How Being Raised in a Tribe led to Studying Quantum Computuers

Technology in Science

In this episode of Technology in Science, we are joined by Onri, a Navajo-born quantum computing PhD student, to explore how culture, curiosity, and engineering intersect in the world of quantum technology.

From hand-building electronics in a remote tribal community without internet access to developing spintronic qubits at university, his journey challenges traditional entry points into science. We discuss how Indigenous principles influence modern engineering, his mission to translate quantum concepts into Navajo, and his vision for open-source hardware in the quantum era.

Onri Jay Benal, PhD Student

Onri Jay Benal is a Navajo Nation researcher whose unconventional path led him into the world of quantum computing. Raised in a tribal community with limited internet access, he built his own electronics, taught himself engineering from books, and earned scholarships that brought him into university laboratories. 

Today, as a PhD student, his work focuses on nanofabrication, spintronics, cryogenic MRAM, and spin qubits, which are all critical frontiers for the future of quantum computing. Alongside his research, Onri is pioneering projects to translate quantum concepts into the Navajo language, expanding accessibility and bridging cultural knowledge with advanced science.

Key Takeaways

• Quantum innovation is advancing rapidly through cryogenic MRAM, spintronics, and nanofabrication.
  
  
• Diverse educational backgrounds, including Indigenous and non-traditional paths, bring fresh problem-solving approaches to advanced science.
  
  
• Language matters when translating complex quantum concepts into Navajo, demonstrating how linguistics can shape scientific understanding.
  
  
• Open-source hardware tools are lowering barriers to entry in nanoelectronics and quantum prototyping.
  
  
• Ethical innovation and Indigenous values emphasize sustainability, responsibility, and long-term resilience in research.
  
  
• For life science leaders, recruitment strategies must embrace non-traditional candidates to secure the talent driving future breakthroughs.
  
  

From Tribal Roots to Quantum Frontiers

Early Ingenuity in the Navajo Nation

Onri’s upbringing in the Navajo Nation was defined by resilience, creativity, and self-directed learning. Without internet access, he taught himself electronics using repair manuals and limited books, constructing vacuum tube amplifiers, power electronics, and vehicle electronics from salvaged parts. His reputation grew, and universities recognized his abilities, offering him scholarships to pursue engineering.

Bridging Culture and Academia

Instead of moving far from his tribal home, Onri chose to study at a nearby Utah State University branch campus. This allowed him to adjust gradually to life outside the tribe while continuing his work in nanoelectronics, electric vehicle research, and spintronics. His journey reflects the importance of balancing cultural identity with scientific exploration.

Entering Quantum Computing Through Spintronics

As his academic career developed, Onri began focusing on nanofabrication and spintronics—areas that naturally intersect with quantum computing. Today, his PhD research explores

• Cryogenic MRAM architectures for quantum compatibility.
• Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) integrated with quantum materials.
• Spin qubits and spin transport quantum computing platforms.

This research has far-reaching implications for life sciences, where quantum computing could accelerate drug discovery, improve diagnostic imaging, and transform data-intensive clinical research.

Language as a Scientific Tool

Raised in an oral tradition, Onri identifies as an auditory learner. His commitment to scientific linguistics has led him to build a growing repository of translated quantum computing concepts in Navajo. By breaking down complex technical terms into culturally resonant language, he is not only preserving Indigenous knowledge but also creating pathways for future generations of Native students to enter quantum science.

Indigenous Values in Research and Innovation

From his grandmother’s teachings to tribal philosophies of Mother Earth and matriarchal leadership, Onri integrates Indigenous perspectives into his approach to science. These values emphasize sustainability, responsibility, and ethical innovation—principles increasingly recognized as essential for long-term success in life sciences and advanced technology.

Why This Matters for Life Science Leaders

Quantum Computing Is Shaping the Future

Research in nanoelectronics, spintronics, and cryogenic memory systems is laying the groundwork for practical quantum computers. For life sciences, these advances are not theoretical—they hold potential to transform pharmaceutical development, clinical trials, and materials innovation.

Recruiting Beyond Traditional Pathways

Onri’s story illustrates that world-class talent can emerge from non-traditional routes. First-generation scientists, Indigenous engineers, and cross-disciplinary innovators all bring unique value. Hiring managers who expand their scope beyond standard credentials will gain access to talent pools capable of driving genuine breakthroughs.

Diversity as a Strategic Advantage

In STEM, diversity directly shapes results. Mixed teams challenge bias in data, spot flaws earlier, and design products that work in the real world. The impact shows up in trial outcomes, market access, and long-term commercial return.

How Barrington James Supports Quantum & Life Science Growth

At Barrington James, we partner with quantum computing and life science organizations to recruit the cross-disciplinary talent required for breakthrough innovation. 

From quantum hardware engineers and nanofabrication specialists to cryogenic device researchers, computational physicists, regulatory affairs experts, and commercial leaders, our consultants connect companies with the expertise needed to move from research to real-world deployment. 

If your organization is developing or scaling quantum capability within drug discovery, diagnostics, materials science, or advanced manufacturing, we can help you identify and secure the people who make that innovation possible.