Shima Bab Hadiashar

Shima Bab Hadiashar, Ph.D.

Quantum Application Scientist, Professional Services

Shima received a Ph.D. and a master’s in Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information) from Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo in Canada, and a double-major B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Physics from Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. Her research has focused on theory of quantum communication and information as well as quantum machine learning. As a Quantum Application Scientist at Zapata Computing, she interacts with clients to understand their computational challenges and develops and applies optimization algorithms to tackle them.

Why have you chosen a career in quantum?

I have always been fascinated with the laws of nature especially quantum mechanics and the power of mathematical tools in solving real life problems. Quantum computing lives in the intersection of physics and mathematics and is a way to combine my interests in solving mathematical problems via harnessing the power of nature.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

Richard Feynman! He was one of the pioneers of the field of quantum computing and his enthusiasm for knowledge and science has been inspiring for me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep the balance you must keep moving.