Michelle Simmons Quantum computing scientist by Nova Weetman

Professor Michelle Simmons, a quantum computing scientist, is the latest Australian to be featured in the fabulous Aussie STEM Stars series. For those who may be unfamiliar with quantum computing there is so much to be learnt from reading Michelle’s fascinating story. In her own words, “Quantum computers will perform calculations in seconds that would otherwise take thousands of years.”

Michelle’s story begins with her fervent wish to play soccer with her father and brother. This determination was the beginning of Michelle’s foray into male-dominated areas and excelling in the process. From the age of eight, Michelle mastered the game of chess by quietly watching her father and brother make their moves on the chessboard. She then challenged her father and beat him in her first match. This launched her into playing competitive chess culminating in playing against all boys in an Under 12’s competition in the UK and naturally she won.

Michelle joined her brother at the local comprehensive high school where she enjoyed learning and studied hard. She was accepted into university to study a double Science degree studying Physics and Chemistry. Her PhD centred on finding ways to ‘capture a higher percentage of the sun’s energy and produce a more efficient solar cell than was being used at the time.’

Michelle’s journey has taken her many places, and she was always trying to further her thinking and master new skills especially when it came to atoms. She applied for a fellowship in Sydney to help set up the new Centre for Quantum Computer Technology at the University of New South Wales. Michelle arrived in June 1999 and her path was set. Over many years she was instrumental in designing, overseeing and working collaboratively with incredibly talented people to create technologies never thought possible - with one of her biggest achievements being the single-atom transistor. As the winner of many awards throughout her career perhaps the highlight for Michelle is becoming the 2018 Australian of the Year.

This amazing story will provide so much encouragement for all readers, especially girls, to know that they have the ability to achieve whatever they want through hard work and persistence.

Themes: Family, Competition, Chess, STEM, Research, Education, Computing, Atoms, Women in Science.

Kathryn Beilby