Women in Quantum: Meet Athira Krishnan Sreedevi, Quantum Hardware Engineer at planqc

Athira, what is your full name, current role, and your connection to planqc? 

My name is Athira Krishnan Sreedevi, and I currently work as a quantum hardware engineer at planqc. I am part of the team developing neutral atom quantum computing hardware that centers on turning fundamental atomic physics into scalable quantum technology. 

Can you tell us briefly about your professional background and how you joined the company? 

I trained as an experimental physicist, completing my PhD in atomic physics from National University of Singapore where I worked on ultracold fermionic atoms in optical lattices. My research focused on building and operating complex experimental systems and exploring strongly correlated quantum matter. This gave me a solid foundation in neutral atom platforms and quantum hardware development. 

During my PhD, I realized that what I enjoyed most was the hands-on side of research and this growing interest is what drew me towards industry. planqc stood out to me because of its clear focus and its strong scientific culture. I was excited by the opportunity to contribute my experimental background to a fast-growing company and the thought of collaborating with an inspiring group of people was incredibly appealing. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, technology, or innovation? 

I am an inherently curious person, and I feel like once you have experienced the joy of figuring out solutions to complicated problems then there is no going back. Physics stood out to me because it combined theory with experiment and gave me the opportunity to actually build something, test it, and learn from what went wrong as much as from what worked.  

On a more personal note, I’ve always been a big fan of Iron Man and Jarvis, and during an internship in Canada I had the chance to visit a cold-atom lab for the first time. Seeing such a complex setup packed with lasers, optics, and carefully engineered systems felt like stepping into something straight out of science fiction. It instantly fascinated me and challenged me to learn the field, and that moment stayed with me as I started seriously considering a future in quantum. 

Being in a field that is still predominantly male, did you experience feeling like a minority during your studies or early career? If so, were there any particular moments, feelings, or challenges, and how did you deal with them?

I think I was very fortunate to have supportive colleagues and mentors along the way who encouraged me and shaped me into a confident person.  Both during my PhD (where I was the only women in the lab) and here at planqc, I am lucky to be surrounded by supportive teammates and mentors who encourages questions, shares their knowledge, and makes me feel welcomed. I feel like having that sense of community makes a big difference, and over time I grew more confident and more comfortable speaking up and taking ownership of my work. 

What has been a highlight or proudest moment in your career so far? 

One of the proudest moments in my career so far was successfully defending my PhD thesis. When I joined the lab, it was largely dormant, and I took on the challenge of kick-starting it and running complex ultracold-atom experiments. At first, nothing worked without long stretches of troubleshooting, but gradually seeing the systems come to life and produce results was incredibly rewarding. Getting a delicate system to behave the way you intend teaches a lot about persistence and problem-solving, and those experiences still shape how I approach my work today. 

More recently, after joining planqc, there are days when I sit with my team discussing the next experimental sequence or trying to debug something, and then it dawns on me that I am indeed working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the world. That realization is incredibly fulfilling. 

What is your role within the company, and how does your work contribute to planqc’s mission? 

In my role at planqc, I work on the experimental development of neutral-atom quantum hardware. My focus is on building, testing, and optimizing parts of the system that are essential for trapping, controlling, and manipulating atoms reliably which connects directly to Planqc’s mission of creating scalable quantum computers. 

Why do you think diversity of roles – from research to administration, business development, HR, and beyond – is important in quantum technology? 

Quantum technology is inherently complex, and no single discipline can move it forward on its own. Turning cutting-edge research into a real product requires not only scientists and engineers, but also people who build teams, manage operations, communicate with partners, and shape long-term strategy. Having diversity across roles and among the people in those roles brings different perspectives to the table, which often leads to better decisions and more creative solutions. Collaboration between technical and non-technical teams is essential for translating ideas from the lab into functioning companies, and that cross-pollination is what ultimately helps the field grow faster and more sustainably. 

What do you enjoy most about working at planqc? 

What I enjoy most about working at planqc is being part of a team where curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration are encouraged every day. I like that my work has a clear connection to the bigger goal of building scalable quantum computers, and that I get to see small improvements in the lab contribute directly to this exciting mission. I also really value the supportive culture at planqc where people are open to sharing knowledge, helping each other solve problems, and celebrating progress together, which makes coming to work enjoyable. 

What is your vision for the future of women in science, technology, or quantum?

I would love for more young women to see these fields as accessible and exciting, and to feel confident pursuing them from an early stage. It’s important to continue building supportive communities, mentorship networks, and opportunities that encourage diverse voices, not just in research, but across all roles in quantum technology. I’m optimistic that as more women join and thrive, the field will benefit from a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and innovations. 

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science, technology, or innovation? 

Stay curious and focus on building your skills and confidence, step by step. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, or take on challenges that feel intimidating and believe that those are the moments where you learn the most. Seek out mentors and supportive communities and remember that your perspective is valuable. Science and technology need diverse voices, and the contributions you make matter, even if they sometimes feel small at first. 

Do you have a favorite quote, motto, or piece of advice that inspires you in your work?

"Little by little, one travels far" is a quote I find inspiring and which resonates with me. 

Is there a fun fact about you that you’d like to share?

If you see me smiling or laughing randomly in the middle of a conversation, chances are I’m associating it with a movie dialogue in my head.