For James Whitfield, math is not something to dread. In fact, in college he often turned to math problems to relieve stress. He’d relax by solving equations from a textbook his mother gave him. “I enjoyed doing mathematics just for fun,” says Whitfield.
Explainer: Quantum is the world of the super small
At the time, Whitfield was studying chemistry and math. A quantum chemistry course showed him how to combine his two interests. This branch of chemistry uses quantum mechanics to study how molecules interact. Quantum mechanics is a type of physics that deals with the behavior of matter at atomic and subatomic levels. The work allowed him to put his love of math to use, he says. “That made going into quantum mechanics a lot of fun.”
That solid background in math let Whitfield explore quantum computing during his Ph.D. Still, few opportunities for practicing quantum computing existed outside of academia at the time. But now that has changed. Today, his team develops new quantum computing tools at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. He’s also working with Amazon Web Services to help deliver training on the Amazon Braket quantum computing service.
Finding ways to boost computing power through quantum mechanics has become “this worldwide phenomenon,” he says. “I didn’t go into it expecting that to happen. It was being at the right place at the right time.” In this interview, Whitfield shares his experience and advice with Science News Explores. (This interview has been edited for content and readability.)
What has surprised you about how the quantum computing industry has changed?
The first thing is that there’s a quantum [computing] industry at all. The fact that it’s become a worldwide effort that people are putting time and effort into. Now, quantum computing is happening in government, private industries and academia. It’s really all over the place.
It’s also been amazing to watch how the technology has developed. I think it gives a whole different feel to some of the technologies we use, such as Wi-Fi, the internet and computers. It’s incredible seeing technology that started as just ideas on paper grow into something that’s being implemented. Seeing all those scientific successes and challenges makes it really interesting and fun to be a scientist.
Why might people shy away from math?
When it comes to math, a lot of people get into a situation where they need to pass a course. They start doing poorly, and then they start feeling bad about it. Then they perform even worse, and it becomes this self-fulfilling cycle. They start believing they’re not good at it.
Mathematics is very particular and has a lot of rules. It includes a lot of complicated things you have to memorize and work through. But so are other things we like to do for fun. Many people enjoy things that are very close to mathematics. Doing Sudoku puzzles, playing video games or completing crossword puzzles are all in the same vein. They’re just fun puzzles that keep your mind sharp.
How mathematics is taught can also be really problematic. Throwing students into algebra while they’re still figuring out how to add or multiply is not the best approach. Especially for those who won’t use those skills later on. Pushing them to do something very difficult when they’re not prepared makes it a stressful situation. It does a lot to dampen the enjoyment of mathematics. Most people don’t need to do intensive calculus for any particular reason other than for fun.
If you timed or graded people doing Sudoku, it wouldn’t be fun to do either. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are quiet, Sunday afternoon kinds of games. Doing mathematics that way makes it a much richer experience.
What advice do you have for those struggling with math?
This may sound hard, but try to enjoy it. Shying away from difficult things isn’t the right way to get through them. When I did sports in high school and college, I sometimes found it very difficult. Waking up early, running, going to competitions — I chose to do all of those things. You don’t do sports because it’s easy but, rather, because it’s difficult. And I think in many ways, you can think of mathematics in the same way.
Also, try not to be too stressed about it. If you’re interested in science, some math is involved. But you don’t have to be a mathematician. Not loving math doesn’t mean you can’t be involved in science.
How about for those exploring different careers?
When it comes to science, there’s a lot of self-drive that needs to be there. You’ve got to have some passion to make it through. It’s really hard to just stumble through a Ph.D. You won’t get much out of it.
A Ph.D. is a very long process. If you don’t want to do five years of study, don’t do it. But if you do, pick something you’re passionate about. But if you want to get a job sooner rather than later, I don’t suggest doing [a Ph.D.]. Instead, try a master’s degree or a certificate program and then learn on the job. That’s because a job market that’s here now can change during the time it takes to finish a Ph.D.
Here in America, there are many routes to getting an education. If you didn’t enjoy your high school classes, there’s community college. If you’re not enjoying community college, there are trade schools and online certificates. Even YouTube can be a fantastic place to learn skills if you watch the right videos. The internet has a wealth of knowledge — but only if you go to the right places. Otherwise, you end up in things that are not healthy intellectually.
How do you get your best ideas?
I often encourage my students to go down rabbit holes. I try to do that, too. Learn as much as you can about what you find interesting. I spent the past month implementing a theorem from the 1960s just because I thought it would be fun to do. It was something really nice to learn and share with my group. They can then add or take away from it. I get my best ideas by sharing science and having fun exploring.
