Speaker:
Laura Thomas
ColdQuanta

Abstract:

Quantum technology will be transformational. When applied, quantum has the power to dramatically improve our society, as well as cause major disruptions on the national security and economic security fronts. This presentation will provide an overview of the fundamentals of quantum technology, to include the three major branches of quantum technology development: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum networking. We will discuss use cases for each and explore where the technology stands today, its commercialization and hardware engineering challenges, and potential pathways for a quantum future.

About: Laura Thomas is the Senior Director of National Security Solutions at ColdQuanta, a quantum sensing and computing company. She is a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer and Chief of Base who led sensitive programs at CIA Headquarters and abroad in multiple, international assignments. She is a subject matter expert on the intersection of emerging technology and national security. She has served over 15 years in national security and leadership roles, working extensively across the U.S. intelligence community, National Security Council, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Congress, and with foreign partners.

The weekly security seminar has been held every semester since spring of 1992. We invite personnel at Purdue and visitors from outside to present on topics of particular interest to them in the areas of computer and network security, computer crime investigation, information warfare, information ethics, public policy for computing and security, the computing "underground," and other related topics. More info