Cihan Okay

Cihan Okay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Bilkent University. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of British Columbia (2014). His research explores quantum computation using topological and algebraic methods, focusing on quantum contextuality, classical simulation algorithms, and homotopical frameworks.

Research interests include quantum foundations, category theory, and classical simulation of quantum systems. Key areas are quantum contextuality as a computational resource, simplicial distributions for modeling quantum phenomena, and optimization of simulation algorithms.

His publications bridge quantum computing with topology, emphasizing Bell scenarios, operadic structures, and resource theories. Recent work targets quantum advantage verification and lattice-based simulations.

Awards include the BAGEP Young Scientist Award. He leads the project 'Homotopical Quantum Computation' funded by the U.S. Air Force (2024–2029).

Okay supervises graduate students in quantum algorithms and topology. His group, Bilkent Quantum Computing and Topology, collaborates internationally and develops computational tools like CNC simulators and simplicial distribution codebases.