“SheQuantum’s exclusive” interview with Dr. Helena Liebelt, Professor of Computer Science @ Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Bavaria, Germany & Quantum Computing Lead @ Intel Labs Europe

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: Straight to the point! You are a successful woman professor, industry leader and an entrepreneur. Which one of these roles do you like the most and why?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: This is the same as asking me which one of my three children I love the most (spoiler: I love them all with all my heart).

“There is really no favourite as each of the areas appeals to a different aspect of my personality and compliments the other two.”

There is really no favourite as each of the areas appeals to a different aspect of my personality and compliments the other two. The privilege to be able to actually pursue all of them gives me the tools to be a better version in all those roles. For example – as a scientist I have the freedom to not only follow developments, but to initiate them and as an industry professional in the field I can be on the forefront of technology as it is being developed and brought into the market and usage.

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: You are a part of the quantum academia in addition to being an industry expert in quantum computing. What’s your opinion on women choosing academia vs the industry?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: I think those women are extremely brave. To follow your path in Academia, as we all know too well, is not about the pay check, it is about passion and personal conviction.

“To follow your path in Academia, as we all know too well, is not about the pay check, it is about passion and personal conviction.”

To do something to advance humanity is a noble goal but within the challenging restrictions of academia it requires guts and stamina.

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: What’s your role as a Professor of Computer Science @ Deggendorf Institute of Technology? Could you briefly explain the current Quantum Computing research work undertaken at DIT?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: I am very proud to announce the new and unique Masters Program “High-Performance Computing / Quanten- Computing, M.Sc.” (https://www.th-deg.de/qc-m).

I spent a fair portion of my technical career out in the field, working closely with the industry, leading universities and research facilities. They all have in common the struggle for competent professionals within the leading edge fields. Quantum Computing, of course, being one of them.

“They all have in common the struggle for competent professionals within the leading edge fields. Quantum Computing of course being one of them.”

The technical University Deggendorf is a leading School focusing on applied sciences, and is again pioneering with offering yet again a new and much needed program starting in Fall 2021. The very limited number of select candidates will receive an extensive yet balanced world-class education and access a vast network of industry and academia partners.

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: As a Scientific Expert in Quantum Computing at Intel Labs, what’s your advice to women quantum researchers in the industry?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: Be curious, be passionate and be flexible.

“Be curious, be passionate and be flexible.”

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: What’s your one advice for young girls who aspire to pursue the field of quantum computing?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: This is frankly the best time to engage in the field. We are yet at the beginning of this long journey. With so many avenues to pursue, you have maximal flexibility in terms of research with many countries and regions actively supporting the developments. Many discoveries and advancements shall be made, to do so the world needs you! My advice is simple – follow your passion, but be flexible in your approach so you don’t miss out on opportunities.

“This is frankly the best time to engage in the field. We are yet at the beginning of this long journey.”

Question from Nithyasri @SheQuantum: Do we have enough women in the quantum computing?

Answer from Dr. Helena Liebelt @DIT, Germany: Absolutely not! Though the world of Informatics (and Physics for that matter) does not look uniformly male any more, we are still far from parity. And here is what I have to say about SheQuantum, SheQuantum is absolutely brilliant.

“The access and the visibility this platform SheQuantum provides should be celebrated for connecting and empowering women in technology.”

The Platform specifically targets and connects women interested in Quantum, providing a much needed safe space for women facing similar challenges and enabling the sharing of experiences and ideas.

Sometimes it is the small things that help us become successful: the encouragement, the access and the visibility this platform provides should be celebrated for connecting and empowering women in technology.

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About Dr Helena Liebelt: Dr. Helena Liebelt is a Professor of Computer Science @ Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Bavaria, Germany and Leading Quantum Computing in EMEA as a Technical Program Manager @ Intel Labs.  She is also the CEO and Founder of HeLi Computing. Very interestingly Dr Helena is one quantum computing woman, established herself in academia, industry and also as an entrepreneur with successful stints in all. She is also an international senior High-Performance Computing industry professional, trusted advisor and influencer with rich experience and has a track record in inspiring teams, establishing new products and business models.

About Nithyasri Srivathsan:  Nithyasri, Founder & CEO, SheQuantum is an aspiring Quantum Computing Scientist and the author of “Quantum Computing An [Unconventional Beginners’] Book” which was honored by BookAuthority with the “1 of the 6 Best Quantum Computing eBooks for Beginners” International Award 2020. Nithyasri deeply enjoys using her voice through SheQuantum to impact, inspire and quantum educate women. She is keen on influencing women across the globe to pursue the field of Quantum Computing and has a proven success record in this. A strong advocate of the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, Nithyasri’s passionate about making women perceive Quantum Computing through the lenses of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and every other natural science that there is. Nithyasri aims to conduct cutting-edge research in Quantum Computing, Programming Languages, and Quantum Algorithms and is very keen on being a part of the quantum academia, in order to teach quantum in the simplest way yet without the loss of mathematical rigorousness. Always up to making a meaningful contribution to Quantum Computing in every way possible!