Annual Conference Recap - Quantum Panel

March 2024

 

2024 ECEDHA Annual Conference: Embracing Quantum Technologies in ECE

 

 

At the 2024 ECEDHA Annual Conference, a panel of academic leaders presented on how quantum computing and quantum mechanics have emerged as pivotal domains reshaping the landscape of electrical and computer engineering. The panelists discussed effective teaching methodologies and approaches tailored to imparting quantum concepts to ECE students. There was also a conversation about promising practices that other departments can implement. Panelists included:

• Daniel Stancil (Alcoa Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of the IBM Quantum Hub at, North Carolina State University)

• Wayne  Scales  (J. Byron Maupin Professor of Engineering, Virginia Tech)

• Saikat Guha (Professor College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona and Director of the NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks (CQN))

• Deidra   Hodges (ECE Department Chair/Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University)

• Anthony Sigillito (Assistant Professor Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania)

 

Dan Stancil served as the moderator for the panel. He started the conversation with an explanation of what quantum education is and suggesting that ECE departments move towards embracing quantum technologies and preparing the next generation of engineers to work in this field. Adding quantum courses is not only about expanding academic departments but also about equipping students with quantum skills. Even if a department is not ready to start a full quantum engineering degree program, Stancil underscored the importance of developing introductory courses and lab experiences for students.

 

Making Quantum Accessible

The panelists highlighted significant strides in educational initiatives designed to integrate quantum computing into mainstream engineering curricula. Anthony Sigillito described his efforts in building a quantum technology group at the University of Pennsylvania to foster interdisciplinary research and teaching. He emphasized that the new courses are aimed at lower-year undergraduates with the goal of demystifying quantum concepts and providing practical, hands-on experiences with quantum systems. Students start with a "black box" quantum system to learn basic operations before advancing to modify and enhance the system themselves.

 

Saikat Guha shared about a course he developed called "The Information in a Photon”, offered at the University of Arizona.  His approach, focusing on fundamental principles like probability theory and linear algebra while avoiding dense quantum mechanics.

 

 

Wayne Scales from Virginia Tech described his approach to quantum curriculum that uses basic engineering concepts such as matrices and probability theory, so that the course content is more accessible to undergraduates. These examples  show how courses can be tailored to make quantum computing accessible to all engineering students.

 

 

Interdisciplinary Approach

Many of the panelists had examples to share of how delivery of quantum curriculum requires an interdisciplinary approach. The practical applications of quantum mechanics, such as in developing quantum computers, secure communication systems (quantum cryptography), and other quantum technologies, necessitate skills from physics, engineering, computer science, and even material science. Educating students in an interdisciplinary manner prepares them to work more effectively in these innovative and technologically diverse areas.

 

Sigliotto shared that the quantum research lab on his campus brings together faculty from various departments to share knowledge and discuss new ideas in quantum computing. Guha shared that one of the complexities of working on a team from diverse disciplines, such as computer science, physics, and engineering, is creating a common language.

 

Student Outreach

Early education in quantum mechanics and engineering will help colleges recruit and retain students for new quantum courses. The panel discussed the crucial role of early education in quantum literacy, emphasizing the importance of engaging students as young as eighth grade. Guha highlighted initiatives within the University of Arizona ERP program aimed at making quantum concepts accessible and exciting for younger students These initiatives include developing interactive games that integrate fundamental quantum computing concepts, making them approachable for middle and high school students. Stancil suggested that learning quantum computing in exciting contexts, such as building optical or control systems, could significantly enhance student engagement and retention.

 

Deidra Hodges emphasized the potential of community colleges as pivotal feeder systems for quantum education. She has been working in her community to create targeted outreach programs to guide community college students toward quantum science study at Florida International University, highlighting the necessity for intentional recruitment efforts to bridge the gap between K12 and higher education.

 

Scales shared insights from Virginia Tech's approach, which includes summer camps that introduce high school students to quantum engineering through practical activities like programming and basic circuit projects. This hands-on exposure is designed to spark interest in quantum technologies and lead students towards further education in the field.

 

 

The discussion also centered on the strategic development of educational programs to meet the growing demand for quantum-skilled professionals. Scales discussed his initiative at Virginia Tech, which includes partnering with companies to sponsor projects, providing students with hands-on experience and direct pathways to employment in quantum technologies.  Hodges added that government labs and R&D activities are also vital players, offering additional career opportunities for graduates within this niche field.

 

Challenges

Despite the excitement around these educational innovations, challenges remain. These include the high costs associated with quantum equipment and the need for curricula that bridge quantum theory with practical applications. As quantum computing continues to evolve, educational approaches must adapt to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the future demands of this high-tech field. Solutions such as shared network simulators and virtual testbeds were proposed to allow a broader range of students and researchers to engage with quantum technologies without the need for expensive equipment.

 

Hodges shared her personal experience with online quantum computing courses that use platforms like IBM's quantum computers. She suggested these courses as a cost-effective way to introduce quantum computing concepts to students. With companies like IBM offering free access to quantum computers, there are opportunities for educational institutions to integrate real-world applications into their curricula.

 

An audience question asked the panelists to elaborate on the jobs that are available for students who study quantum. Sigillito highlighted the unique position of ECE students to serve as bridge-builders in the quantum computing ecosystem. Major companies like Google, Amazon, and Intel are now deeply invested in developing quantum computing capabilities, increasing the demand for engineers who can work across various levels of the quantum stack—from hardware to software integration.

 

Final Thoughts

The Quantum Panel at ECEDHA 2024 highlighted the critical need for ECE departments to adapt and evolve. The discussions made it clear that as quantum technologies move from research labs to industry, there is a significant opportunity and responsibility to prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the quantum age. This shift not only supports the technological demands of the future but also positions ECE students at the forefront of an interdisciplinary frontier.