Communications of the ACM
Researchers Build A Blueprint for A Diverse Quantum Workforce
Virginia Tech's quantum experiential learning lab includes quantum communications and quantum sensing equipment.
Credit: Chelsea Seeber / Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech researchers are collaborating with historically Black colleges and universities to train faculty members, acquire lab equipment, and develop curricula to meet the growing demand for a quantum-trained workforce.
Last spring, the Sloan Foundation and Genentech Foundation Fund awarded a College of Engineering team a combined $825,000 to: investigate barriers to the advancement of underrepresented minority students and faculty members in STEM; propose solutions; and replicate the recently established Virginia Tech quantum experiential learning lab at Virginia State University.
Professor of engineering Wayne Scales is also collaborating with faculty members at Virginia Military Institute to set up a quantum experiential learning lab.
Plans are underway to expand quantum training and resource access to Prairie View A&M University and other minority-serving institutions in addition to several African universities.
"This is going to prepare students for the workforce because they will have a good foundation in hands-on quantum fundamentals," Scales says. "It's a unique springboard because it allows them to pursue quantum specialties in almost any field."
From Virginia Tech
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