Stacey Jeffery

Stacey Jeffery serves as Professor of Quantum Information at the University of Amsterdam's Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics since 2023 and Senior Researcher at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) and QuSoft since 2017. Her foundational work bridges theoretical computer science and quantum information processing, with emphasis on algorithmic frameworks and cryptographic security in quantum systems.

Her educational trajectory includes a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo (2014), where she was affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing, following prior research at Caltech as an IQIM Postdoctoral Fellow.

Jeffery's research centers on quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography, with pioneering contributions to quantum walk frameworks that enable quadratic speedups for graph problems. She has developed critical frameworks for secure delegation of quantum computation and advanced models for quantum error correction. Her work on multidimensional quantum walks and subroutine composition establishes new paradigms for quantum algorithm design, while investigations into space-time tradeoffs challenge fundamental limits of quantum computation. These theoretical advances directly enable practical quantum cryptographic protocols and error mitigation strategies.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a cohesive evolution toward unified frameworks for quantum algorithm composition, particularly through quantum walk methodologies. Her 2023-2025 works demonstrate increasing sophistication in error reduction techniques and space-efficient quantum computation, while maintaining strong connections to cryptographic applications like software leasing and multi-party computation. The consistent focus on foundational complexity questions—span programs, query complexity, and graph connectivity—underscores her commitment to advancing theoretical underpinnings of quantum computing.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• NWO WISE Fellowship
• NWO Veni Grant
• ERC Starting Grant
• QDNL Award (for co-founding WIQD)
• CIFAR Fellow in Quantum Information Science

Jeffery leads significant research initiatives including an ERC Starting Grant and NWO-funded projects. Her academic mentorship extends through QuSoft's collaborative environment, though specific advisee names aren't publicly cataloged. Professional service includes co-chairing QIP 2022, chairing TQC's steering committee (2021), and directing the Lorentz Center Informatics Advisory board. She actively shapes community standards through roles in QCrypt and ACM SIGACT.

As a core QuSoft researcher and co-founder of WIQD (Women in Quantum Development), Jeffery drives both technical innovation and diversity initiatives. Her laboratory focuses on quantum algorithm frameworks with real-world cryptographic applications, while WIQD—awarded the inaugural QDNL Award—creates vital networking and development opportunities for women across quantum technology sectors. Current efforts target quantum subroutine composition and space-efficient error correction for near-term quantum devices.