Dr Mengbo Long, an Experimental Quantum Scientist at Quantum Dice, focuses on developing and experimentally testing quantum theories. Her work enables her to see the seed of an idea evolve into a tangible, marketable product. In this blog, Mengbo recounts her journey into quantum physics, compares the experiences of working in research versus at a quantum start-up, discusses her experience of being a woman working in the quantum field, and shares valuable career advice for girls and women interested in pursuing a career in quantum science
What initially led you to pursue a career as a quantum physicist? Were you interested in physics from a young age?
I have always found physics fascinating and at school I enjoyed doing experiments in science classes. My undergraduate degree was in engineering where I studied classical physics, and I became particularly interested in light and optics. After coming to the UK to study for my graduate degree at Imperial College, London, I discovered the opportunity to do a UKRI sponsored integrated doctrine programme. This programme is what brought me into quantum physics, which I found to be both challenging and rewarding.
What did you do before joining Quantum Dice?
I was doing my PhD at Imperial College, London, on squeezed state source. A squeezed state is a type of quantum state that can be used for a wide range of applications that includes quantum communication and quantum computing.
...I discovered the opportunity to do a UKRI sponsored doctrine programme. This programme is what brought me into quantum physics, which I found to be both challenging and rewarding."
What appealed to you about the role of Experimental Quantum Physicist at Quantum Dice?
With the role at Quantum Dice, I found an opportunity to both develop theories and experimentally test them. The nature of the role allows you to see an idea created from scratch develop into a market-facing product – and that’s really exciting.
The nature of the role allows you to see an idea created from scratch develop into a market-facing product - and that's really exciting."
How does working for a quantum technology start-up compare with working in research and academia?
They are actually quite similar environments because in both start-ups and research we would explore and test our ideas, work with a team, and communicate our findings. I think the one difference might lie in the pace of progress. Research is quite thorough and detailed, meaning milestones might be separated by months or years, while in industry the drive for practical applications means it will be more fast-paced.
What does a typical day look like as an Experimental Quantum Physicist at Quantum Dice?
On a typical day I start off by checking updates and emails. Then I have a period of focus time working on my project, this involves deriving equations, simulating results, taking measurements, and analysing data. In the afternoon, we might have a tech team meeting to share updates on ongoing projects. Afterwards, we focus on solving any problems that are blocking progress.
How do you experiment in your role and how does it translate into a tangible product?
Our team is constantly evaluating alternative system designs that offer better performance, lower cost, or open the door to further innovation. In my role, I’m often exploring the theoretical underpinnings of these designs and advising on the path to testing the theory.
Our team is constantly evaluating alternative system designs that offer better performance, lower cost, or open the door to further innovation."
What do you enjoy the most in your role?
Ultimately, I enjoy discovering new things and that is something I get to do a lot of in my role at Quantum Dice. It’s also really satisfying to see how my work can become a future product for the company.
What part of your role is the most challenging?
Part of theory work means being asked questions for which there are no known answers. This is a challenging aspect of the role, but also one of the most rewarding.
Part of theory work means being asked questions for which there are no known answers."
Are there any exciting initiatives coming up at Quantum Dice?
We have recently recruited this year’s cohort of our summer interns which is very exciting. We are looking forward to having two interns join us in the summer months and they will be working closely with members of our tech team helping us to understand more about potential products and exploring potential applications.
What is it like to be a woman working as a quantum scientist? Have you seen the number of women working or studying in the field change over the course of your career?
I’ve seen a growing number of women studying and working in quantum physics. More women are taking on leadership roles, including at Quantum Dice where a large portion of our leadership team are women. There is still a long way to go to close the gender gap, but I’ve seen progress over the years.
More women are taking on leadership roles, including at Quantum Dice, where a large portion of our leadership team are women."
What advice would you give to girls or women who are interested in pursuing a career in quantum science?
I would say that it is important to be curious and ask lots of questions – curiosity is the source of creation. It is a good idea to take STEM subjects in school because this will help to build the foundation of your knowledge. I would also advise attending industry conferences early on – it is a really key way to learn about what is happening in the field and get to know other researchers. Last but not least, be confident – you can do this!
