麻豆影院

Physics and engineering launch the Quantum Scholars program to develop the next generation quantum workforce

This spring, the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at CU 麻豆影院 launched the Quantum Scholars program, which serves 53 undergrads who meet monthly to learn about quantum sciences and engineering.听

鈥淩ecognizing CU鈥檚 leadership in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE), we are seeking to build on our world-class educational programs to establish听a community of scholars to advance talent and future leaders in the quantum fields,鈥� says Noah Finkelstein, faculty director of the program and a professor of physics.听

鈥淲e were slated to only host 20 students with scholarships. But our program now boasts 53 students, 21 with scholarships.鈥澨�

The program, which is supported by the Department of Physics, CEAS and some private donor funds, was started by Mike Ritzwoller, chair of physics, and Keith Molenaar, dean of engineering.

Finkelstein says the program is largely modeled on the successful听Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program听of engineering, a year-long program that engages engineering students in meaningful conversations about future careers.

鈥淐U is already recognized as a national leader in quantum physics and engineering, including its application and the education of the next generation quantum workforce,鈥� Finkelstein says. 鈥淭his new scholarship program will help grow, broaden, highlight, diversify and advance efforts in quantum education and workforce development.鈥澨�

So far this spring, the program has hosted three听leaders in quantum sciences and engineering who have showcased some of their work. Jun Ye, a CU 麻豆影院 professor of physics, spoke to students on the foundation of quantum physics and how it underpins the development of new technologies in quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum networking.听

Scott Davis, CEO and cofounder of Vescent Photonics, a leading quantum optics and controls manufacturer, talked to students about how to take foundational advancements in science and engineering and turn them into practices and build new capacities for industries.听听

And David Hume, staff physicist at the听National Institute of Standards and Technology in 麻豆影院, spoke about his projects aimed at developing and improving optical clocks using quantum metrology techniques.听

Students are slated to tour governmental facilities and local industries, and begin internships with local companies and national labs.听

Finkelstein says the field of quantum sciences is projected to be 鈥渁n area of tremendous鈥� growth.

鈥淒r. Davis noted he has nearly a dozen positions open at Vescent, scaling from technicians coming straight from high school or community colleges through听to PhD scientists鈥� positions,鈥� Finkelstein says.听鈥淥ther companies cite similar numbers.鈥�

In Colorado, quantum industries wield a $400 million-plus economic impact, with more than 1,000 employees and a 46 percent yearly job growth rate.听

鈥淚nvestment in quantum computing, sensing and communication doubled year-to-year in the last several years, and we saw a multi-billion-dollar investment in 2021,鈥� Finkelstein says.

Denali Jah, a second-year student majoring in engineering physics, is part of the Quantum Scholars group. He says the program has given him 鈥渁 tremendous opportunity to connect with like-minded peers鈥� and gain extracurricular education in the quantum sciences.听

鈥淭he program helps me learn about how quantum physics is practiced professionally and inspires me to discover the unexplored depths of knowledge,鈥� says Jah, who received a $2,500 scholarship through the program. 鈥淭he scholarship has allowed me to reduce the number of hours that I have had to work this semester, and that has freed up time for additional scientific exploration and personal development.鈥澨�

Jah, who plans to become a professor, is focusing on quantum field theory (QFT), a topic that he says is intrinsically linked to the broader topic of quantum physics. 鈥淨FT intrigues me because it seeks to answer the fundamental question of what reality is. I believe that this field holds immense potential.鈥澨�

Finkelstein describes the Quantum Scholars program as 鈥渆xtremely successful.鈥�

鈥淎ttendance at our programs, engagement in our online community and enthusiasm by students is very clearly an indication of success,鈥� he says.听鈥淥ur students have voted鈥�96 percent in favor鈥攐f moving from a one-semester to a full-year program in the future.鈥�

He adds that the program is also seeking to diversify. He says currently the program is 33 percent female or gender-fluid and 38 percent people of color.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled that this program will continue for academic year of 鈥�23 and 鈥�24 due to the commitment from the Department of Physics and CEAS,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e very much hope to grow and we鈥檙e seeking support from our alumni, donors, community and industrial partners.鈥�

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