Xin Xie, Ph.D., a respected quantum researcher with significant industry experience, is joining the University of Florida’s Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, known as ECE, this fall as a research associate professor.
Xie earned her doctorate from the University of Colorado Boulder and JILA (formerly known as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics) under the mentorship of 2001 Nobel Laureate Professor Eric Cornell and 2022 Breakthrough Prize Laureate Professor Jun Ye. Most recently, she served as a staff scientist for Vector Atomic, a quantum sensing company that brings technology into real-world applications.
“Dr. Xie’s expertise and experience will significantly strengthen our department’s growing leadership in quantum science and engineering. She will be an outstanding addition to our already exceptional quantum research team,” said Mark Tehranipoor, dean of the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and former ECE chair.
A recipient of the IQIM Postdoctoral Fellowship at Caltech, Xie specializes in quantum computing architectures based on atom arrays.
“My Ph.D. training is mostly on experimental atomic physics,” she said. “I focus more on the fundamental physics side. After I graduated, I put that into application because quantum computing nowadays is a really trending technology for people with all kinds of different backgrounds.”
At UF, she plans to bring her industry experience into the classroom so students have a better understanding of the quantum world and their potential in a growing workforce.
“I want to help students in ECE have a better understanding of what people in the quantum industry are talking about and thinking about, and how the students can contribute,” she said. “Every one of them has their niche skill set that could contribute to the whole quantum workforce. Ideally, that’s what I really want to do — help them find the ideal role in the quantum world.”
Outside of labs and classrooms, Xie loves Pilates and working out at the gym. In fact, she said, her “secret wish” is to become a personal trainer specializing in women’s health.
“I really enjoy working out. It’s a very relaxing environment, and everyone gets so encouraged,” said Xie, who is moving to Gainesville with her husband, Sudi Chen, and 10-month-old baby, Veronica.
And while she acknowledges there will be a significant climate difference — mainly the humidity — between her former home in California and Gainesville, she looks forward to kayaking Florida springs and exploring the region’s many natural adventures with her family.