Advancing Education and Workforce Development through Quantum Information Science: The Summer Quantum Engineering Internship Program

The Summer Quantum Engineering Internship Program (SQEIP), hosted by the University of Maryland and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), aimed to introduce undergraduate students to the field of Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE). The program provided hands-on training designed to prepare participants for careers in the QISE workforce. The focus areas included the synthesis and characterization of bulk quantum materials, cryogenic measurement techniques, and superconducting microwave quantum electronics. In this presentation, we outline the four hands-on training modules, showcasing achievements made through the use of advanced instruments such as x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, a physical properties measurement system, a Gifford-McMahon cryocooler, and dilution refrigerators. These high-impact training experiences establish a benchmark for future experiential learning approaches and foster readiness for innovation in the field of QISE.