How Can We Make Quantum Sciences More Accessible And Appealing To Broader Audiences

Many students have negative preconceived ideas about physics that, in turn, hold them back from exploring the field of quantum science altogether. In this work, we explore how we can make quantum sciences more accessible and appealing to broader audiences by following participants in our engagement program SparCQS (Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science) and connected science communication internship. We will discuss our experience working with a group of undergraduate students (ages range from freshman to senior) with various degree paths (e.g. nursing, criminal justice, physics, and others), as they are introduced to quantum concepts through hands-on lessons and experiments, and participate in various outreach events. In particular, we aim to answer several primary questions: 1) How do we provide students with various backgrounds with the needed quantum foundation? 2) Does this internship have any impact, positive or negative, on students' views on career paths in quantum physics? 3) How does a student's degree path bring a unique perspective to the project they worked on? The presented work will have implications for student well-being, instructor effectiveness, and public understanding and perception of quantum science.