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This week we are highlighting Kanishka Jayathilake, a senior double major in Computer Science and Mathematics with a minor in Quantum Engineering! He is also working toward the research-based accelerated masters program in computer science. 

Kanishka grew up in Sri Lanka, and first became interested in physics and quantum when he joined an astronomy club in high school. At the club, he was especially drawn to high energy and particle physics. Not long after, he also gained an interest in computer science. 

As one can guess, he fell in love with quantum computing, as he loved the intersection between the fields of physics and computer science. He is most fascinated by Quantum Error Correction (QEC), as well as the intersection between quantum information theory and computational complexity.

Kanishka has been involved in research in lattice-based post-quantum cryptography, quantum optimization, and high-performance quantum simulations. Over the years, he has collaborated with several faculty members, but he is currently working with Professor Ramin Ayanzadeh on his honors thesis. His thesis focuses on a quantum annealing-based side channel attack on Module Learning with Errors (MWLE). After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD focused on quantum computing.

Kanishka first learned about the Quantum Scholars program when his advisor encouraged him to apply. He first joined in Fall of 2024, so he’s been in the program for nearly two years. He’s loved being part of a community that shares so many interests in the quantum field, across numerous disciplines like physics, engineering, and of course computer science and math. He’s also enjoyed learning more about the different fields utilizing quantum science, such as quantum sensing and quantum gravity.

Outside of classes, Kanishka enjoys reading fantasy; he particularly enjoys novels related to magic, and a favorite book series of his is Game of Thrones. He also reads Sinhalese novels that discuss people’s experiences in Sri Lanka.

When asked what advice he’d give others looking to study quantum science, Kanishka recommends being patient and persistent with learning the sometimes counterintuitive ideas. It’s not a topic that can be understood in a short amount of time, but slowly allowing himself to digest the material has helped Kanishka excel in this research field.