What We Learned From Quantum Summer School 2022
Grush: You had several quantum leaders give lectures and training sessions during the summer school. What do they say about the importance of quantum workforce development and education?
Stewart: I asked that question to one of our lecturers, Vladimir Shalaev, the Robert and Anne Burnett Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue. He said, "Our future is quantum. But the rate with which quantum technologies will enter and improve our everyday lives depends greatly on workforce development; therefore training the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers is a critical task to accomplish."
"Our future is quantum. But the rate with which quantum technologies will enter and improve our everyday lives depends greatly on workforce development." —Vladimir Shalaev
Grush: What changes will you make for the next Quantum Summer School?
Stewart: We are still brainstorming for next year, but some early ideas to make it even better include: having specific tracks for various topics, increasing networking opportunities, and possibly having an "intro to quantum" session that could open the door for more undergraduates to attend.
Grush: What are your biggest hopes for student learning as we head into quantum's future?
Stewart: The number of educational quantum programs continues to increase, from summer schools like these, to increased university curricula, and even quantum games for K12 students. My hope is that through all these programs we are inspiring the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers to dream big, push boundaries, and take risks.
My hope is that through all these programs we are inspiring the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers to dream big, push boundaries, and take risks.
Today's students are the ones who will make the transformative changes of the future for the betterment of society, and I hope that we will instill in them not only the knowledge they need, but also confidence, enthusiasm, and
perseverance.
About the Author
Mary Grush is Editor and Conference Program Director, Campus Technology.