Women of Quantum Technology: Stasja Stanisic of Phasecraft
In the ever-evolving realm of quantum technology, Stasja Stanisic, the Lead Quantum Engineer at Phasecraft, stands out. Her journey into the quantum realm is not just a typical career progression, but a testament to her deep-seated fascination with the enigmatic nature of quantum physics. This curiosity, which starkly contrasts with our everyday reality, has significantly shaped her career path and made her a unique figure in the field.
Stanisic’s academic and professional trajectory is a compelling tale of transition from software engineering to the frontiers of quantum computing. “My interest in quantum computing stemmed from learning about the mystery of the quantum physics world and how different it is from the reality we experience – I found that fascinating!” she told Inside Quantum Technology.
This intrigue was fueled by the unique interplay between mathematics, physics, and computer science, which eventually drew her away from a traditional software engineering role, seeking something more challenging and intellectually stimulating.
After completing her undergraduate degree around ten years ago, Stanisic longed for the rigors of physics problems over the coding routine. This led her to pursue a PhD at the Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training at Bristol University in 2014, setting her on the path to her current role at Phasecraft. She recalls the burgeoning quantum industry in 2019 as she was finishing her PhD, which coincided with an opportunity to join Phasecraft, sparked by a connection with one of its co-founders, Ashley, who was also a professor at Bristol.
Today, as the Lead Quantum Engineer, Stanisic is at the forefront of Phasecraft’s efforts to merge classical modeling with quantum simulation. Her team, comprising seven dedicated professionals, focuses on creating efficient quantum algorithms that could potentially revolutionize sectors such as renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.
“We recently published a new paper detailing how one of our algorithms combines classical modelling with quantum simulation to drastically reduce the resources needed for simulating materials,” she shared. This work highlights the practical applications of quantum computing and underscores Phasecraft’s influential role in advancing the field.
Stanisic’s commitment to diversity within the quantum industry is not just a personal belief but a mission she actively pursues. She advocates for making quantum science more accessible and less daunting, believing that demystifying the field and introducing quantum concepts earlier in educational curriculums can encourage broader participation. Her call to action, “We need to lower the thresholds for entering the field,” emphasizes the importance of providing clear pathways and opportunities, such as internships, to nurture potential talent from diverse backgrounds.
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is the Managing Editor at Inside Quantum Technology and the Science Communicator at JILA (a partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST). Her writing beats include deep tech, quantum computing, and AI. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, Ars Technica, and more.
