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
Advisory Board

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Japan Ambassador
📍 JapanPassionate about Quantum Computing.

Rania Habib
Pakistan Ambassador
📍 PakistanActively engaged in quantum computing education and outreach, with a strong interest in making quantum concepts accessible to wider audiences.

Tanvi Gopalan
NY & NJ Ambassador
📍 USAHosts educational programs on quantum physics and speaks on youth engagement and early exposure to advanced science topics.

Andreea Istrate
Romania Ambassador
📍 RomaniaPassionate about Quantum Computing.














