Micheline B. Soley

Micheline B. Soley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an affiliate appointment in Physics. She leads the Soley Research Group, which focuses on developing quantum computing algorithms, tensor-network methods, and quantum control strategies to address fundamental challenges in quantum dynamics and ultracold chemistry. Her research bridges theoretical chemistry, quantum information science, and computational physics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, Harvard University (2020)
• A.M. in Chemistry, Harvard University (2016)
• Yale Quantum Institute Postdoctoral Fellow (2020-2022)
• Fulbright Fellow, Max Born Institute (2013-2014)
• B.S. in Chemistry and Music, Yale University, Magna Cum Laude (2013)

Research Interests: Her work centers on three interconnected pillars: (1) Quantum computing algorithms and tensor-network methods for exact quantum dynamics, overcoming dimensionality limitations in chemical simulations; (2) Ultracold chemistry and quantum control, developing schemes to manipulate chemical reactions and analyze ultracold collisions; and (3) Theoretical spectroscopy, creating tools to simulate UV/X-ray pump-probe experiments for mechanistic studies of processes like isomerization and proton transfer.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on quantum algorithm development (error mitigation, amplitude estimation), tensor-network applications in quantum dynamics and biomolecular simulations, quantum hardware compilation, and fundamental studies of PT symmetry and ultracold collisions. Her work consistently integrates theoretical chemistry with quantum information science.

Awards and Fellowships:

• American Chemical Society Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry Award (2023)
• Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics Fellow (2021)
• Yale Quantum Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2014)
• Fulbright Fellowship (2013-2014)
• DAAD Graduate Scholarship (2013-2014)
• Beckman Scholars Fellowship (2012-2013)
• Phi Beta Kappa (2012)

Advising and Group: She mentors graduate students from Chemistry and Physics programs, including Jingcheng Dai (Chemistry), Atharva Vidwans (Chemistry/Physics), and Henry Lin (Physics-Quantum Computing). Former advisees include Preetham Tikkireddi (Quantum Circuits Inc.) and Jaden Coles (Yale PhD). Her group explores quantum computing, tensor networks, ultracold collisions, and PT symmetry.