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Scientist profile
Clarice D. Aiello
Bio
Affiliation
UCLA
Country of affiliation
United States
Gender Information
Woman
Academic qualification
Doctoral degree
01/09/2014
Type of research
Experimental,
Currently in
Academia,
Key-words for research
quantum sensing, spin physics, quantum biology, instrumentation, microscopy
Professional experience
Hiring committees, Thesis evaluation committees, Student supervision, Teaching, Events organisations, Fundraising, Science communication, Diversity and Inclusion work, Leadership and Management, Peer review (journals and conference proceedings),

Additional information

Clarice D. Aiello is a quantum engineer interested in how quantum physics informs biology at the nanoscale. She is an expert on nanosensors harnessing room-temperature quantum effects in noisy environments. She leads the Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab. Imagine driving cell activities to treat injuries and disease simply by using tailored magnetic fields. Many relevant physiological processes, such as: the regulation of reactive oxygen species; epigenetic changes to induce pluripotency; cell proliferation and wound healing; cellular respiration rates; ion channel functioning; and DNA repair were all demonstrated to be controlled by weak magnetic fields (with a strength on the order of that produced by your cell phone), very likely via the electron quantum property of “spin”. Research has not been able to track spin states to manipulate physiological outcomes in vivo and in real time, without which the potential game-changing clinical benefits of “Quantum Biology” cannot be realized. With novel quantum instrumentation, we are learning to control spin states in cells and tissues, having as a goal to write the “codebook” on how to deterministically alter physiology with weak magnetic fields to therapeutic advantage. In the long-term, the electromagnetic fine-tuning of endogenous “quantum knobs” existing in nature will enable the development of drugs and therapeutic devices that could heal the human body — in a way that is non-invasive, remotely actuated, and easily accessible by anyone with a mobile phone.
Research highlights
https://arxiv.org/abs/1207.5868
https://arxiv.org/abs/2009.00136
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2058-9565/abfa64
What do you think can be improved for the community of women and gender minorities in quantum information right now?
Established, old-school researchers need to receive DEIJ training! Also, every talk should include a DEIJ moment, https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/diversity/deir/resources/how-to-hold-an-inclusion-moment.pdf
What brought you to quantum science and what keeps you aorund?
Quantum mechanics rulez! Now, I am stoked about finding out the extent to which nature might be using quantum to work, and to work optimally!
What advice would you give to a young scientist?
Stay curious! And learn quantum mechanics -- basic "quantum literacy" is necessary to understand the world you already live in!
Favourite open questions
What's your favorite book?
Women and gender minority people in science that I admire
https://twitter.com/PracheeAC
Useful resources!
https://arye.substack.com/p/the-future-of-biology-is-quantum