Projected Outcomes

We estimate that the program will attract over 50 students, with over 70% underrepresented minorities, and about 50% females. For the three-year duration of the program, participants will receive mentoring, an accessible QISE curriculum and hands-on research training that will enable a successful transition to the QISE workforce and higher education.

Our program’s emphasis is to involve students in learning and hands-on research experiences where CU campus is within 3.5-hour driving distance and has a mutual course accreditation exchange program. Students, especially those not exposed to a culture of academia from an early age, need more hands-on activities to turn on their interests in the QISE area. With CU and other collaborations, we will actively engage students by setting up activities to be conducted (composition and band structure), highlighting core scientific concepts (micro/nanofabrication of hybrid devices). Students will be mentored by the PIs to ensure that they develop strong critical thinking skills as well as technical laboratory skills. Given the demographics served by WSSU, this project will introduce many underrepresented students to the QISE who otherwise would have little or no access to it throughout their undergraduate experiences.

The education and infrastructure developed by the WS-QEC will have a significant impact on WSSU’s on-campus training, not only within the Chemistry and Computer Science departments, but also within other departments (Mathematics and other science majors). WSSU strives for appropriate initiatives and collaboration that reflect a very strong commitment to producing more graduates with competencies and degrees in the QISE fields. This program will also boost the already productive collaborations between Clemson and WSSU in QISE curriculum co-development.

Appendix