Computer Science Seminar by Jennifer Paykin: Building Bridges in Quantum Computing with Programming Languages and Abstractions聽
Speaker:
Title: Building Bridges in Quantum Computing with Programming Languages and Abstractions
Abstract
Quantum computing is an inherently interdisciplinary subject, bringing together researchers from physics, computer science, engineering, and other sciences to develop powerful new computing platforms. While researchers from each field bring their own unique and valuable insights, unfortunately communication barriers often hinder the effective exchange of ideas.
This talk will explore how programming languages can help bridge this communication gap by developing abstractions tied to both practical tools and theory drawn from any number of fields. As a concrete example we will focus on the abstraction of the Pauli group, a set of quantum operators fundamental to numerous quantum applications and experimental settings. We will see how the mathematical structure of the Pauli group can enhance compilers and expose new ways of thinking about quantum programs. The talk will leave the audience with a deeper appreciation for how programming languages can simplify complex ideas across quantum disciplines.
Bio
Dr. Jennifer Paykin is a research scientist at Intel specializing in quantum programming languages, compilers, and formal verification. Her research focuses on designing quantum abstractions, languages, and tools inspired by both mathematical theory and real-world experimental constraints, often in collaboration with physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers. Before moving to Intel, Dr. Paykin worked as a researcher at Galois on a wide range of projects focusing on formal verification and software security. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018 and bachelor鈥檚 degree from Wesleyan University in 2012.