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Institute for Quantum Science and Technology
IQST | Connor Paul-Paddock
Connor Paul-Paddock

Connor Paul-Paddock

Assistant Professor

Department of Computer Science
Office: ICT 650
Email:

Biography

Dr. Paddock earned his Ph.D. in Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information) from the University of Waterloo in 2023. He also holds an M.Math. from Waterloo (2019), as well as an M.Sc. (2016) and B.Sc. (2015) from the University of Guelph. Before joining the University of Calgary as an Assistant Professor in Computer Science, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Ottawa from June 2023 to November 2025.

His research sits at the intersection of quantum mechanics, pure mathematics, and computer science, with a primary focus on understanding the power and limitations of entanglement. Because entanglement is a cornerstone of quantum information science, networking, and cryptography, understanding its foundations is vital for the future of quantum information science. Dr. Paddock has made significant contributions to the mathematical theory of nonlocal games—the quantum analogue of classical multiprover interactive proofs. The power of these entangled protocols connects fundamental questions in quantum information with deep questions in pure mathematics.

Research Interests

I am primarily interested in the study of nonlocal games and mathematical models for quantum entanglement. My work explores foundational topics such as:

• The nature of self-testing quantum correlations
• Quantum constraint satisfaction problems
• The computability of quantum value problems for nonlocal games

Additionally, I investigate the applications of nonlocal games and Bell inequalities in cryptography (specifically compiled nonlocal games) and the relationship between nonlocality and quantum circuit complexity. My approach is heavily mathematical; I frequently am looking to leverage techniques and tools from non-commutative operator algebras, convex optimization, and combinatorics as part of my research program.

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