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New technologies continue to influence transportation and logistics, and understanding what may be ahead is an important part of being prepared. For Diamond Sloop, a member of Covenant’s technology team, that meant participating in a 12-week Quantum Ready cohort focused on the fundamentals of quantum technology and its possible applications.
After leaders in her department encouraged her to apply, Diamond completed a two-step interview process and was selected for the program. Her class was the first Quantum Ready cohort of its kind in the United States.
Learning About an Emerging Technology
Throughout the program, Diamond completed virtual coursework, technical labs, written reflections and problem-solving exercises. She also learned from professionals working in the quantum field and connected with other participants exploring how the technology could eventually affect different industries.
“It’s something that’s here today,” Diamond said. “It’s not going to replace anything. It’s going to enhance everything that we have now and give us answers to questions that we never thought that we would have in our lifetime.”
Quantum computing is still developing, but it may eventually help address complex problems that are difficult for traditional computers. Rather than replacing current technology, it could work alongside existing systems to evaluate possibilities and solve certain problems in new ways.
For Diamond, the program was an opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of the technology without losing sight of where it stands today. The cohort addressed both its potential and the practical reality that many applications are still being researched and developed.
Connecting Quantum Technology to Transportation
As part of the program, Diamond considered what emerging quantum capabilities could eventually mean for transportation and logistics. She sees possible applications in areas such as route and load optimization, where the ability to assess large numbers of variables could support more informed planning.
“It’ll help just about every department enhance what we already do,” Diamond explained. “It’ll just help us do it better.”
For her primary project, Diamond researched quantum sensing as a potential backup for navigation when traditional GPS is unavailable, jammed or spoofed. Her work explored how quantum sensing, alongside artificial intelligence, could use characteristics of the Earth’s magnetic field to help determine location without relying solely on satellite-based GPS.
Diamond developed her research into a paper and presentation for the cohort. It allowed her to connect an emerging technology to a real transportation challenge and consider the questions organizations may need to ask as the field develops.
Building Awareness Before the Technology Matures
One of Diamond’s main takeaways was that preparation does not necessarily mean making an immediate technology investment. Right now, it means continuing to learn, following developments and understanding where the technology may create opportunities or risks.
“There’s nothing we need to do right now other than watch and pay attention,” she explained. “It’s just watching, paying attention, educating ourselves.”
That awareness could become especially important for cybersecurity. As quantum capabilities advance, organizations will need to evaluate what the technology could mean for existing systems and security practices. Staying informed can help teams recognize when further action or preparation may be needed.
Diamond plans to continue researching the field and sharing what she learned with others at Covenant. The program gave her a foundation for asking informed questions and helping colleagues better understand a subject that can often feel distant or highly technical.
Learning Through Partnership
Diamond’s experience was supported by leaders who encouraged her to pursue the opportunity, as well as mentors, instructors and fellow participants who shared their knowledge throughout the cohort. That collaboration helped her connect broad concepts to challenges relevant to the work she does today.
Her experience also shows the practical value of giving team members room to explore new ideas. Not every emerging technology requires an immediate response, but developing knowledge early can help an organization approach future decisions with greater context and confidence.
“We’re incredibly proud of Diamond for taking on this opportunity and expanding her knowledge in an area that will continue to evolve. The experience and perspective she brings back to our enterprise will help us better understand what’s ahead, identify opportunities and continue finding ways to strengthen the value and safety we provide our customers.” – Eric Whitton, SVP IT and Technology