March Newsletter☔️
What I've been up to this month!
Hi everyone, and welcome back - or welcome - to my monthly newsletter. Before we dive into a recap of the past thirty-ish days, a little bit about myself…
I’m a seventeen-y/o tech enthusiast from the Toronto area, who has, since September, become particularly involved in the field of quantum computing. While my past projects have entailed simulating quantum information algorithms, I am currently focusing most of my interest into quantum chemistry-related projects. For those that missed last months newsletter, I, along with a great team, not only participated in a global hackathon, but won ‘Most Impact’ for our integration of a Variational Quantum Eigensolver to determine the electronic configuration and modulation of ammonia; that is, to re-engineer the extremely energy-inefficient Haber Bosch process on a molecular level. But, indeed, that is long-gone news of February, so, let’s talk about what events of mine have accompanied the turn of a new, (thankfully less-snowy) month.
Walmart Challenge
Over the course of the past four weeks, I, with a team of four others, participated in The Knowledge Society’s Global Challenge. With an array of problem statements from four different companies, my group members and I decided to tackle the reinvention of Walmart. Tasked with ‘innovating the physical store of 2030’, the challenge proposal was certainly broad - and I am still contemplating whether that was to our benefit or detriment. Nonetheless, after countless overwhelming financial analyses and many failed attempts at professional outreach, our dual-pronged solution focused on implementing interactive end-cap aisle-screens and brand partnered installations in-store. While I’ll save technical details for the curious reader (see here for our recommendation deck), I’ll share some of my key takeaways from this extensive process.
Research, research, and more research. You really don’t know what you don’t know - especially in unfamiliar fields.
Validation is absolutely paramount.
Do not get too attached to your ideas.
There will always be gaps; work to mitigate those.
Have fun, but ensure to always prioritize efficiency with team members.
Quantum Molecular Resonance - Create Project
As the summation of everything I have learned thus far in my quantum journey, I am working on the implementation of a research paper in PennyLane’s framework. To keep things brief, it showcases a potential quantum algorithm to determine the atomic resonances (along with other energetic characteristics) of particular molecules. This is done by measuring a manipulation of molecular Hamiltonians; that is, the total energy of a given system. I am yet to finish program implementation, so, for both the readers and my sake, will save details and produced content for next month’s newsletter.
Spring Break - New York City
Like last month, on a more personal note, I had the opportunity to go away on a much-enjoyed vacation to Manhattan. I was incredibly lucky to travel during New York’s three-day spur of warm weather, which meant biking in central park, walking on the high line, and dining outside were all on the itinerary. All-in-all, even though i’ve spent a lot of time in NYC before, I can say, with full confidence, it never gets old.
Mindset Takeaways
Change your perception about willpower - develop mental toughness by stretching your goals.
Set clear goals and have an execution plan.
The heart of success is passion.
Find a passion, seize a chance, pursue an opportunity.
Thinking too small and starting too big is the biggest mistake a social entrepreneur can make.
Great things have never been achieved by those who were afraid to fail.
Don’t get too attached to your big idea. Be open to the possibility that your idea may need to be tweaked or even discarded.
Goals for Next Month
Finish code for create project.
Start working on quantum resonance article.
Crush moonshot challenge (more on that soon).
Have five more external meetings.
Remain consistent at the gym (five times/week)