Welcome to Avimita's corner of the web!

My name is Avimita Chatterjee, and I am a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Applied Mathematics and Computational Research (AMCR) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). My position is funded through the Department of Energy’s Quantum Systems Accelerator. I am a member of the Applied Computing for Scientific Discovery (ACSD) group, led by Bert de Jong.

I have previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of West Florida. I completed my Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. My doctoral research focused on Quantum Computing, with a particular emphasis on Quantum Error Correction (QEC). During the summer of 2024, I also had the opportunity to intern at the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), managed by Stanford Research Institute (SRI) International. Confusion, Clarity, and Quantum Highs: A Summer at the QED-C.

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
• Research – Broad research areas, project themes, and selected directions of work
• Publications – Peer-reviewed papers, manuscripts, and selected preprints
• Media - Recordings of interviews, podcasts, and public talks
• Teaching – Courses and academic mentoring

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.

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. Feel free to shoot me an email at AvimitaChatterjee[at]lbl[dot]gov.

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.