$1.2M NSF funded fellowship at George Mason aims to foster diversity in quantum science workforce
George Mason University received a $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a postdoctoral fellowship program that prepares recent PhD graduates as leaders in quantum education and workforce development research. The program focuses on addressing challenges in quantum education, particularly in building an inclusive and equitable workforce.
The George Mason University Quantum Education Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, led by physics and astronomy associate professor and director of education for the Quantum Science and Engineering Center, Jessica Rosenberg, aims to address equity challenges to ensure historically marginalized groups have access to education and career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum science. She will work alongside co-principal investigators College of Science Associate Dean of Access, Belonging, and Community Engagement Paula Danquah-Brobby, College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) associate professor Jill Nelson, and College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) assistant professor Nancy Holincheck to engage with fellows, provide mentorship, and assist in research projects.
“It’s an opportunity to bring together recent PhDs from different disciplines to think about the problem of building a diverse and equitable workforce from varying angles while also providing an environment for them to build and strengthen their careers in STEM education research,” said Rosenberg.
The two-year fellowship emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tackling longstanding issues that have hindered progress in diversifying many STEM disciplines, including computer science and physics, from which quantum researchers typically originate. According to Rosenberg, postdoctoral researchers occupy a unique and sometimes challenging phase in career development, where the level of support can vary significantly. They are learning to lead their own projects and take responsibilities for forging their future careers, but they still need support and have room to develop additional skills. These postdoctoral fellows will receive essential mentorship and networking opportunities and encourage postdocs to develop their own projects and collaborate on existing ones. The program will create a supportive environment where they can thrive together. By working in a small cohort, participants will receive the guidance necessary to chart their own paths and make the most of this critical stage in their careers.
“George Mason is a leading institution in the quantum education space,” said Rosenberg. “We are positioned well to provide a meaningful fellowship like this, to bring in folks and help them to really think through challenges and start their careers.”
In addition to the award-winning faculty actively conducting research in this space, Rosenberg leads George Mason’s Pathways to Quantum Summer Immersion Program that invites rising high school seniors across the DMV to explore quantum-focused education, research, and career opportunities.
“Fostering an inclusive and equitable workforce starts in the classroom,” said Danquah-Brobby. “It has been well established that diversity of thoughts, perspectives, lived experiences, disciplinarity, among others, is positively associated with scientific discovery, innovation, and achievement. There are numerous problems that need to be addressed around the world, and quantum information science is at the forefront. However, to successfully rise to the myriad of 21stcentury challenges, centering diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout and across the STEM ecosystem is absolutely essential.”
The quantum field is rapidly evolving and expected to make significant impacts in the coming years, driven by initiatives like the National Quantum Act. The U.S. government is increasing investments in quantum technologies that, Rosenberg explained, are poised to enhance various applications including communications through quantum cryptography and advanced sensing techniques. Notably, quantum sensing has already shown substantial progress, with potential uses in oil prospecting and military positioning, especially where GPS is unavailable.
Additional support of the grant will come from CEHD associate professor, Shekila Melchior; College of Visual and Performing Arts director of diversity, Shá Norman; Associate Director for Inclusive Education, Erikca Brown; CEC director of programs and research, Christi Wilcox; CEHD assistant professor, CEHD assistant professor, Lisa Tullo; CEHD associate professor, Sujin Kim; CEHD professor, Supriya Baily, CEC postdoctoral research associate, Weiwen Jiang, and physics and astronomy associate professor, Benjamin Dreyfus.
