With Columbia University’s Quantum Master’s in Science and Technology officially underway, the Columbia Quantum Initiative would like to introduce you to a few members of the inaugural class as they work their way through the new program in the coming months.
First up, meet Tyson Allen. No stranger to Columbia, she has provided technical support to the Columbia Nano Initiative (CNI) Lab community for the past two years. In this Q&A, she shares why she is excited about quantum science and technology and what she hopes to take from the master’s program.
Why are you excited about quantum science & technology?
Since my first introduction to Quantum Mechanics in Physical Chemistry, I needed to know more. The idea that there were things we cannot perceive but could mathematically prove brought a paradigm shift to my relationship with science. I have followed quantum materials and photonics closely for the last two years due to my professional investment as a full-time member of Columbia Nano Initiative's technical support staff. Dipping my toe into nanofabrication and advanced characterization has fueled my fire to study quantum materials and help make better qubits.
Where are you joining Columbia from?
I was a military brat until 2nd grade, so where I am from is a little murky. I spent much of my life in Texas and Southern Georgia, but I am an "honorary New Yorker" by marriage and attitude. NYC is home. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry in 2020 at the neighboring City University of New York. I intended to do a small research project in solid state/crystal lattices before Covid-19 shut everything down. I'm still a little salty about not getting to walk at graduation.
What drew you to the Quantum Master's?
What didn't immediately draw me in? I was already looking into a master's program at Columbia that would involve working in the Cleanroom and moving into a more professional engineering role. When this program was announced, it felt like a dream. It is the perfect way for me to get back into the lab and contribute more to my team.
What are you looking forward to most?
I crave a challenge, and Columbia Engineering will challenge me like never before. Attending Columbia University has been a dream of mine for most of my life so I think living out that dream is going to be the best part. I cannot wait to dig into Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Materials, and especially Nanofabrication! I want to use all these instruments I've been managing at CNI all this time.
What do you hope to take away from the program?
I am so fortunate to already have a career at Columbia. With this master's program, the opportunities available to me here expand exponentially. Maybe a bit bold of me, but perhaps I'll even take one of my bosses's jobs one of these days! (Only when they are good and ready to retire, of course!)
