Erica Stump '16

Where you've been in your career and where you are going ...


My career journey has been a mix of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, starting with a physics degree and a fascination for quantum computing that grew into a full-fledged career path. I co-founded Quantal Security, where I learned the intricacies of scaling technology and navigating the fragmented landscape of physical security. After stepping away from my startup, I joined DoraHacks to help shape a connected quantum computing community. Now, as I transition into a sales director role at IonQ, my focus is on expanding quantum technology’s reach, bridging research and real-world applications, and collaborating with clients to advance the industry.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline ...



Bridging Quantum Computing Breakthroughs with Real-World Impact: Pioneering Partnerships for the Future of Technology.

How Virginia Tech equipped me for the real world ...


At Virginia Tech, I found the confidence to pursue big goals. In elementary school, I struggled with attention issues and was often seen as a “problem child,” but I worked hard to develop techniques to stay focused. My journey shifted in high school when my physics teacher recognized my potential and was the first to truly encourage my academic abilities. I entered Virginia Tech feeling unsure of myself, worried that I was somehow behind my peers. But through the support of incredible professors, my advisor Diane, and an inspiring class — the largest group of women in physics to graduate that year — I gained a newfound assurance in my abilities. We learned together, helped each other, and celebrated our different ways of understanding. This experience shaped my perspective and is a big part of why I am where I am today.

A key habit, practice, or skill that's worth the effort ...



Create a routine that nurtures both your mind and body. Taking care of yourself is essential for happiness and fulfillment. Prioritize exercise, healthy eating, and meaningful friendships. These things take effort and become even harder to maintain after leaving school, but they’re vital for staying balanced and high-performing. I had a moment of realization one day when I woke up, working from home, and noticed most of my friends had moved away. To rebuild my social circle, I set a goal to chat with someone new at the gym each day. Now, I have three close friends from that simple commitment to connection.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry ...




The biggest misconception about my industry is that quantum computing is only for the distant future or that it’s exclusively theoretical. While it’s true that quantum computing is complex and still evolving, practical applications are already emerging, and industries are beginning to see real value. Another misconception is that it’s only for physicists or computer scientists. In reality, we need a diverse range of expertise — engineering, software development, even sales and business strategy — to bring quantum solutions to market and make them accessible to the world. Another misconception that people have is that quantum computing will be able to replace classical computing. This isn't the case. In the future, classical computers and quantum computers will work together in so many industries. The analogy I like: Classical computers are like cars. They're great at navigating roads. Quantum computers are like boats. They can't drive on roads very well, but they can explore a whole new terrain like lakes and oceans. Quantum computers can be used to solve problems that would take classical computers too much time. These problems include complex optimization problems like what you see in portfolio optimization or supply chain management, simulations in physics and chemistry, drug discovery, and training AI/machine learning.

A person who has inspired me ...



1) I met my husband Jamie in quantum physics at Virginia Tech which he was taking for fun. He is the smartest person I've ever known and he inspires me to always be self reflective and challenge myself. 2) My dad came from a poor family in a remote part of the country and he pursued a career that had taken him to amazing places. He has inspired me to always have an optimistic attitude and work hard to achieve the things you want in life.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...




"Lose Yourself"
- Eminem

Top of my bucket list ...




Give a Ted Talk

If I had a superpower, it would be ...



Teleportation

My favorite quote...




"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."
– George Addair

Favorite way to end the day ...





Playing a video game with my husband or laughing together about something ridiculous we read or saw that day.

Favorite podcast ...






"How I Built This with Guy Raz"

The work project/initiative you're most excited about ...


Right now, I’m most excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in quantum computing to quantum computing sales. I'm excited to help design and implement joint research collaborations at IonQ and laboratories and universities all over the world. Working closely with clients and the applications research team, I’ll be able to bridge quantum computing hardware capabilities with practical, real-world applications. It's a chance to combine my technical background with my passion for building meaningful partnerships that push the industry forward. Seeing how quantum technology can solve previously insurmountable problems — and being part of that process— is incredibly fulfilling and drives me every day.

Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition ...


I was the president of the Virginia Tech chapter of Help Save the Next Girl. This organization was focused on raising awareness when people go missing through social media blasts and working with Virginia Tech Police and other student organizations to educate safety, especially to women on campus. This led to my strong interest in security when founding Quantal Security and also supporting the No Room for Human Trafficking nonprofit. I had the opportunity to represent Help Save the Next Girl during Homecoming in 2016 on Homecoming Court. It was a blast!

Best part of being a Virginia Tech alum ...


I frequently encounter fellow Hokies — whether in business, within my community here in Tennessee, or while traveling across the country — who are doing incredible things. It fills me with pride to see their achievements.

Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student ...



You don’t need to be at the top of your class to reach big goals. Dedication, playing to your strengths, acknowledging and working on your weaknesses, and constantly stepping outside your comfort zone in every aspect of your life will take you far. Also, don't forget to go to the gym and take care of yourself ;)

Best advice I've gotten...



The best advice I’ve been given is that no one is really paying as much attention to you as you think. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying “what will people think if I?” But in reality, everyone is more focused on themselves. Don’t let your own doubts or assumptions hold you back. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things, go to that yoga class even if you’ve never done yoga before. Everyone was a beginner once, and no one is watching as closely as you imagine.

A cause I'm most passionate about ...




Human trafficking. Seventy five percent of human trafficking involves the use of hotels. Hotel security is minimal. This is one of the areas that we were hoping to address down the road with Quantal Security. Organizations like No Room for Human Trafficking are aiming to address this in various ways.

Last book I read ...




"Atomic Habits."

This excites me most about the future of my industry ...




What excites me most about the future of my industry is the potential for quantum computing to solve problems we once thought were impossible. As advancements accelerate, we’re on the brink of breakthroughs that could transform areas like healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity. It’s thrilling to think about how quantum technology can drive innovation and create real-world impact.

I'm most proud of ...





1) My family. My husband and I have a 3-year-old daughter and I feel so lucky to see life through her eyes. 2) Learning to harness my gifts to make an impact in an industry that I'm passionate about. 3) Recognizing my failures and learning from those experiences.

The most formative experience I've had ...






It's difficult to choose one for this. 1) The most formative experience I've had was founding Quantal Security. It was a journey that forced me to step beyond my comfort zone, sharpen my instincts, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I had to learn how to navigate the complexities of the quantum industry while building a team, securing funding, and managing setbacks. It taught me resilience, humility, and the art of persistence in the face of constant challenges. I discovered the importance of surrounding myself with people who shared my vision, and I realized that setbacks were just stepping stones. The experience shaped not only my professional skills but also my worldview, reinforcing that growth often comes from the most demanding paths. 2) My earliest formative experience was navigating attention issues in elementary school. My imagination loved to wander, and focusing on schoolwork was a real challenge. Every day, my mom patiently worked with me, teaching me learning strategies and often reteaching what I’d covered in class. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, determination, and a set of life techniques that continue to serve me well. Learning to harness my focus and direct my energy where it mattered shaped my work ethic and helped me understand the power of persistence and self-discipline.