My name is Avimita Chatterjee, and I am a final-year Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. My research centers on Quantum Computing, with a specific focus on Quantum Error Correction (QEC). I have the privilege of working under the guidance of Professor Swaroop Ghosh, exploring how to build more resilient and scalable quantum systems.

My journey into QEC began with a deep curiosity about quantum technologies and a strong desire to make their potential accessible to more people. As a computer scientist entering a field traditionally dominated by physics and mathematics, I quickly realized the value of diverse perspectives. My goal is to break down the barriers around Quantum Computing and make it more approachable for researchers from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore the key sections of my academic portfolio:

• News – Updates and announcements on research, events, and milestones
• Publications – Peer-reviewed papers, manuscripts, and selected preprints
• Talks – Presentations and invited talks at conferences, workshops, and seminars
• Media - Recordings of interviews, podcasts, and public talks
• Teaching – Courses and academic mentoring

Research in Quantum Error Correction

Quantum Error Correction is one of the most essential yet complex components of quantum computing. It addresses the fragile nature of quantum information and is crucial for building fault-tolerant quantum systems. My research is focused on optimizing the use of space and time resources in QEC, reducing the overhead associated with error correction protocols, and designing scalable, efficient solutions.

Throughout my doctoral work, I have authored numerous research papers, ten of which I led as the first author. These publications form the foundation of my dissertation and represent years of detailed exploration into the practical challenges and opportunities in QEC. In recognition of my work, I was honored with a nomination for the Outstanding Research Assistant Award at Penn State.

Industry Experience: Internship at QED-C

During the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to intern at the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), managed by SRI International. My project focused on benchmarking the performance of quantum Hamiltonians, a topic central to understanding and improving quantum simulations.

The result of this work was a paper titled “A Comprehensive Cross-Model Framework for Benchmarking the Performance of Quantum Hamiltonian Simulations.” I served as the lead author of this paper, which was accepted for presentation at the American Physical Society (APS) Global Physics Summit 2025 and published in the IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering journal. This project not only expanded my research expertise but also marked a significant milestone in my academic career.

You can read more about my internship experience in a featured article on the QED-C blog here.

Educational Background and Professional Experience

I earned my Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM), Kolkata, affiliated with West Bengal University of Technology (WBUT), in 2018. During my undergraduate studies, I received the Director’s Award for Best Student Contribution in recognition of my academic and extracurricular involvement.

Before beginning my Ph.D. journey, I worked as a Software Developer and Quality Assurance Lead at I2I TeleSolutions and TeleMedicine in Bangalore, India. There, I led the development of a telemedicine application, guided the company through an ISO 9001 certification audit, and was honored with an Award of Appreciation for successfully implementing the Quality Management System.

Making Quantum Knowledge Accessible

A major part of my mission as a researcher is to make quantum computing more accessible. Having entered the field from a computer science background, I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate its steep learning curve. To help others make that transition, I have created a series of approachable resources titled “For Dummies” papers, including: Quantum Error Correction for Dummies, Quantum Random Access Memory for Dummies, and Lattice Surgery for Dummies.

These resources are written with clarity and simplicity in mind, offering an entry point into complex quantum topics for students, professionals, and curious learners alike.

In addition, I am currently writing a book on quantum computing aimed at younger readers and absolute beginners. This book is designed to be playful, clear, and engaging—something that anyone can pick up and understand. My goal is to spark interest, curiosity, and confidence in the next generation of thinkers and innovators.

Supporting Students and Building Community

Having gone through the challenges of graduate school myself, I am deeply committed to supporting others on their academic journeys. I believe that pursuing a Ph.D. should not be a solitary experience, and I actively encourage students to reach out with questions, whether academic, emotional, or logistical.

Mentoring new students in my lab has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my experience at Penn State. I work closely with each student to help them navigate the complexities of quantum research, and I aim to create an environment where they feel supported, inspired, and confident in their abilities.

Advocacy and Leadership in STEM

As a woman of color working in the specialized field of quantum computing, I am passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion in science and engineering. I am actively involved in outreach initiatives such as Girls In Quantum, where I contribute to projects and collaborations aimed at promoting diversity in the quantum community.

My commitment to service also includes peer reviewing for leading academic journals such as Nature Partner Journals - Quantum Information, Quantum Information Processing, The Journal of Supercomputing, and IEEE Computer Architecture Letters. I have served on the Technical Program Committee for IEEE Quantum Week in both 2024 and 2025.

I have delivered invited talks at institutions and events including Penn State’s Department of Mathematics, the Silicon Valley Quantum Computing Group, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Genesis of Tomorrow Podcast. Through these engagements, I aim to contribute to the scientific community while encouraging more inclusive participation in emerging fields like quantum computing.

Get in Touch

If you are curious about quantum computing, are considering research in this field, or simply want to connect, I would be happy to hear from you. Whether you are a student, researcher, or an enthusiast, let us work together to make science more open, inclusive, and impactful.

If you are facing challenges in your academic journey, whether related to research, career direction, or personal struggles, I am always open to listening and helping in any way I can. You do not have to go through it alone. I believe in building a community where support and guidance are freely shared. Shoot an email at amc8313[at]psu[dot]edu.

If you’re considering a PhD or are already on that journey, I highly recommend checking out Episode 38 of The Genesis of Tomorrow podcast, where I was invited to share my experience — available on YouTube and Spotify.