Shaping the Future of Quantum: Innovation, Education, and Impact
Dr. Megan Ivory is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, where her work combines cutting-edge quantum research with initiatives to build a quantum-ready workforce. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing quantum technology while ensuring its benefits are accessible to communities and future generations.
Megan has been instrumental in some of the most groundbreaking advancements in quantum science. She was part of the first team in the world to demonstrate cooling ytterbium ions using chip-integrated photonics, a breakthrough that makes quantum devices more compact, stable, and scalable for real-world applications. You can read more about her work at the bottom of the page.
Beyond her contributions to research, Megan is a nationally recognized leader in quantum workforce development. She co-directs QCaMP, a summer camp that introduces high school students and teachers to quantum science through hands-on, engaging activities. Reflecting on the need for programs like QCaMP, Megan explained, “Most people don’t have the opportunity to learn about quantum science unless they’re already a 3rd or 4th year university student majoring in physics or engineering. To address this, QCaMP and QuLL are bringing opportunities to community college students, high school students, and K-12 teachers right here in New Mexico.” By removing traditional barriers, QCaMP has reached nearly 150 educators and over 160 students from communities across the state.
Megan is also leading the creation of the Quantum Learning Lab, a 12-week technician bootcamp launching in 2025 that will equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in quantum technology careers. Both programs reflect her dedication to fostering opportunities for learners from varied disciplines and degrees, starting right here in New Mexico.
Her journey in physics is as inspiring as it is impactful. As the only woman in her graduate physics program, Megan understands the challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups in STEM. These experiences have driven her to champion diversity and accessibility at every step of her career. She has mentored students and professionals across all levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Her work extends to national initiatives like the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, where she connects students with resources to explore quantum careers.
Megan’s work has earned widespread recognition, including the NM Excellence in STEM Mentor Award and the American Physical Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Award. She has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications, delivered keynote talks, and contributed to initiatives aimed at expanding access to quantum education nationwide. Her contributions reflect her belief that science is not just about discovery but also about opening pathways for others to follow.
Megan Ivory’s story is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and education. Her work exemplifies the qualities celebrated in Women in Technology honorees: excellence, leadership, and a commitment to empowering others through mentorship and education.
In quantum science, atoms are like musical instruments that can play specific notes based on their unique structure or energy levels. When they “play a note” or hold a quantum state, they can sustain it for long periods. This makes them invaluable for quantum computing, where precise information processing relies on maintaining stable quantum states, and for atomic clocks, which require unmatched precision. For example, atomic clocks built with ytterbium ions are so accurate they only lose or gain a second over millions of years.
Ytterbium ions are just one kind of atom used in quantum science. To turn on an ion’s “note” or put it into a particular quantum state, scientists use lasers of different colors, each acting like a conductor directing a performance. Each laser beam interacts with the ion to change its state, much like a musician following a conductor’s baton to play a specific note.
Traditionally, this required an intricate arrangement of mirrors and lenses to precisely guide the lasers along a long and winding path to the ions. This setup is delicate and error-prone – imagine a live orchestra trying to perform flawlessly when the conductor is all the way in the back of the audience. Even the slightest misalignment from the conductor could disrupt the performance and compromise the entire system.
Megan Ivory was part of the first team in the world to demonstrate the cooling of ytterbium ions using chip-integrated photonics (technology for manipulating and transmitting light). Instead of relying on external optics, the team designed a microchip with built-in pathways that guide laser beams directly to the ions. This innovation is tantamount to now having the conductor in front of each musician, allowing the atoms to “play their notes” more perfectly without the need for bulky mirrors. The result is a more compact, stable, and scalable system, paving the way for quantum technologies to move out of research labs and into real-world applications.
This work has far-reaching implications. For instance, compact atomic clocks based on this technology could enable ultra-accurate GPS navigation, while quantum computers could revolutionize fields like secure communications by making unhackable encryption possible. Through their contributions to this groundbreaking achievement, Megan and her team have brought us closer to a future where quantum is a fundamental driver of innovation.