Workforce
Emphasis on Education
As an NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute, Q-SEnSE emphasizes education, training, and workforce development as part of its overall mission to advance quantum information science and technology in the U.S. We have adopted a broad-spectrum approach, addressing multiple career stages and incorporating multiple education and training modes.
Education and Workforce Initiatives
Q-SEnSE is partnering with the American Physical Society (APS) and the Johns Hopkins University Science Diplomacy Group to convene a Quantum Education and Policy Summit in Washington DC on 6-8 August, 2025 as part of the International Year of Quantum.
This event will bring educators from a diverse span of institutions and regions to discuss large-scale quantum education strategy and produce a report on the national quantum education landscape with recommendations for supporting diverse quantum learners at all levels from quantum specialists to quantum-conversant STEM workers. ÌýEvent attendance is by invitation; learn more at this link.
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Q-SEnSE Quantum Research Exchange (QRX)
The Q-SEnSE Quantum Research Exchange (QRX) is a new model for internships in the quantum information science and engineering (QISE) field. ÌýThe program connects students from the front range to industry partners eager for a skilled and diverse workforce, providing additional professional development and onboarding and ensuring that students are well-prepared to succeed in their quantum internships and beyond. ÌýLearn more about QRX!
Other current plans for Q-SEnSE Education and Workforce initiatives are available as a Gantt Chart.
In the Classroom
PhDÌý— TheÌýÅ·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder Physics PhD programÌýoffers a Quantum Information Science track for PhysicsÌýstudents who meet the prerequisite requirements.ÌýIn parallel, the University of New Mexico, a Q-SEnSE Partner, is designing an interdisciplinary program in which select Physics and Engineering students progress jointly in advanced studies of quantum in both disciplines.
Professional MastersÌý—The College of Engineering and Applied Science at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder, in collaboration with the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Physics Department, is developing a Professional Masters program with stackable credentials and distance learning options. The first offerings are scheduled for spring, 2021.
UndergraduateÌý—ÌýUpon implementation, Engineering and Physics undergraduates at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder may elect a minor in Quantum Engineering, delivered jointly by thoseÌýtwo units.
Pre-UniversityÌý—ÌýFor younger and prospectiveÌýScientists and Engineers, our QLCI is engaging with the world-renowned programÌýto design, develop, and deliver an interactive module that instills an elementary understanding of the difference between the familiar classical world of the macroscopic and the profoundly unintuitive quantum world that governs at atomic and smaller scales.
In the Lab
Graduate Level —ÌýQ-SEnSE will train PhD students in research groups at PartnerÌýorganizations, with a general emphasis on quantum science and engineering and in particular aspects of those fields represented by the various research groups and collaborations among them.
Quantum ForgeÌý—ÌýModeled after a traditional Senior Capstone Project, our novel "Quantum Forge" will allow advanced undergraduates in Engineering and Physics to form small teams and undertake mentored projects to design, build, and test devices of practical use in quantum laboratories.
With PartnerÌýOrganizations
Our QLCI will facilitate a Research Exchange Marketplace to match a small number of advanced science and engineering undergraduates from around the country with quantum-related internships at partner companies and at our National Lab Partners Sandia, Los Alamos, and NIST.
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Education and Workforce Pipeline: How NSF funding, funneled through Q-SEnSE, will produceÌýgraduates at all levels with the quantum knowledge and skills desired by industryÌý(Click to enlarge)