Crystal Senko

Dr. Crystal Senko is an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Trapped Ion Quantum Computing at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on quantum simulations, quantum computing with trapped ions, and qudit-based systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland (2014) and a B.Sc. in Physics from Duke University (2009).

Her research interests span Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Trapped Ion Manipulation, and Photonics. Key projects include optimizing qudit-based quantum computing protocols and developing photonic crystal waveguides for atom-photon interactions. Recent work emphasizes trapped ion efficiency, laser noise mitigation, and programmable quantum simulators.

Dr. Senko has authored influential papers on trapped ion systems, including studies on multi-level qudit control, nanophotonic cavity coupling, and non-thermalization in spin chains. Her work bridges theoretical quantum models and experimental advancements in scalable quantum hardware.

• Awards: Canada Research Chair (Trapped Ion Quantum Computing)
• Teaching: Courses include Quantum Physics 2 (PHYS 334), Quantum Mechanics 1 (PHYS 701), and Special Topics in Quantum Information Processing (PHYS 768/QIC 890).
• Labs/Teams: Affiliated with IQC and previously contributed to Harvard’s Center for Ultracold Atoms.