anita Nandi

Anita Nandi

Policy Director

Policy Director specializing in quantum technology and financial services. She has led international collaborations in quantum education and serves as a board-level governance expert committed to diversity and inclusion.

Heng Sovanmonynuth

Heng Sovanmonynuth

Digital Transformation Manager

Digital Transformation Manager and lecturer with experience in quantum computing and AI. He develops technology-driven learning solutions for students across educational levels and bridges policy with practical implementation.

Kirsten Bark

Kirsten Bark

Stack Leader @ HQS Quantum Simulations

Stack Leader for quantum computing at HQS Quantum Simulations with expertise in developing open-source and proprietary quantum software. She contributes technical and leadership experience from a quantum startup environment.

Eda Sorani

Eda Sorani

Business Dev @ PlanQC

Business Development Specialist at PlanQC with a background in physics and business administration. She focuses on translating quantum technologies into strategic applications and supports education and communication initiatives.

Muhammad Hamza Waseem

Muhammad Hamza Waseem

Research Scientist @ Quantinuum

Senior Research Fellow at the Global Centre for Advanced Studies with expertise in quantum foundations, optics, and education. A strong advocate for science communication, he develops innovative approaches to teaching quantum mechanics and leads public engagement initiatives internationally.

Jaweria Batool

Jaweria Batool

Product Team Lead

Product Team Lead with experience in launching AI tools and managing product development. She contributes expertise in product strategy at the intersection of AI and quantum technologies.

Global Ambassadors.

Representing GiQ in regions across the world.

Yuka Otsuki

Yuka Otsuki

Japan Ambassador

📍 Japan

Passionate about Quantum Computing.

Nidhi S Chickerur

Nidhi S Chickerur

Indian Ambassador

📍 India

Interested in research-driven technology and its applications to real-world problems, with a strong focus on impact and learning.

Rania Habib

Rania Habib

Pakistan Ambassador

📍 Pakistan

Actively engaged in quantum computing education and outreach, with a strong interest in making quantum concepts accessible to wider audiences.

Fatima Siddiqui

Fatima Siddiqui

Pakistan Ambassador

📍 Pakistan

Interested in nanotechnology and science outreach, combining technical curiosity with creative and community-driven initiatives.

Francesca Martínez

Francesca Martínez

Colombia Ambassador

📍 Colombia

Works at the intersection of technology, education, and community building, with a strong interest in local and global impact.

Maria Helena Siqueira

Maria Helena Siqueira

Brazilian Ambassador

📍 Brazil

Works in data science and machine learning, with experience building and leading applied AI solutions.

Tanvi Gopalan

Tanvi Gopalan

NY & NJ Ambassador

📍 USA

Hosts educational programs on quantum physics and speaks on youth engagement and early exposure to advanced science topics.

Andreea Istrate

Andreea Istrate

Romania Ambassador

📍 Romania

Passionate about Quantum Computing.