Thirty-five high school students participated in a four-day intensive camp on quantum information science and technology at Stony Brook University. The camp, held from June 30 to July 3, was part of QuEST (Quantum Education for Students and Teachers), a program funded by the National Science Foundation. It was led by faculty members from Stony Brook’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for STEM Education, and C. N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Angela Kelly, professor of physics and science education and co-lead of the program, highlighted the importance of introducing students to this emerging field. “Quantum technology is rapidly emerging globally,” Kelly stated. “It’s a novel field where students really don’t have exposure to quantum-adjacent ideas that will inform them about the incredible job opportunities in this space. We want to inspire them early.”
The camp introduced students to classical wave phenomena as a foundation for understanding quantum phenomena. Will Squire, a rising 11th grader at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, NY, shared his experience: “The most exciting event was when we were working with Malus’s Law to measure the intensity of white light going through a set of polarizers.”
Students engaged with quantum concepts such as wave-particle duality and entanglement through discussions led by Professors Dominik Schneble and Tzu-Chieh Wei alongside Kelly. They also learned how to use IBM’s Quantum Composer to build virtual quantum circuits.
The program included lectures, experiments, industry career discussions, and a tour of a quantum research laboratory at Stony Brook University. A computational chemist from SandboxAQ discussed real-world applications of quantum technologies.
Kelly emphasized that the program welcomed all students regardless of their background or prior experience: “We don’t screen applicants for math level or whether they’ve taken physics or chemistry,” she said.
David Gaona, another participant from Newfield High School in Centereach, NY, expressed his newfound interest: “I really liked it when Professor Schneble talked about superposition using Schrödinger’s cat.”
Kelly noted that reaching students during their formative years is crucial: “This is when students start to think about their future coursework and career paths,” she explained.
The camp concluded with student presentations on quantum topics. Kelly remarked on the diversity among participants: “Parents around the country are seeking out opportunities like this,” she said.
QuEST plans to offer another session in August at the New York Hall of Science in Queens for 60 additional students.
Kelly outlined two main goals for the program: improving quantum literacy and promoting career aspirations in quantum fields. She stated, “We want to prepare the next generation by getting high school kids excited and inspired to become tomorrow’s quantum leaders.”
“This course opened up a whole new world for me,” Squire commented about his future considerations in quantum science.
“There are so many jobs emerging in quantum technologies right now, especially in New York State,” added Kelly.
