A Federal Quantum Primer with Tim Gilday and Sabina Sokol

02/16/23 • 27 min

Even for those with significant experience in the technology field, the concept of quantum computing can feel intimidating. After all, it is a field involving the notoriously complex theories governing subatomic particles, the physical engineering challenges of supercomputer construction, and the higher-level mathematics of computer cryptography.
And if that sentence made your head spin, then this episode of The Buzz might be a good place to start. The potential applications of quantum computing make it an area of research for the federal government, and while the technology is still in its infancy, we should be prepared for what it may bring in the near future.
So to help us understand why quantum computing matters, we're joined by Tim Gilday and Sabina Sokol, Industry Chair and Resource Management & Education Advisor, respectively, for ACT-IAC's Quantum Knowledge Group.
Resources:
Quantum Panel from Emerging Tech Conference 2022
Sabina's Briefing on Federal Quantum Cyber Guidance
Learn more at Girls in Quantum
Register for the 2023 Emerging Technology Conference from May 7th - 9th!
Use code EARLYBIRD for $75 off registration until February 28th.

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Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Previous Episode

The Innovation Delusion and the Value of Maintenance with Andrew Russell and Lee Vinsel

"Innovation" is one of those words that has, unfortunately, been used so frequently as to almost be without meaning. What began as an economic term to describe productivity gains from technology, has morphed into a catch-all for anything new or different, regardless of whether it improves our lives or not.
The pursuit of this nebulous idea of innovation as an ultimate goal has crowded out much of the important, less exciting work that keeps our world functioning. We idolize "innovators" and "disruptors", but undervalue the simple, daily tasks of maintenance necessary for the upkeep of both our physical and digital infrastructure.
This week on The Buzz, we're joined by Andrew Russell and Lee Vinsel, authors of the book, "The Innovation Delusion" and co-founders of The Maintainers, a global research network studying the concepts of maintenance, infrastructure, repair, and the myriad forms of labor and expertise that sustain our human-built world.
More from The Maintainers at https://themaintainers.org/
Referenced in this episode:

Next Episode

ICYMI: Lessons Learned and Best Practices in C-SCRM

This week, The Buzz presents a session from ACT-IAC's January C-SCRM Forum.
The federal government has identified Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) as one of the pillars of a safe and secure IT environment. In the wake of the SolarWinds attack, the Biden Administration released EO 14028, mandating enhanced C-SCRM practices in the federal acquisitions process.
In this panel, you'll hear how some agencies are instituting these policies and what they've learned throughout the process.
Panelists:
Shon Lyublonavits - C-SCRM Initiatives Lead, CISA
Rajiv Uppal - Acting CIO, CMS
Kevin Cox - Deputy Chief Information Officer, DOJ