Marissa McMaster

Captivated by quantum mechanics, Marissa pursued their BA in math and physics with a minor in sociology at CU Boulder. There, Marissa developed quantum technologies at NIST and Infleqtion, and also taught, mentored, and did community-building work. Motivated to continue these endeavors, Marissa began their PhD in physics at the University of Maryland. There, Marissa tickles atoms, negotiates with lasers, and has taught optics, volunteered with undergraduates doing research, and worked with the physics department’s outreach program to involve high school students in physics. When free time presents itself, Marissa can be found in the mountains hiking or Nordic skiing, or at home reading, crocheting, or studying languages with their cat Oyster.