The world of quantum science is expanding its horizons, reaching new audiences and sparking curiosity in a field that is rapidly becoming essential across various industries. A pioneering initiative, SparCQS, is leading this charge by bringing hands-on quantum science experiences to students and communities across the United States.
Established in 2022, SparCQS, which stands for Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science, operates under the umbrella of the Center for Materials Interfaces in Research and Access (¡MIRA!). The program uses a mobile trailer equipped with engaging quantum science demonstrations to educate and inspire students from K-12 to college levels. This initiative is spearheaded by a dedicated team of ¡MIRA! scientists who travel extensively, conducting up to 40 educational events annually. Their goal is to build a workforce well-versed in quantum science, a field increasingly relevant to disciplines such as computer science, engineering, and healthcare.
Expanding Horizons
Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Commerce, SparCQS has been able to expand its reach by adding additional trailers to its fleet. On March 6, a new trailer was dispatched to Pasadena City College in California, marking the first time a trailer will have a permanent home outside of its original location. The move to California represents an exciting opportunity to double the impact of SparCQS, reaching even more aspiring scientists.
Inès Montaño, an associate professor of physics, leads the SparCQS program. She noted that the demand for SparCQS has been consistently high, with more requests from schools than the team could accommodate. “When we were getting started, I didn’t think it would be this big at all,” Montaño said. The additional trailer in California will help alleviate these constraints by allowing the program to reach more locations more efficiently.
Previously, SparCQS has traveled through states like Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and even as far as Minnesota. The new trailer, adorned with elements reflective of California culture such as skateboarders and palm trees, aims to engage the local community in a culturally relevant manner. “We really haven’t done anything yet in California, so this will help us finally reach those audiences,” said Montaño.
The program’s expansion is not just about increasing geographical reach. The new California-based team will eventually develop its own unique identity, potentially surpassing the original team in Flagstaff due to California’s larger population density.
Building a Diverse Knowledge Base
SparCQS is not just about teaching quantum science; it’s about creating a dynamic learning environment where diverse ideas converge. The program’s interns come from various academic backgrounds, including criminal justice, public health, and sociology, allowing SparCQS to explore real-world applications of quantum science beyond traditional physics.
The SparCQS trailers serve as a mobile classroom, enabling the program to incorporate new insights and design curriculum additions that reflect the specific needs and interests of different communities. This approach is evident in how the Pasadena team will start with Flagstaff’s core demonstrations but eventually expand to include topics like nanotechnology and chemistry.
“We’re in an urban center now,” said Gabe Montaño, ¡MIRA! director and Department of Physics professor. “New discoveries and new types of inventions come from that. There will be new things that pop up from their lifestyle, what they know, and what their needs are.”
SparCQS aims to make quantum science accessible to all, ensuring that every student and community can benefit from the technological advancements it offers. Gabriel Montaño emphasized the importance of this mission: “Technology is supposed to advance communities, but if not all communities are allowed access to it from the beginning, it creates a bigger disparity.”
As SparCQS continues to expand, the program is seeking Northern Arizona University students interested in joining its next cohort. Interested students can apply through the online form.
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