A conversation with Vineesha Srivastava, who recently graduated at the European Center for Quantum Science

Portrait

Vineesha Srivastava is Indian and has very recently defended her PhD in Professor Guido Pupillo’s group at ISIS-CESQ (quantum physics), on the topic of entanglement generation. Previously, she received her engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Varanasi. Prior to starting her PhD, she gained industry experience in systems engineering for semiconductor technologies.

 

  • Can you tell us about your academic career so far and what led you to choose this area of research?
    I have always liked science, math in particular. I decided to begin my academic journey with an integrated dual degree, which focused on engineering & physics, and I joined an Indian Institute of Technology (a very competitive group of engineering schools), in Varanasi, away from my hometown. There, the academic environment and the facilities were excellent and I was really able to develop my scientific interests. Soon, I became fascinated by quantum mechanics and technologies, such as quantum computing. I was able to carry out several research internships in different leading research institutes in India, which only reinforced my interest in the topic. I really enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of quantum science, which bridges physics, computer science and mathematics, offers many endless innovation opportunities but also helps understand fundamental physics. 
    After my engineering degree, I wanted to continue in quantum and pursuing a PhD was definitely on my list. I also wanted to gain experience abroad, increase my cultural exposure. I got to know Professor Pupillo’s work during my internships, from the literature but also from my supervisors at the time. I applied to the QUSTEC programme (MSCA programme coordinated by the EUCOR network) and was selected. 
  • What does the research environment at ISIS/CESQ bring you (professionally and personally)?
    The research environment at ISIS-CESQ has been invaluable: I have gained insights from being in this quantum-focused community and the constant collaboration between theorists and experimentalists has really broadened my perspective. The pioneering quantum computing project carried out at CESQ, even though I am not directly involved, is extremely stimulating. I have also had the chance to work with the startup hosted at CESQ (QPERFECT), which helped me explore the industry side of quantum computing. The international setting is another aspect I really enjoy. All these opportunities have helped me to grow as a researcher.
    One sentence has stuck with me from the moment I entered ISIS-CESQ, a sentence that I keep written on my whiteboard at home: “researchers here are totally free and fully responsible”. This was a powerful insight into a very different scientific culture from what I had experienced before and I find it very encouraging - it promotes an atmosphere of trust and independence and gives me more freedom and confidence to delve into my research.
  • What are your wishes and plans after your PhD?
    Over the past four years, I think my ambitions have been even more reinforced to stay connected to science. But since I also come from an engineering background, I would equally enjoy doing application-oriented research. I think that opens up even more opportunities for me both in academia and industry. 
  • What do you like about your life in Strasbourg/Alsace?
    I like the city very much – it’s a perfectly sized town, neither too big or not very small and very well-connected. I feel also comfortable with the locals, who have always been friendly with me. I haven’t really felt such a big cultural shock, I was just very excited and curious to explore the different aspects of the culture, such as food (that was a big change, overall very positive!) and of course, the Christmas traditions. 
  • If you were to name the one thing you are most proud of (career-wise or in your personal life), what would it be?
    It is difficult to point out one thing. I think it is every step that I took, which make me proud of where I stand today. My supervisor encourages me to take more credit for myself, which is something I am slowly learning to do! 
     

 

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