About the Author

Justin Yirka
Quantum Computing Researcher
Blanqet
Austin, TX, USA
justinyirka[ta]gmail.com
https://justinyirka.com/
Quantum Computing Researcher
Blanqet
Austin, TX, USA
justinyirka[ta]gmail.com
https://justinyirka.com/
Justin Yirka graduated from
The University of Texas at Austin
in May 2025, advised by
Scott Aaronson.
The subject of his dissertation was quantum computational
complexity, including the results in this article.
He is now a quantum computing researcher for Blanqet,
a startup founded by professors from
the University of Chicago
and where his Ph.D. adviser, Scott Aaronson, is a partner.
Blanqet's office is in Chicago and Justin works remotely from Austin.
Justin earned his B.Sc. from
Virginia Commonwealth University,
where he was introduced to research by working with
Sevag Gharibian.
Justin has also worked at
Sandia National Laboratories, at
Los Alamos National Laboratory,
as an Über driver, and as a lifeguard.