Meet Little Hermie Monterde, the UM PhD grad revolutionizing quantum networks.
If you want to build a better quantum computer, you must understand exactly how information moves. For Hermie, a recent standout from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, this incredibly complex problem all comes down to connecting the dots.
Using a clever mix of combinatorics and linear algebra, Hermie looks at quantum networks as arrays of numbers to better analyze how quantum information travels.
Specifically, they pioneered the idea of 'sedentary vertices'—basically, spots on a network where quantum states like to stay put, which is a super important concept for building quantum memory. They’ve also nailed down major discoveries in Perfect State Transfer (getting information accurately from point A to point B) and uniform mixing, which is all about quantum entanglement and making these futuristic computers lightning fast.
Along with speaking at the WITP Symposium and organizing an invited Mini symposium at CanaDAM 2025, Hermie has received some massive honours, including the UManitoba Graduate Fellowship, the Dean of Graduate Studies Student Achievement Prize, the UM Distinguished Dissertation Award in Natural Sciences, a PIMS-Simons Postdoctoral Fellowship, and an NSERC Canada Postdoctoral Research Award.
But their impact at UM goes way beyond research papers and algorithms. Hermie is an absolute powerhouse for equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. They’ve delivered talks across the country—including at UBC and U of T for LGBTQ+ Math Day, the 2SLGBTQ+ in STEM Conference, and the GAIN Conference—and spearheaded events like the Queer in Computational and Applied Mathematics Workshop.
For Hermie, pushing for representation comes from direct personal experience navigating academia.
Hermie emphasizes that true student achievement is always a collective effort, pointing to the crucial role of strong mentorship from their advisor, Dr. Steve Kirkland.
Akin to the proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, ‘the success of a graduate student requires the entire academic community,’ Hermie notes. ‘If there is one piece of advice I can share, it is that the choice of supervisor is crucial to one's academic success.’
Whether they're organizing international academic conferences, advocating for equity in STEM, or mapping out the future of quantum technology, Hermie is leaving an incredible mark on UM and the global math community. We can't wait to see where their postdoctoral journey takes them next!
For nearly 150 years, UM has transformed lives through groundbreaking research and homegrown innovation. We push the boundaries of knowledge and do the hard work here in Manitoba to move our community and the world forward. With a spirit of determination and discovery, we are shaping a better future for our province and beyond.
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