Willamette University news
A grant has been awarded to Willamette University for a new physics course on cutting-edge quantum technologies.
The Jonathan F. Reichert Foundation awarded Willamette University two grants totalling $10,942 to support a new lab-based course on upcoming quantum technologies, marking a major advancement in the university’s physics curriculum.
The funding will allow the university’s Physics department, under the direction of professors David Altman and Daniel Borrero, to acquire two pieces of cutting-edge equipment that are rarely found at undergraduate liberal-arts colleges: a TeachSpin Quantum Control Apparatus (for foundational work on qubits, the building blocks of quantum information) and a Thorlabs Quantum Optics kit (which allows students to study individual photons and foundational quantum-optics experiments).
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Quantum frontier meets experiential learning
It is anticipated that students would engage in practical experiments instead of just theoretical study with the new technology. For instance, the Quantum Optics gear will allow Willamette students to see phenomena like interference and single-photon emission, which are often only seen in specialized research facilities. In the meantime, students will be exposed to the technologies that support next-generation computing, sensing, and communication systems through the research of qubit implementation made possible by the Quantum Control Apparatus.
Under the course code PHYS 399: Topics in Physics – Quantum Information, this project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026. The launch of a quantum technologies course at a liberal arts undergraduate school demonstrates Willamette’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of scientific education and to equipping students for opportunities in a fast changing technological environment.
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Why is this important?
In science and engineering, quantum technologies—which include quantum computing, sensing, and communication—are becoming more widely acknowledged as a strategic frontier. Willamette is introducing this material to undergraduates in a liberal arts setting, since these areas are typically taught in graduate programs or prestigious research universities. This increases accessibility and supports the increasing demands for the STEM workforce as a whole to develop quantum fluency.
The institution provides students with the opportunity to not only study about quantum mechanics but also to do it by investing in useful laboratory equipment rather of only lecture-based material. This allows students to experiment with devices that represent actual quantum behavior. In addition to demystifying a discipline that is frequently seen as highly abstract, this experiential method may help STEM undergraduates feel more accessible to careers in quantum technology.
Additionally, students who are exposed to quantum equipment early on may be more competitive for jobs, research opportunities, and internships in the growing quantum ecosystem. Institutions that create graduates with relevant hands-on expertise will have a significant advantage as industry and government step up their efforts in quantum research and deployment.
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Opportunities and challenges in the future
Although the award pays for the equipment, curriculum creation, faculty training, and even improvements to the lab infrastructure will also be necessary for the course to debut successfully. The practical problems of integrating quantum labs into undergraduate settings include making sure that lasers or single-photon sources are calibrated, stable, and safe for students.
However, there is a lot of potential from an opportunity perspective. The course has the potential to set Willamette apart from the competition, drawing in students with an interest in quantum science and establishing the university as a pioneer in STEM innovation among liberal arts colleges. As quantum technologies continue to develop and penetrate industries including computers, aerospace, defense, and healthcare, there is also an opportunity for collaborations with government or corporate labs.
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Wider ramifications
The democratization of advanced STEM subjects is a larger trend in higher education that is reflected in Willamette’s action. Previously confined to prestigious universities and government labs, quantum science is increasingly being taught in more classrooms. Institutions are contributing to the development of a talent pool prepared for the challenges of the quantum age by introducing students to quantum ideas and hardware early.
In this way, the course may benefit not only the institution but also the STEM ecosystem in the area, providing graduates with pertinent knowledge and abilities at a time when businesses are looking for talent that can connect theory and practice in emerging technologies.
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Looking ahead
The course’s integration into the physics curriculum, student performance, and Willamette’s decision to broaden its offerings into quantum sensing, quantum computing, or quantum communication laboratories will all be of interest as the Spring 2026 debut draws near. Additionally, the course may lead to student research projects that allow undergraduates to present or publish quantum-technology work, which is an intriguing opportunity for a liberal arts university.
If successful, Willamette’s project could be used as a template by other universities looking to include quantum science into their undergraduate curricula. For pupils, it means entering a world where they are using technology today rather than merely studying about it.
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