Come Learn More About STEM Careers at CNM’s World Quantum Day and STEM Fest
CNM is excited to host its first World Quantum Day and STEM Fest on April 4 on Main Campus. This unique event will feature mobile quantum lab experiences, a resource fair with information about STEM programs, and the chance to meet with local employers.
“We’re putting on this event to really showcase the numerous opportunities available in quantum technology and the STEM fields,” says Phil Lister, CNM’s Dean for the School of Math, Science & Engineering, and an organizer of the event. “This is a great opportunity for students of all ages to explore these career paths and it will help them learn about jobs they may have never known about.”
The idea for this event started when Thorlabs asked if CNM would be interested in hosting their Mobile Photonics Lab on campus for a day.
“I found out that Thorlabs wanted to bring their mobile lab to Albuquerque and engage with local students,” Phil says. “Then my colleague from Northern Arizona University said they wanted to bring their SparCQS mobile quantum lab up, so we decided to create a fun and engaging event out of it.”
During the event, students will be able to learn more about quantum technology through hands-on demonstrations in the Mobile Photonics and SparCQS labs. Some of the most notable examples of quantum technologies that are part of our everyday lives include GPS, MRI technology, and lasers.
Additionally, students will have the chance to meet with local industry professionals and higher education institutions like CNM, UNM, and New Mexico Tech to learn about their STEM programs and internship opportunities. STEM-focused student clubs will also be at the event to share their resources with attendees.
This event will be the first in a concerted effort to develop a skilled quantum workforce for the state’s economy in STEM-related fields. The U.S. Congress recently approved $862,000 in funding to establish a Quantum Science Laboratory at CNM, in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico. The lab will provide unique opportunities for New Mexicans to receive training in this emerging field and grow the workforce pipeline for New Mexico. Look for more information about plans for the Quantum Science Lab coming soon.
As Phil and his team gear up for the April 4 event, he is excited to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about STEM and potentially find their future career path.
“My hope is that students leave being able to see themselves pursuing one of the many amazing career opportunities in quantum technology or STEM,” he says.
World Quantum Day & STEM Fest is taking place on April 4 from 10 a.m-5 p.m. on CNM Main Campus in the Max Salazar Hall Parking Lot. Students of all ages and their parents are invited to join us. There will be music, food trucks, and snow cones. Parking is free.