Ask me anything: Kristian Dominek Barajas – ‘I’m able to take a really complicated problem and give it my best guess’

Physics World interviewed Kristian Dominek Barajas, head of quantum theory at Oxford Ionics, the quantum computing company that merged with IonQ in twenty twenty-five. Barajas took an unconventional path to the role, working various jobs including at a pet store before earning his PhD through a program supporting underrepresented students in physics. He now chairs the American Physical Society Committee on Minorities. In the interview, Barajas highlights the vast difference in research pace: what takes six months in university research happens in four to six weeks at Oxford Ionics. He attributes his own rapid rise through the company to leadership skills developed through his varied career before joining quantum computing.

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