Forging Research Experience Pathways for Underserved College Students
Outcome/Accomplishment
The Center for Quantum Networks (CQN), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) headquartered at the University of Arizona, sponsored a dozen students through the NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program in 2024. The program focuses on providing research and education opportunities in quantum information science and engineering (QISE).
Impact/Benefits
The NSF REU program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any area of research funded by NSF. NSF CQN has leveraged this funding mechanism to deliver an annual summer program for a wide range of students. The Center has demonstrated the merits of this pathway by the fact that community college student participants in its program have successfully matriculated at research universities and been employed in related industries.
Explanation/Background
In its fourth year, NSF CQN’s REU class for 2024 grew to twelve students, including two returning from the 2023 class. This paid summer internship program is uniquely designed to allow undergraduate and community college students to conduct cutting edge research at an advanced quantum facility. The program enables students to work on specific projects under the guidance and mentorship of faculty members and graduate students or post-doctoral mentors. In addition to their research, students participate in both in-person and virtual events such as seminars/lectures, professional development workshops, and social activities.
Location
Tucson, Arizonawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
The Center for Quantum Networks (CQN), a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) headquartered at the University of Arizona, sponsored a dozen students through the NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program in 2024. The program focuses on providing research and education opportunities in quantum information science and engineering (QISE).
Location
Tucson, Arizonawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The NSF REU program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any area of research funded by NSF. NSF CQN has leveraged this funding mechanism to deliver an annual summer program for a wide range of students. The Center has demonstrated the merits of this pathway by the fact that community college student participants in its program have successfully matriculated at research universities and been employed in related industries.
Explanation/Background
In its fourth year, NSF CQN’s REU class for 2024 grew to twelve students, including two returning from the 2023 class. This paid summer internship program is uniquely designed to allow undergraduate and community college students to conduct cutting edge research at an advanced quantum facility. The program enables students to work on specific projects under the guidance and mentorship of faculty members and graduate students or post-doctoral mentors. In addition to their research, students participate in both in-person and virtual events such as seminars/lectures, professional development workshops, and social activities.