Dinah Shi

Cryptography, quantum theory and their intersection were among the new topics introduced to DINAH SHI at QCSYS. She was fascinated by the real implications of quantum cryptography on everyday life: “A quantum algorithm could render cryptography based on factoring large composite integers insecure, and that’s dangerous.” The lecturers, faculty members and graduate students, also inspired Shi. “They were clearly passionate about this niche, highly advanced subject. It made me want to discover a technical topic that I could get excited about and become a master at my craft.”

Now a fourth year undergraduate student studying software engineering at the University of Waterloo, Shi is well on her way to mastering her craft. She is interested in how technology affects end consumers and businesses, and plans to use her skills as a programmer. Today, Shi leads the Waterloo chapter of Women Who Code, a program that inspires women to excel in careers in technology by organizing tech talks, panels and networking events. Her advice for future QCSYS students: “Come ready to learn!”