Find out what’s happening within the department. We invite you to explore our upcoming events.<\/p>\n
Abstract:\u00a0<\/strong>Quantum technology is often seen as a field built by PhD scientists and researchers, and it is. But it is also built by people who connect science to mission, partners, funding, and opportunity. Jake Douglass came to quantum with a degree in chemistry, an MBA, and experience leading a business team at a law firm. When he began working with the quantum team at Sandia National Laboratories, he found a field full of open doors. As the business development lead for Sandia’s quantum program, he led partnership development, program strategy, and ecosystem development, helping to shape major programs such as the Quantum Systems Accelerator, a DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Center. He also became a leader in several other large-scale initiatives, including key leadership roles in the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub, and the Quantum New Mexico Institute. Now Director of Strategic Initiatives at IonQ Federal, Jake will share how he saw those opportunities and stepped into them, and how technical and business leaders can work together to make great things happen. Along the way, he will map how the quantum ecosystem works and the many career paths it is opening for students today, and why it pays to jump in feet first to new and challenging opportunities.<\/p>\n Bio:<\/strong> Jake Douglass is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at IonQ Federal, where he helps turn the company\u2019s long-term strategy for serving the federal government into real programs and lasting partnerships. Working closely with IonQ leadership and colleagues, he shapes new opportunities with agencies, national laboratories, and industry partners, leads end-to-end capture efforts, and works with IonQ\u2019s delivery teams to launch and execute new programs. He also builds cross-sector coalitions and serves as a strategic advisor to IonQ\u2019s highest-priority government and national security engagements, turning ambitious ideas into lasting impact. Prior to IonQ, Jake spent his career building the national quantum ecosystem in support of the nation\u2019s security and economic competitiveness. Most recently, he served as the Quantum Business Development Lead at Sandia National Laboratories, where he led strategic business development for Sandia\u2019s Quantum Information Science (QIS) portfolio. He served in key leadership roles for the Quantum Systems Accelerator, one of five DOE-SC National QIS Research Centers, for Elevate Quantum, an EDA Tech Hub, and as an active leader and partner in regional and national initiatives including Quantum New Mexico and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C). Jake holds a B.S. in Chemistry from New Mexico Tech and an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University.<\/p>\n Sponsored by:<\/p>\n For more information please contact APMS at APMS@nau.edu<\/p>\n\n For a complete listing, please visit the current colloquium schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\nHealth & Learning Center, Building 25, Room 3108
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\nPassword: MIRA2026<\/h4>\n\n
Colloquium Schedule Fall 2026<\/h4>\n
NAU events calendar<\/h4>\n