QuSTEAM Initiative Awarded $5 Million
A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional program that is co-led by Michigan State University’s Center for Quantum Computing, Science and Engineering, or MSU-Q, is taking the next step in its aim to develop a diverse, effective, and contemporary quantum-ready workforce by revolutionizing and creating more equitable pathways to quantum science education.
QuSTEAM: Convergence Undergraduate Education in Quantum Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, was awarded a two-year, $5 million cooperative agreement from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Convergence Accelerator. Following QuSTEAM’s initial assessment and needs-finding period during Phase I in 2020, the award will fund Phase II’s objective to build transformative, modular quantum science degree and certification programs in the public domain.
“NSF’s Convergence Accelerator is focused on accelerating solutions toward societal impact. Within three years, funded teams are to deliver high-impact results, which is fast for product development,” said Douglas Maughan, head of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. “During Phase II, QuSTEAM and nine other 2020 cohort teams will participate in an Idea-to-Market curriculum to assist them in developing their solution further and to create a sustainability plan to ensure the effort provides a positive impact beyond NSF funding.”
“Involved in this effort are some of the largest universities in the country, regional universities, HBCU’s and community colleges and industry partners, providing large, diverse test beds for curriculum development,” said Angela K. Wilson, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of chemistry in the MSU College of Natural Science and MSU-Q director. “The curriculum is being designed from the ground up by pairing top science and engineering education experts with experts in quantum information, many of those who are working at MSU-Q, to provide a novel, accessible education program that will be available to universities and students across the nation.”
The rapidly evolving field of quantum information science will enable technological breakthroughs and have far-reaching economic and societal impacts—what researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology refer to as the second quantum revolution. Unlocking that potential, however, requires a foundational shift in quantum science education that can develop a diverse, effective, and contemporary quantum-ready workforce.
Read the full story at the College of Natural Science.