Nora Mohamed is currently a Ph.D. student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), where her research focuses on quantum computing with a special interest in optimization. Nora received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from HBKU in 2024 and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Qatar University in 2021. Her main research interests include exploring how quantum computing can be applied to solve complex optimization problems, comparing its performance with classical approaches, and examining different quantum optimization methods.

Jawaher Kaldari is a second-year Ph.D. student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University at Qatar in 2021 and her master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2024. She was elected to the IEEE honor societies Eta Kappa Nu (2020) and Tau Beta Pi (2021). Her current research focuses on Quantum Reinforcement Learning, alongside work in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) and physical layer security.

Dr. Mohammadreza Rezaee, PhD, is the Lab Manager at the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Doha, Qatar. In this role, he leads the establishment and operation of one of the region’s premier quantum research laboratories, focusing on advancing quantum optics, communication, and sensing technologies.

Dr. Rezaee earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2015, followed by postdoctoral positions at Texas A&M University and the University of Ottawa. At uOttawa, he was instrumental in establishing the Joint Centre for Extreme Photonics (JCEP), a landmark collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada. His research interests span quantum light sources, the application of vacancy centers in diamond for quantum sensing, and quantum simulation.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Rezaee is a visionary entrepreneur, having founded three quantum hardware startups in Canada and the USA. He is an alumnus of the Creative Destruction Lab-QML program at the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto (2018), and was selected for Y Combinator’s W19 cohort in California.

Driven by a passion for bridging the gap between cutting-edge quantum science and transformative commercial applications, Dr. Rezaee continues to play a key role in advancing the global quantum ecosystem through research, collaboration, and innovation.

Johanne Medina is a research associate at Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI). She holds a BSc. in Computer Engineering and an MSc. in Data Science and Engineering both from Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Aside from her interest in academic research, Johanne also provides expertise in full-stack web and app development, data management, and specialization in AI and Machine Learning. In her work in QCRI, her areas of focus include mobile learning in personalized education, social media analytics, and user personas, utilizing Large Language Models.

Sarra Mestiri holds a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Sorbonne University of Paris. With over 7 years of research and academic experience spanning Tunisia, France, and Qatar, she has demonstrated expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology. While conducting research in France, Sarra identified novel NF-κB inhibitors through high throughput screening, offering potential regulation for diseases like cancer, auto-immune conditions, and chronic inflammation. Her work also delved into the ATR-CHK1 signaling pathway's role in DNA replication dynamics during replicative stress.

Relocating to Qatar in 2019, Sarra joined the Translational Cancer Research Facility at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research/Hamad Medical Corporation as a Research Associate. Her focus included characterizing immune responses in cancer patients, identifying dynamic biomarkers of response, and generating antigen-specific T cells for cancer therapy. In 2024, she became a Senior Research Associate in Dr. Fares Al-Ejeh's team, dedicating her efforts to identifying clinically actionable potential biomarkers in Qatar's population for Cancer Precision Medicine. With a commitment to advancing cancer research, Sarra Mestiri brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role.