Paul Kairys never expected to find himself in the world of quantum computing. In fact, when he began his undergraduate studies, he was on a completely different path – pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. But a love for problem-solving and an early introduction to computational research changed everything.
“I started to get involved in some undergraduate research, and I realized I really liked the idea of using computers to help understand and predict the world around us,” Kairys said. That realization set off a chain of events that ultimately led him to quantum science, a field that promised to push the boundaries of what computers could accomplish.
After delaying his graduation for a year to gain hands-on research experience at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Kairys became captivated by the intersection of computation and scientific discovery. He recognized that while traditional computers were incredibly powerful, there were still fundamental scientific problems they struggled to solve – especially in materials science and atomic-scale physics. That gap, he realized, could one day be filled by quantum computing.
Determined to make an impact in the field, he reached out to Travis Humble, now the director of ORNL’s Quantum Science Center, and joined the University of Tennessee’s Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, where he earned a doctorate in energy science and engineering. His dissertation focused on developing new ways to control and calibrate quantum devices, advancing their use in simulating complex quantum mechanical phenomena. Now, as an Alvin M. Weinberg Fellow at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Kairys is exploring the next frontier: bridging quantum computing with neutron science.
Neutron science has long been a strength of ORNL, home to world-class research facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Kairys’s research aims to integrate quantum algorithms with neutron scattering experiments, opening new possibilities for understanding materials at an atomic level. “My work is focused on developing quantum algorithms for neutron scattering and experimental design, as well as assessing the value of entanglement between neutrons,” he said. This interdisciplinary approach could revolutionize how scientists study materials, leading to advancements in energy technologies and semiconductors.
But for all the technical complexity of his research, Kairys is just as passionate about the people behind the science. Mentorship has played a pivotal role in his career, shaping the way he approaches both research and collaboration. “I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way,” he said, emphasizing how valuable their guidance has been. Now, he hopes to pay it forward, fostering an environment where young scientists are encouraged to explore, question and innovate. “Freedom is important in mentorship. You don’t want to constrain someone into a box – you want them to think in unique and novel ways.”
Outside the lab, Kairys finds inspiration in a different kind of discovery – antiquing and collecting art glass and pottery. It is a hobby he shares with his wife and one that surprisingly mirrors aspects of his scientific work. “There’s a thrill in finding something unexpected, describing the process of uncovering hidden treasures in thrift stores. “Trying to identify an artist just from a signature on the bottom of a piece is like solving a research puzzle.” Whether he is studying the history behind a forgotten piece of art or pushing the boundaries of quantum science, the joy of uncovering the unknown remains the same.
As he continues his research at ORNL, Kairys is working to bridge gaps – not just between quantum and neutron science, but between disciplines, ideas and people. His goal is to build a framework that allows quantum technologies to accelerate scientific discovery in new and transformative ways. “It takes a village,” referring to the growing need for collaboration in the quantum field. “We don’t have the village yet, but we’re working on it.”
For Kairys, every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, grow and push the limits of what is possible. Whether he is searching for answers in quantum mechanics or uncovering a rare piece of art, his approach remains the same: curiosity, persistence and a passion for discovery.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.