Be inspired by Dr Salini Karuvade | International Women's Day series

From high school curiosity to a PhD at the cutting edge of quantum research, Dr Salini Karuvade’s journey is anything but ordinary. Now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sydney, she’s tackling quantum noise and algorithm development—work that could shape the future of computing. 

In celebration of UN International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with its theme ‘For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ we recognise the importance of empowering young women to be change-makers in the world of science and technology. 

To encourage more young minds to pursue careers in quantum, we’re spotlighting the women from the Sydney Quantum Academy network of partner universities in a four-part series. Each woman will share her journey, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned, offering valuable advice to inspire the next generation of quantum scientists. 

Can you share your academic and career path? What initially drew you to this field?  

In school, I found physics fascinating because it explained everyday things in a simple and intuitive way—how magnets work, how electricity flows, and what causes the seasons. I also enjoyed mathematics because solving problems felt like working on fun puzzles. Over time, I became interested in theoretical physics, where maths helps us understand the laws of nature. I was amazed by how simple models and ideas could explain so much about the universe.

My academic journey started at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, India. I then earned a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College, USA, and later completed my PhD in physics, working on the intersection of non-Hermitian physics and quantum computing. Now, I work as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Sydney.

Were there any pivotal moments or role models that shaped your journey in science/academia? 

When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to lead a science project assessing groundwater quality in two rural communities near my school. The entire process—collecting water samples, analysing them with a spectrophotometer, and identifying the concentration of various compounds in the samples—was incredibly fun. But what made it truly impactful was when our findings correlated with health issues prevalent in these communities, leading to local awareness campaigns and even national recognition. That was a pivotal moment for me—I realised that I could do meaningful work while also enjoying the process of scientific discovery.

Have you faced any challenges or barriers in your career? How did you navigate them and what, if anything, did you learn from the experience? 

Growing up in a developing country and being a woman in science have shaped my journey in many ways. If you are from an underrepresented group in science, you are often denied opportunities that many others take for granted. Science and research are largely based on meritocracy, which also gives the impression that success comes solely from hard work. However, I realised that not everyone starts from the same place or follows the same path—success looks different for everyone. One of the most important ways I have navigated these challenges is by actively seeking out a community of people with similar experiences. This has helped me recognize the barriers that exist—many of which we internalise without realising—and develop strategies to overcome them. Building a strong support network has been invaluable in helping me move forward in my career.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in your field? 

If you enjoy science and are passionate about it, go for it! Lack of representation and stereotypes may sometimes make it seem like women don’t belong in science, but that is simply not true. Your curiosity and passion are what matter most. It’s also important to be aware of the systemic barriers that exist for women in science. The more we understand these challenges, the better we can overcome them. Seek out supportive communities, mentors, and role models who can guide and inspire you. Science needs diverse voices, and your contributions can make a real difference.

Can you tell us about your current research and the impact it’s making?

My current research focuses on characterizing noise in quantum computers and developing algorithms that can run on them. In the first aspect, I work on theoretical techniques to efficiently analyse how different sources of noise affect the functioning of a quantum computer. In the second, I develop faster quantum algorithms for solving various linear-algebraic problems.

Quantum computers are built from extremely fragile quantum-mechanical systems, making them highly susceptible to noise. Understanding how noise impacts the computational procedure is essential for developing strategies to mitigate its effects and ensure reliable performance of the computer. At the same time, for quantum computers to make a real impact, we need to identify useful problems that they can solve more efficiently than classical computers. This requires designing efficient quantum algorithms tailored to such problems. My research contributes to both of these crucial aspects, helping advance the development and practical application of quantum computing.

What’s a common misconception about your field or your research area that you’d like to correct? 

A common misconception is that quantum computers can solve any problem faster than classical computers. This is not true. Not every problem benefits from quantum computing—some problems can be solved just as efficiently with classical computers. Identifying where quantum computers provide a real speedup is a non-trivial exercise, making research in this field both challenging and interesting!

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

In science, not everyone starts from the same place or follows the same path—success looks different for everyone. Embrace your unique journey and don’t compare your progress to others. Focus on your growth and the impact you want to make.

What skills, mindsets or experiences do you think are most valuable for students interested in your field? 

I believe a combination of technical skills, curiosity, and resilience is most valuable. Strong problem-solving skills in physics, along with a solid foundation in mathematics or computer science, are essential because quantum computing integrates all of these areas. However, it's just as important to have a mindset of curiosity and persistence because quantum computing is a challenging and constantly evolving field, so being open to learning and staying adaptable is key. Finally, developing the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with other researchers is crucial, as much of the work in this field is done through teamwork.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the experiences of women in STEM/ academia? 

Many people assume that women no longer face discrimination in STEM or academia simply because there are laws that guarantee equal rights for women and societal expectations around gender roles have evolved. However, this does not mean the challenges have disappeared. Systemic barriers, microaggressions, and unconscious biases still exist, but they can be difficult to recognize unless you actively look for them.If you want to understand these issues better or make a difference, start by talking to a female colleague about her experiences. Or look up the research—there’s plenty of data that speaks for itself!

If a high school or undergraduate student wants to follow in your footsteps, what concrete steps should they take now? 

If you’re interested in a career in quantum computing, my advice is to build a strong foundation in the basic sciences and develop your problem-solving skills. There are many interactive resources and popular science materials available online to help you learn quantum computing. I'd encourage you to explore them! Some basic programming skills will be useful too. Additionally, there are many internship opportunities, especially for undergraduate students. If you have the chance, try them out. They offer a great sneak peek into what research in quantum computing looks like!