Who are we?
The Quantum Coalition is a group of students and enthusiasts in undergraduate quantum computing clubs, founded in 2020 as a partnership between Stanford and Yale to host the first QC Hack 2021. The Coalition has grown to include clubs at Duke, Berkeley, UT Austin, the University of Maryland, and the Izmir Institute of Technology!
Our Values
We believe in no barriers to entry. Our organization is committed to creating experiences where anyone can exchange scientific ideas, learn, and take the next steps on their journey into quantum.
We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for solving the most pressing scientific challenges in quantum
You’re unique, and so is our space. Our foundation is built upon undergraduate student organizations like yours to share resources, build our community, and train the future quantum workforce.
Accessibility
Diversity
Community
Conference Leadership
Ben McDonough
Yale
Ben (He/Him) is a Yale junior in the class of 2024. Ben is a physics major with interests in quantum information and condensed matter theory, and he loves the connection of quantum computing with both emergent and fundamental phenomena in physics. Ben has conducted research into quantum error correcting protocols, quantum error mitigation techniques, circuit-QED platforms, and continuous variable computing, and is currently working on a project developing a generalized-cat state amplification protocol. He also values the quantum computing community, and currently serves as co-president of the Yale undergraduate Quantum Computing group (YuQC). In his free time, Ben enjoys rock-climbing, learning languages, and playing Flute in the Yale Dpops Orchestra.
Michelle Gelman
The University of Texas at Austin
Michelle Gelman is a senior CS+ Math major with a minor in entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on the intersection of learning theory and hybrid variational algorithms to explore near-term optimization techniques. She values building an undergraduate community for quantum enthusiasts to make the entry barrier more accessible and is thrilled to be a part of the Quantum Coalition in support of this cause. For the Quantum Collective @ UT Austin, she serves as President. She has interned both at Microsoft Research and IBM Quantum as a Product Management intern.
She also loves rock climbing, karaoke, and product design!
Jade LeShack
University of Maryland - College Park
Jade is a second-year student studying physics and math. She is the founder and president of the Undergraduate Quantum Association at the University of Maryland. She conducts research in AMO physics using neutral atoms for single-photon isolation. She also conducts research in quantum thermodynamics investigating non-commuting charges. Jade is excited by the promise of quantum technology and is also interested in the entrepreneurial side of the emerging quantum industry. In her free time, Jade likes to make ice cream, play ultimate frisbee, and SCUBA dive!
Berke Efe
Izmir Institute of Technology
Berke, a second-year physics student, is currently engaged in the study of Quantum Key Distribution with single photons within the field of Quantum Optics. Driven by his passion to unlock the secrets of quantum world through using the quantum itself, he became involved in Quantum Information Science. Believing in the power of collaboration of an intellectual community, Berke co-founded the Iztech Physics Society and currently serves as its co-president. He is delighted to be part of the Quantum Coalition and is eager to make a contribution to the undergraduate QIS community.
Berke also cherishes exploring new places and being surrounded by nature.
Jyoti Rani
Berkelely
Jyoti (she/her) is a freshman in UC Berkeley's Management Entrepreneurship & Technology program in the class of 2025 majoring in Electrical Engineering + Computer Science (EECS) & Business. She has interests in quantum machine learning, chemistry, & error correction. Last summer, she was in the Applications team at IonQ. For Quantum Computing @ Berkeley (QC@B), she serves as External Vice President & Liaison to the Quantum Coalition. In her free time, Jyoti loves to explore a new place outdoors, sing, and meditate.
Dhruv Srinivasan
University of Maryland
Dhruv Srinivasan (he/him) is a Physics and Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research is focused on the photonics surrounding topological frequency conversion as part of the FloQuET group at UMD, as well as optimizing quantum gate sets using gradient-based approaches using quantum computers in conjunction with HPC clusters. With a passion for STEM education and outreach in the quantum sciences, Dhruv is thrilled to be a part of the Quantum Coalition and serves as the Events Director for the University of Maryland's Undergraduate Quantum Association. He will be joining IBM Quantum this summer as a Quantum Hardware Intern.
Melike Aydemir
Izmir Institute of Technology
Melike is an undergraduate student of Physics with a keen interest in the field of quantum information. Currently, she is studying in Quantum Key Distribution at the Quantum Optics laboratory. Melike is also a co-founder and co-president of the Iztech Physics Society, motivated by her desire for learning. As a member of the Quantum Coalition, she derives immense pleasure in working towards building an inspiring and inclusive community for undergraduate students. Beyond academia, she loves drawing, experimenting with new recipes, and being in nature.
