Thomas Plumb-Reyes translates quantum concepts for public policy

“What can physicists do? ” is an interview series that profiles physicists who opted for careers outside of academia.

What was your research focus in graduate school?

As a soft-matter experimental physicist, I focused on bendy, foldy systems, like birds’ nests and tangled hair.

What did you want in a career?

I discovered that I prefer learning and communicating about science to doing it.

Describe your career path.

I got a congressional fellowship through the American Physical Society and worked for Representative Steve Cohen. If research was too narrow, working in Congress was like drinking from a fire hose!

Then I got a State Department fellowship through the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2024, I transitioned to being a civil servant. I worked in the Office of the Secretary. My boss gave me the quantum technology portfolio. But the Department of Government Efficiency had other plans for me, and in July 2025, I got RIF’d [eliminated due to a reduction in force].

How did you land at Google Quantum AI?

Quantum computing is not a huge community, especially in the subset of policy. At State, I had built up a network. I got the job through my network.

How do you spend your time?

I focus on public policy. It’s similar to what I did at State. I talk to governments about quantum technology. I draft memos, write blogs, give briefings and presentations, and organize meetings and events.

At the core, it’s science communication: How do I translate the ideas of quantum computing and technology to a diverse set of stakeholders, from partners to lawmakers?

How do you use your physics?

Doing a PhD is about so much more than scientific output. I use the thinking and training I learned and the ability to collaborate and to balance tasks on different time scales. Teaching is a skill I draw on for communication.

What new skills have you needed?

How to prepare and run a smooth and productive meeting or event. And how to be comfortable with some level of ignorance in terms of how deeply you understand something. What is just-enough knowledge to do the job well and on a tight deadline?

What do you like most about your job?

I still get to learn about cool science. And I think about broader issues like funding, supply chains, the workforce, international talent, and national security. I really like having my feet in both worlds.