Travis L. Scholten

Science and Power co-exist in an uneasy equilibrium.I seek to steady the situation and unlock a prosperous future serving the common good.

What interests me

Quantum Computing
Having worked in the field for over a decade now -- and witnessing firsthand the remarkable advances made by industry -- the feasibility of quantum computing is increasingly a question of "when", not "if".How do organizations, public and private, capitalize on this to drive technical, economic, and social impact?Read my work Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Quantum Computers.Science Policy
The past ~80 years of science policy in the US has been inspired by Dr. Vannevar Bush's 1945 tract Science, the Endless Frontier. The situation on the ground has changed dramatically since then.What is a 22nd-century-oriented vision for science policy?Governance Futurism
The US government is perhaps the most complex organization ever created. It could (has?) become a victim of its own success.How can that complexity be harnessed toward bold and innovative ends which promote true human dignity and flourishing, especially for families?

Opportunities for Collaboration

Committee ServiceI am happy to serve on temporary, ad-hoc committees focused on quantum technology and science.Recent Service:
* 2025 QED-C Report on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence Use Cases
* 2024 US Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Applications Roadmap
* 2024 CSIS Commission on US Quantum Leadership

Engaging in Public DiscourseI am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences, and am keen to speak at conferences, participate in panel discussions, and otherwise contribute informing the public and stakeholders.

Biography

Dr. Travis L. Scholten is a leading voice on the future of advanced computation in the United States, working at the nexus of advanced computing paradigms -- such as quantum, AI, and HPC -- and the public missions that depend on them. He shapes national‑level conversations on how converged compute architectures can strengthen America’s scientific leadership, economic competitiveness, and long‑term innovation capacity. His work translates frontier research into mission‑aligned insights for government, industry, and national laboratories, and he frequently engages multi‑stakeholder communities on opportunities at the intersection of technology, policy, and national strategy.Dr. Scholten has led collaborative efforts in quantum benchmarking and applications, and he plays an active role in strengthening the national quantum ecosystem. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Unitary Foundation and on the Ecosystem Advisory Board for Fermilab’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center , helping guide research and talent development across the field. He is also the creator of The Quantum Stack, a widely read Substack analyzing trends in quantum and advanced computing. As a non‑resident fellow with the Foundation for American Innovation -- and former Policy Hacker Fellow -- he explores how emerging compute technologies can advance U.S. prosperity, resilience, and scientific opportunity.Dr. Scholten earned his PhD in Physics from the University of New Mexico and his BS in Physics from Caltech.