Quantum Approaches: A Professional Development Workshop for Undergraduates

This is a professional development workshop for undergraduate students in all STEM majors who are curious about potentially pursuing careers in Quantum Science and Engineering. The workshop will take place over Zoom on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

We will have researchers with experience in a variety of science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines on panels describing their careers and giving advice about applying to internships, graduate programs, and jobs. Students will have the opportunity at the end of the afternoon to chat with the panelist(s) of their choice in a breakout room.

This workshop is funded by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Grand Challenges catalyst award entitled “Quantum Approaches addressing Global Threats.”

Registrants will be provided the Zoom link for the workshop in the week preceeding the workshop. Registration is due Wednesday, September 2nd. Register Here

Schedule

Saturday, September 12
(All times below are in US Central Daylight Time)

Opening Remarks/Welcome 1:00-1:10 PM

Panel 1: Career Pathways in quantum science and engineering 1:10-2:10 PM

Dr. Yinsheng Guo (Chenistry), Dr. Abdelghani Laraoui (Mechanical and Materials Engineering), Dr. Robert Streubel (Physics), Dr. Yanang (Laura) Wang (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Break 2:10-2:20 PM

Panel 2: Advice on applying to grad school, REUs, interships, and jobs 2:20-3:20 PM

Dr. Christian Binek (Physics), Dr. Florin Bobaru (Mechanical and Materials Engineering), Dr. Peter Dowben (Physics), Dr. Susan Hermiller (Mathematics)

Break 3:20-3:30 PM

Individual Q&A With All Panelists 3:30-4:00 PM

Students will join a breakout room with the panelist of their choice to ask questions.

Wrap-Up/Closing Remarks 4:00-4:10 PM

Panelists

In alphabetical order by last name: