Be inspired by Riddhi Ghosh | International Women's Day series

As a child, Riddhi was captivated by the hidden rules of the natural world. Now, as an SQA PhD scholar at Macquarie University, she’s uncovering the fundamental principles of quantum thermodynamics and Hamiltonian learning

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. 

What sparked your interest in quantum research, and how did you end up pursuing a PhD in this field?

From an early age, I was fascinated by the natural world and eager to understand how things work at a fundamental level. I soon realised that physics was the key to unlocking these mysteries. My father played a crucial role in nurturing my curiosity—he always encouraged me to seek answers and gifted me books that fueled my inquisitive nature. This not only cultivated a love for reading but also instilled in me a deep desire to explore the unknown.

Were there any pivotal moments or role models that shaped your journey? 

Interestingly, I didn’t always enjoy mathematics as a child. However, that changed when I had the opportunity to learn from some truly inspiring teachers. They made math and science engaging and exciting, turning what once felt challenging into something I loved. Their passion and approach to teaching played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.

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

Like many young researchers, I have encountered more failures than successes in my projects. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that setbacks are an inherent part of scientific discovery. Research often does not unfold as expected, but every failure is an opportunity to learn, refine ideas, and move forward. The key is resilience—embracing uncertainty, learning from mistakes, and continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge.

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

My advice would be simple: don’t give up. If you are passionate about what you do, trust yourself and don’t let anyone make you doubt your abilities. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you—having a strong support system can make all the difference.

Can you tell us about your current research?

My research focuses on Hamiltonian estimation and learning, a process that helps us extract valuable information about a quantum system. Quantum systems are inherently fragile, and measuring them without disturbing their delicate states is a significant challenge. Developing efficient methods to infer their properties while minimising disruption is a crucial step toward advancing quantum technologies.

Additionally, I am exploring the thermodynamics of open quantum systems—systems that are not isolated but interact with their surrounding environment. Understanding how energy and information flow in such systems is essential for designing more robust quantum devices and improving our ability to control and harness quantum effects in real-world applications.

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

One of the most common misconceptions is about the principle of superposition. Many believe it means an object exists in two states at the same time. In reality, superposition means that until a measurement is made, the system has a nonzero probability of being found in either state. The concept is often oversimplified, leading to misunderstandings about the true nature of quantum mechanics.

How do you think the field can become more inclusive for women and underrepresented groups?

Encouraging young girls to engage with science from an early age is crucial. I have seen many enthusiastic students lose interest simply due to a lack of encouragement and support. I was fortunate to have a family and school environment that nurtured my curiosity. Additionally, having dedicated and passionate teachers is vital. A good teacher can make learning exciting and accessible, while an uninspiring one can turn students away from a subject entirely. Ensuring that young girls have access to engaging and supportive educators can significantly impact their academic and professional choices.

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

There were times when self-doubt held me back, and I questioned my abilities. Looking back, I realise that confidence would have helped me navigate those moments with greater ease. My advice to my younger self would be: Believe in yourself. Keep going. You belong here.

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

A curious mind and the habit of asking why are invaluable. Science is full of challenges, and failures are inevitable, but persistence is key. Never lose hope when things don’t go as planned—each setback is a stepping stone to deeper understanding.

What excites you most about the future of quantum science, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?

We are fortunate to witness an era in quantum science, where theoretical insights are rapidly transforming into real-world applications. The growing ability to manipulate quantum systems with precision is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in computation, communication, and sensing. What excites me most is the potential of quantum technologies to tackle problems that are currently beyond our reach. In my own small way, I hope to contribute to this vast and evolving field by developing more effective techniques for understanding and controlling open quantum systems. Even incremental progress in this direction can play a role in advancing the reliability and scalability of quantum technologies.

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

Focus on developing strong foundations in mathematics, physics, and coding. These skills form the backbone of quantum research. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to explore new ideas.