Bs. Sebastian Rodriguez

About me

Bachelor of Science in Physics from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP).

My current work on complex systems builds on my research with the Complex Systems and Non-Linear Dynamics Group (GSC-PUCP), where I focus on social and ecological systems. As part of my broader interest in computational social science, I have also shared this knowledge through open classes on using NetLogo for research in this area.

At Wolfram Research, I work as a researcher and developer in Quantum Computing, focusing on variational algorithms and their application to optimization problems.

I am currently part of the Open Quantum Institute team for Smart Grid Management, an initiative hosted by CERN.

📄 Publications

2025

• Symbolic methods in quantum optimization: introduction to QAOA-in-QAOA
• Exploring the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) through the Max-Cut problem
• Billiard dynamics: from regularity to chaos

2024

• Quantum Potato Chips | arXiv
• Multiplexer-based variational quantum linear solver
• Quantum locking mechanism using quantum phase estimation and phase kickback for ASCII passwords
• Variational quantum linear solver
• Natural gradient descent optimization for quantum circuits with Fubini–Study
• Parameter Shift-Rule to Differentiate Qubit Gates: Stochastic and Approximate Stochastic Algorithms metric tensor

🎤 Conferences & Talks

• Wolfram Tech Talk 2024
  Talk on "Variational Quantum Algorithms and Hybrid Optimization Methods"
• IBM Qiskit Hands-On Workshop
  - Talk on "Quantum Natural Gradient Descent for Optimization".
  - Organized by Zeta Science Forum.
  - Collaboration with IBM Qiskit and School of Mathematics and Computer Science, IBA Karachi.
• PUCP Colloquium
  Talk on "Quantum Natural Gradient Descent in Variational Quantum Circuits"
• Knowledge Share – Open Quantum Institute (CERN)
  - Talk on "Demystifying QAOA: Symbolic Methods in Quantum Optimization".
  - Presented work on QAOA and the QAOA-in-QAOA approach for solving Max-Cut and other combinatorial optimization problems.

🧠 Complex Systems

Research Assistant at PUCP’s Complex Systems and Non-Linear Dynamics Group.

• Quantifying Emergent Behaviors in ABM and CA models Using Conditional Entropy (Current Research)
  - Developed agent-based models of biased random walks showing macro-agent emergence.
  - Proposed a novel methodology to quantitatively identify emergent patterns.
  - Under the guidance of Dr. Luciano Stucchi.
• Introduction to Complexity and Agent-Based Modeling.
  Delivered a free, full-length introductory courses in Spanish on modeling complex systems using NetLogo, aimed at Peruvian undergraduate students.
  
• Paper review: Modelos de Influencia Social.
  Paper review on "Stochastic events can explain sustained clustering and polarisation of opinions in social networks" by Scott A. Condie & Corrine M. Condie.
  
• 200 Embajadoras del Bicentenario - Embassy of the United States in Peru & Concytec
  Selected as a STEM specialist to deliver science and technology workshops about agent-based computational models to 200 girls aged 6–12 from all 25 regions of Peru, primarily from under-resourced backgrounds.
  

⚛️ Quantum Computing

My projects and contributions are available on the Wolfram Community website.

Original educational resources I developed to support learning and research in quantum optimization:

• Introduction to Quantum Optimization – Computational Book
  - A full introduction to quantum optimization using the Wolfram Quantum Framework.
  - Covers: Variational Quantum Eigensolver, Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm, Quantum Natural Gradient Descent, and Variational Quantum Linear Solver.


• Wolfram U Course: Daily Study Group on Quantum Optimization
  Five-day study group introducing both foundational and advanced variational algorithms for quantum optimization.


• Quantum Optimization Tech Note
  Official documentation on quantum optimization methods using the Wolfram Quantum Framework.
• Wolfram Summer School 2024
  Mentor from the following projects:
  - Finding patterns in quantum information: a computational approach
  - Electronic structure of atoms using quantum computing techniques
  - Studying the effects of noise in simple quantum logical systems

🌱 Research Group Initiative

I launched an initiative to establish a formal research group in complex systems in Peru. The effort has received early support from:

• Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP)
• Universidad del Pacífico
• Wolfram Research

The goal is to promote research on ecological, social, and computational complexity. Activities will include collaborative projects, seminars, and public outreach to strengthen the regional research ecosystem.

Once I complete formal training in Complex Systems, I plan to return and fully consolidate this initiative as a transdisciplinary research hub.

Photos and Documents:

📘 2024 Report