Meet Satchel Armena

Satchel Armena

MSc Student | Physics (Quantum Information)

Satchel Armena’s interest in quantum information began in high school, when her physics teacher encouraged her to apply to the Institute for Quantum Computing’s (IQC) high school enrichment opportunity, Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (now known as the Quantum School for Young Students). Participating gave Satchel a new appreciation for the varying fields of physics, and helped her learn how to apply quantum mechanics to computing – a topic not typically covered in high school classes. 

Then, during her undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta, Satchel found more opportunities to explore quantum information science by participating in IQC’s Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing, and working as an undergraduate research assistant for IQC faculty member Dr. Kevin Resch. 

Satchel has now come full circle as a graduate student at IQC, and is actively volunteering with the outreach programs that inspired her to begin her quantum journey. 

Satchel’s favourite thing about studying at IQC is the enthusiastic community of researchers and graduate students. When looking for graduate schools, her familiarity with IQC’s tight-knit community was a deciding factor, as she wanted to feel supported during her studies. From social events like barbeques and daily afternoon faculty and student informal gatherings enjoyed over cookies to impromptu conversations with other researchers that lead to new insights for experiments, Satchel describes IQC as a warm and welcoming environment. 

“Community in physics was very important to me. I didn’t want to feel like I was isolated during graduate school, especially because I was starting during the pandemic. I knew that at IQC, people are always willing to talk to you and help you out. Here it just feels more cooperative than competitive.” 

Satchel’s master’s research explores using different properties of entangled photons to probe fundamental theories in quantum physics, called Bell inequalities. Through her research, she studies which theories best predict experimental results, with a focus on improving our fundamental understanding of nature. By better understanding these fundamental theories of quantum physics, scientists can lay the groundwork for future discoveries and breakthroughs. 

Satchel views IQC as unique from other schools because there are so many experts spanning many different areas of quantum research all in one place. “At IQC, there is such a variety of experts and opportunities to learn about quantum information from new perspectives, while at other schools, there might only be one or two researchers studying quantum topics.” 

Following her master’s degree, Satchel plans to pursue a PhD, with an end goal of finding work in an industry environment. She encourages students who are just starting graduate school to go out of their way to talk to people and engage with the community at IQC. “After a day at work, it’s great to be able to socialize with peers at IQC. People know each other more here and are always willing to talk and help you out.”