Fourteen-year-old St. Charles, Illinois, high schooler Sarah Krohn knew how she wanted to spend her summer vacation.
“I love to learn,” said Krohn, who completed her freshman year in the spring. “It’s one of my biggest passions to learn about something I’m interested in, like quantum physics.”
Krohn was one of 24 Illinois high school students participating in the most recent Orbic Quantum Quickstart cohort. Each year, the free program brings ninth- and tenth-graders from high schools across the state to the regional hub of quantum education and research, the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.
During their weeklong stay, Quickstart students attend special lectures by PME faculty and explore this fascinating research area. The conversations have ranged from the theoretical mechanics of quantum physics to looking under the hoods of quantum computers during lab tours.
“Quantum Quickstart is a unique opportunity to meet PME professors and experience undergraduate lectures.” said UChicago Assistant Director of Admissions Faithe Beadle, who runs the program. “This creates a special environment in which not only are quantum students exposed to the field, but they are infused with confidence that makes them say, ‘Yes! I can do this!’”
To read the rest of the story from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, click here.
