Quantum Science and Engineering Center

George �鶹��Ƶ pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum

Katarina Benson — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:01:23 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ pathways program introduces high schoolers to quantum Katarina Benson Fri, 10/03/2025 - 15:01

Quantum science may operate at the tiniest scales of the universe, but its potential to reshape our world is anything but small. This summer, �鶹��Ƶ hosted the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, preparing high school students for careers in the rapidly emerging field of quantum science.

The program welcomed rising seniors from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and Virginia for an immersive, two-part experience consisting of a two-week virtual course covering the fundamentals of quantum science, followed by an in-person week centered at the George �鶹��Ƶ Fairfax Campus. During the in-person experience students engaged with hands-on learning and saw how quantum concepts are already shaping the world around them. They also visited leading institutions in research, technology, and policy.

Program leads Nancy Holincheck and Jessica Rosenberg. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

“Before this experience, I always associated 'quantum' with quantum physics,” said participant Benjamin Fu. “But I’ve learned that quantum technologies power many of the applications and systems we rely on every day.”

The program is led by Jessica Rosenberg, professor of Physics and Astronomy and director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, and Nancy Holincheck, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development and associate director of the Center for Social Equity Through Science Education.

"We want to give the students a feel for why it is interesting and important so that they consider taking that next step in a field that can be challenging," said Rosenberg. "If we can get these students interested, there will be plenty of time for them to dive into the math and other details that you need to really pursue the field. We also make sure to introduce them to a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences to show them the variety of ways they can engage with and make an impact in the field."

Both Rosenberg and Holincheck guided students this summer through interactive sessions and field experiences, with many participants citing the visits as a highlight of their experience. For Fu, the visit to the MITRE Corporation, an organization that manages federally funded research and development, left a lasting impression.

“I met so many working professionals, and I admire their curiosity and how well they communicate their expertise,” he said. “They have to work closely with government agencies and serve as a bridge between academic research and real-world policy, and I could definitely see myself doing something like that in the future.”

2025 Quantum Pathways Program participants. Photo by Zander Leon/College of Science

Fellow participant Laura De also liked visiting MITRE. “I’m interested in industry-based applications of quantum and so seeing how people in the workforce implement the technologies, outside of academia, was the coolest thing. I think seeing that helped me envision doing that in the future.”

Participant Colette Cookson described the visit to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as the highlight of the program, where she witnessed aerospace engineering in action and saw the massive machinery used in final-stage rocket testing. The students were shown how the facility uses vibration, sound, and extreme temperatures to ensure a rocket is sound before sending it to space. “I didn’t realize how many people were involved in making a single launch possible and that each step had its own specialist come in to do their part. There’s a lot of collaboration and interdisciplinary work,” she said.

Rosenberg and Holincheck also took participants through George �鶹��Ƶ’s labs and let them see some of the work being done by current George �鶹��Ƶ students.

Participant Horayn Gibson uses a handheld spectrometer to look at the different light waves that make up helium. Photo by Kimberly Cruz-Cruz

“I had no idea George �鶹��Ƶ had so many resources or was investing this much in STEM,” said Cookson. “Every lab we visited was amazing, and it was cool to hear the postdocs talk about their research. One was working on something they said they hoped could cure cancer.”

For Avanthika Thodupunuri, the most exciting part was meeting current George �鶹��Ƶ students whose research connected with her own interests. “I want to know how quantum can be applied to the stock market, and one student was working on a physics-based study in that area,” she said. “This program was incredible. I was surrounded by people who were not only incredibly smart, but also genuinely curious, asking thoughtful questions and interested in the subject.”

The Quantum Pathways Immersion program is part of QSEC’s K12 Quantum Workforce Development Project, which was funded by an appropriation sponsored by former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton and aims to inspire the next generation of students to pursue the field while simultaneously preparing a diverse quantum workforce in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

“As the next generation, I think everyone is going to want to at least have some basic understanding [of quantum], and this program definitely gives you a head start on it,” said Thodupunuri.

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NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training

Nathan Kahl — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:43:45 +0000

NSF grant supports nanofabrication workforce training Nathan Kahl Sat, 09/13/2025 - 18:43

�鶹��Ƶ faculty members received nearly $1 million in a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program providing hands-on nanofabrication training and education to people seeking a career change.

The funding comes under NSF’s ExLENT Pivots track and will serve the national interest by expanding experiential learning pathways in emerging hardware technologies driven by nanofabrication. It focuses on increasing workforce opportunities in Northern Virginia, a region positioned for growth in emerging technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence hardware, quantum information science, data center engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.

Ahn's research focus is nanofabrication. Photo by Office of University Branding

“The most important term is ‘experiential,' and it’s rare for NSF to provide this kind of funding," said Ethan Ahn, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a founding director of �鶹��Ƶ Nanoelectronics Laboratory, who is the lead principal investigator (PI) on the project. "The idea here is to produce this workforce for very high tech-focused areas by applying the learning-by-doing model.”

George �鶹��Ƶ is already known as one of the commonwealth's largest producers of tech talent.

The program provides an opportunity for working professionals who are looking to change careers; even those with no STEM background are encouraged to apply, as suggested by the “pivot” track from NSF.

“We’ll take people regardless of their background, education, or readiness," said Ahn. "We’ll provide everything they need to be job-ready by training participants with both lab and soft skills, providing connections with industry, and, if hired, paying them during their summer employment."

Co-PI Jessica Rosenberg, professor of physics and director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, said, “Nanofabrication is important for a range of high-tech industries, including semiconductors, biomedical, and energy. We’re creating a program to provide the support, education, and training needed for individuals to get a job in this growing sector. It will help them meet their goals while also supporting a regional talent pipeline.”

The program will run for three years, with approximately 20 participants every year. A key component of the initial phase of the program is access to a mobile app used for virtual training. The team is developing the app because they recognize that participants may have existing responsibilities that make coming to campus a challenge. After participants complete this first phase on their own schedule, they will then go to campus to participate in a research lab for the hands-on portions of the program.

Jessica Rosenberg is director of education at George �鶹��Ƶ's Quantum Science and Engineering Center. Photo by Office of University Branding

Ahn said a particularly interesting element of the program is a guaranteed interview in the industry. They are already working with BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman and expect this number of companies participating to grow through a collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. "The hope is that the participants will be able to turn the opportunity into a full-time position,” he said.

George �鶹��Ƶ will give program participants microcredentials, competency-based qualifications indicating a mastery of a subject, as they complete each phase of the program. This opportunity’s timing is ideal for Virginians looking to make a career change and supports the university’s efforts in building Virginia’s high-tech workforce.

Ahn was inspired to apply for the funding in part by the fact that the new Innovation District, led jointly by �鶹��Ƶ, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas, and anchored by George �鶹��Ƶ’s Science and Technology Campus, co-locates the university with industry and government to create a dynamic collaboration model.

“Relationships between university and industry are common, but this also includes government,” said Ahn. “We already have this established network via the Innovation District and in my proposal I said we are going to focus on nanofabrication, which is my area of expertise. I think those things made it appealing to NSF.”

Jill Nelson, professor and associate dean for undergraduate programs, and Nathalia Peixoto, associate professor, both in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are also PI's on the grant.

The program will welcome its first cohort in spring 2026.

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$1.2M NSF-funded fellowship aims to foster diversity in quantum science workforce

Colleen Rich — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:09:11 +0000

$1.2M NSF-funded fellowship aims to foster diversity in quantum science workforce Colleen Rich Mon, 10/28/2024 - 10:09

�鶹��Ƶ received a $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a postdoctoral fellowship program that will prepare recent PhD graduates to be leaders in quantum education and workforce development research. The program focuses on addressing challenges in quantum education, particularly in building an inclusive and equitable workforce.

Jessica Rosenberg. Photo by Office of University Branding

The �鶹��Ƶ Quantum Education Research Postdoctoral Fellowship will be led by Jessica Rosenberg, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

“It’s an opportunity to bring together recent PhDs from different disciplines to think about the problem of building a diverse and equitable workforce from varying angles while also providing an environment for them to build and strengthen their careers in STEM education research,” said Rosenberg.

She will work alongside co-principal investigators Paula Danquah-Brobby, associate dean of access, belonging, and community engagement in the College of Science; Jill Nelson, an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); and Nancy Holincheck, an assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), to engage with fellows, provide mentorship, and assist in research projects.

According to Rosenberg, postdoctoral researchers occupy a unique and sometimes challenging phase in career development, where the level of support can vary significantly. They are learning to lead their own projects and take responsibility for forging their future careers, but they still need to develop additional skills. In the program, postdoctoral fellows will receive essential mentorship and networking opportunities and encouragement to develop their own projects and collaborate on existing ones. By working in a small cohort, participants will receive the guidance necessary to make the most of this critical stage in their careers.

“George �鶹��Ƶ is a leading institution in the quantum education space,” said Rosenberg. “We are positioned well to provide a meaningful fellowship like this, to bring in folks and help them to really think through challenges and start their careers.”

“Fostering an inclusive and equitable workforce starts in the classroom,” said Danquah-Brobby. “It has been well established that diversity of thoughts, perspectives, lived experiences, disciplinarity, among others, is positively associated with scientific discovery, innovation, and achievement. To successfully rise to the myriad 21st-century challenges, centering diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout and across the STEM ecosystem is absolutely essential.”

The quantum field is rapidly evolving and expected to make significant impacts in the coming years, driven by initiatives like the National Quantum Act, which aims to accelerate quantum research and development. The U.S. government is increasing investments in quantum technologies that, Rosenberg explained, are poised to enhance various applications including communications through quantum cryptography and advanced sensing techniques. Notably, quantum sensing has already shown substantial progress, with potential uses in oil prospecting and military positioning, especially where GPS is unavailable.

Additional support of the grant will come from CEHD faculty members Supriya Baily, Sujin Kim, Shekila Melchior, and Lisa Tullo; Shá Norman, College of Visual and Performing Arts’ director of diversity; Erikca Brown, associate director for inclusive education; Christi Wilcox, CEC’s director of programs and research; Weiwen Jiang, CEC postdoctoral research associate; and Benjamin Dreyfus, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

During July 2023, Jessica Rosenberg coordinated the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program, which helped high school students learn about the promise of quantum technologies.

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�鶹��Ƶ-led Immersion Program presents quantum pathways to high school students

Colleen Rich — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:00:27 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ-led Immersion Program presents quantum pathways to high school students Colleen Rich Wed, 08/09/2023 - 15:00

Quantum is the study of the universe at the smallest scales. The strange behaviors that occur at the scale of atoms are key to the technologies that power our computers and many other modern devices. Recent advances that allow for greater manipulation of these strange behaviors have propelled quantum into a new era and holds promise for technological advances in computing, sensing, and communications. These new technologies may be the landscape of the workplace for today’s high school students.

Photo Provided by the College of Science

To excite high school students about the promise of quantum technologies and to prepare them for this future, �鶹��Ƶ and Connected DMV held the Pathways to Quantum Immersion Program during July. This program brought together high school students from 21 schools around the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region to explore quantum-focused education, research, and career opportunities.

The transdisciplinary program was coordinated by Jessica Rosenberg, �鶹��Ƶ associate professor of physics and director of education at �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC), and Nancy Holincheck, �鶹��Ƶ College of Education and Human Development Assistant Professor, Associate Director, Center for Social Equity Through Science Education, and co-Academic Program Coordinator of the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning program.

Participants began with a two-week virtual program in which they learned about key quantum concepts, engaged with quantum phenomena using polarizers and simulations of experiments including the double slit experiment, learned about applications of quantum technologies, and were introduced to quantum careers.

Following the virtual program, the students spent a week in residence on �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus for a packed agenda of in-person programming that included lectures, discussions, and visits to sites working on quantum at �鶹��Ƶ and around the region.

Participants visited several of the labs engaged in quantum research including Yun Yu’s quantum chemistry lab that is studying two-dimensional materials, Rob Cressman’s biophysics lab that is using quantum sensors to study the brain, Karen Sauer’s physics lab that is developing quantum sensors to detect magnetic fields, and QSEC Director Patrick Vora’s lab to learn about quantum materials research.

Photo Provided by the College of Science

“I learned about interdisciplinary, collaborative, and connected research across a variety of quantum topics—some I had already heard about and some emerging fields were new to me,” said Shivani Nadella, a rising senior at Freedom High School in South Riding, Virginia. “The professors were very knowledgeable and excited to share their expertise or resources you need to discover and pursue your passion.”

Nadella was originally planning to pursue a computer science degree when she got to college, but said, as a result of this experience, she is considering a dual major in physics.

Beyond �鶹��Ƶ, program participants got to see quantum work that is being done at NASA, University of Maryland, MITRE, and George Washington University. At the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the students learned about the role of quantum in communications and got to see quantum labs as well as other facilities like the high bay where the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is being assembled.

At University of Maryland, they got to see lots of quantum labs including a cyclotron and a quantum computer. The MITRE tour included a career panel, as well as visits to the company’s nano-bio and vision-sensing labs. The nano-fabrication facility at George Washington University showed them work being done with scanning and transmitting electron microscopes.

The students’ final visit was to the White House Eisenhower Executive Office for presentations by members of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Quantum coordination office and a tour of the building.

Holincheck said this experience was important for access to opportunities and career information. “The students met diverse scientists working in quantum technologies and quantum policy and heard from them about current and future quantum applications and careers,” she said. “This program is one way that we can provide equitable access to STEM knowledge and opportunities for students from across our region.”

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid said work-based learning experiences like the Quantum Immersion Program help prepare students for careers of the future—careers that don’t yet exist. Nine FCPS students participated in this summer program.

“Our deepest gratitude to our academic, government, and business partners who recognize the value of giving our students hands-on experiences to guide and shape their futures,” she added.

On the final day of the program, participants delivered presentations about what they had learned over the week and their quantum learning continues.

“Some of the students will continue with an extended internship program following this experience,” said Rosenberg. “All of the students also have the opportunity to present a poster on their vision for future quantum technologies the Quantum World Congress occurring in September.”

Rosenberg added, “A student told me that after this experience, they can truly realize how quantum can be applied to many fields—it is the future. They learn whatever career path they choose, whether medical or computational, quantum will be there.”

The Pathways to Quantum Immersion program is part of QSEC’s K12 Quantum Workforce Development Project, which was funded by an appropriation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, and aims to inspire the next generation of students to pursue the field while simultaneously preparing a diverse quantum workforce in Northern Virginia.

“A student told me that after this experience, they can truly realize how quantum can be applied to many fields—it is the future. They learn whatever career path they choose, whether medical or computational, quantum will be there.”

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President Washington highlights �鶹��Ƶ’s success in workforce development, student support

Colleen Rich — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:08:23 +0000

President Washington highlights �鶹��Ƶ’s success in workforce development, student support Colleen Rich Mon, 03/06/2023 - 10:08

Sunset on Wilkins Plaza. Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington told the Board of Visitors (BOV) on Thursday, Feb. 23, that “there may not be a better place in the state to make an investment” than �鶹��Ƶ.

Washington highlighted several factors, including �鶹��Ƶ driving enrollment in the state, admitting almost 90% of applicants and graduating students at about a 70% clip, growing research expenditures, recently increasing compensation for some faculty and staff, flourishing partnerships with Amazon and other leading companies, the university’s impact on small business around Virginia, the latest online program rankings, the university’s upgraded credit rating, and graduates’ favorable salaries.

“Find me a greater human development program in the state currently,” Washington said during the livestreamed meeting. “Find a better human development program in the state over the last 20 years. You probably have to go back to the New Deal to find a better human development program than what is happening en masse here at �鶹��Ƶ.

“We are coming as close to firing on all cylinders as we possibly can given the uncertainty and the challenges that are in front of a public institution in an environment in which we exist.”

Provost Mark Ginsberg noted in his remarks that �鶹��Ƶ has been officially reaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) through 2032, the longest possible term. “That’s an affirmation of the quality and integrity of our academic programs,” Ginsberg said.

Ginsberg also reported that the number of �鶹��Ƶ students studying abroad has jumped from 118 in 2020-21 (the height of the pandemic and down from 667 in 2019-20), to 764 in 2021-22 to 1,383 in 2022-23.

Ginsberg provided an overview of the university’s mental health resources. Since the start of the fall 2022 semester, there have been more than 5,000 visits by �鶹��Ƶ students seeking mental health services from on-site professionals or via telehealth The university last fall teamed with TimelyMD to provide a 24-hour virtual extension of campus counseling center resources to improve student well-being.

Ginsberg added that campus police now carry NARCAN, which also is available at Student Health Services. The Student Support and Advocacy Center offers NARCAN training to the �鶹��Ƶ community.

Among other happenings from the BOV committee meetings or full board meeting:

The board approved a mechanical engineering PhD.
Trishana Bowden, vice president, Advancement and Alumni Relations and president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation, noted that �鶹��Ƶ is eight weeks from publicly launching its $1 billion campaign.
Andre Marshall, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, reported that the university’s FY22 research expenditures were $230 million, up 7.5%, and that �鶹��Ƶ secured a state-leading $5.8 million in congressionally directed projects.
Dean of Admissions Alan Byrd said enrollment this spring is up 1% from last year, with record enrollment for undergraduate students, and credit hours are up 1.6%. �鶹��Ƶ has an all-time high of more than 3,800 international students. Fall 2023 applications are up 13% and more than 16% of high school seniors in Virginia have applied to �鶹��Ƶ.
David Farris, executive director of Safety and Emergency Management, provided an update on the policies, protocols, and activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from potential emergency situations. He discussed the required employee civility and violence prevention training and emergency preparedness training and other action threat resources and optional training available to �鶹��Ƶ employees. He also discussed adjustments in emergency communication.
School of Business Dean Ajay Vinzé explained ways that the business school can work with other �鶹��Ƶ schools and colleges to award certificates across disciplines to provide students an even more customized academic experience that will accelerate their careers. Vinzé added that one in four �鶹��Ƶ undergraduates takes some form of business education and that 68% of School of Business alumni live and work within a 50-mile radius. “This is something I've been emphasizing to the CEOs and business leaders as I speak to them because we are the talent pipeline,” Vinzé said.
With an overarching theme of “The arts create community,” College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Dean Rick Davis presented on the history and mission of the arts at �鶹��Ƶ and highlighted several prominent CVPA faculty members.
Patrick Vora, director and founding member of �鶹��Ƶ’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center, and �鶹��Ƶ alum Jaydeep Joshi, who completed a PhD in physics in 2021, provided an overview of the center, founded in 2018 to focus on a transdisciplinary approach to quantum research and education.