Increasing diversity in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) by expanding accessibility

ORAL · Invited

Abstract

Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) is a nascent but quickly growing field with implications that could touch many parts of our daily life. However, it is still challenging to find opportunities for training outside of quantum-specific PhD programs despite the federally recognized need to foster a quantum-ready workforce. To meet this need, we must engage with students at the undergraduate, community college, and high school levels to build awareness and better prepare students for a career in QIST. Furthermore, we need to make QIST concepts and systems more accessible at every level. These approaches will not only lead to improved technical achievements due to the availability of skilled quantum workers, but they can also have a positive effect on diversity and representation in STEM. Here, I’ll talk about work being done at Sandia National Labs to make QIST more accessible starting in high school and continuing through 2- and 4-year degree programs and beyond.

* Sandia National Laboratories is managed and operated by NTESS, LLC, a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. for the US DOE NNSA under contract DE-NA0003525. This work is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, Quantum Systems Accelerator as well as the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Advanced Scientific Computing, Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the US Government. SAND2023-11269A.

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Publication: M. Ivory, A. Bettale, R. Boren, A. Burch, J. Douglass, L. Hackett, B. Kiefer, A. Kononov, M. Long, M. Metcalf, T. Propp, M. Sarovar, "Quantum Computing, Math, and Physics (QCaMP): Introducing quantum computing in high schools", (accepted to QSEEC Track of IEEE QCE 2023 Proceedings)

Presenters

  • Megan Ivory

    Sandia National Laboratories

Authors

  • Megan Ivory

    Sandia National Laboratories