Erica Grant
ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished staff members, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.
We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.
Erica Grant
Graduate student, Computational Sciences and Engineering Division
Ph.D. student, Quantum Computing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Bredesen Center)
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
What are you working on at ORNL?
I am solving real-world problems (like finding the optimal investment portfolio) with a quantum annealing machine that has the potential to solve computationally difficult problems with less energy or time. I use these problems to study the different tuning strategies and hardware controls that could improve the performance of the quantum annealer.
What would you like to do in your career?
I have started a quantum information technology and security startup: Quantum Lock Technologies. Outside my studies and research, I am building security solutions for access-control facilities by using completely random and unpredictable digital keys. I hope to improve security on a global scale by utilizing quantum technology.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I enjoy gaining a deeper understanding of our universe and working with cutting-edge technology to develop new and innovative solutions.
