Heather Lewandowski

Quantum Workforce Development

Technologies such as quantum computing, networking, and sensing are moving out of the laboratory to applications in the wider world. These technologies are being developed and disseminated by a broad range of companies that make up the Quantum Industry (see, for example, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium). We are interested in learning how best higher-education institutions can adapt their existing curricula and degree programs  to meet the needs of this new industry. 

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience: CURE (Remote)

During the Fall 2020 term, when faced with the challenge of instructing a large (400+ student), introductory physics lab virtually, we redesigned the entire course to create a unique experience for the students in this very unique situation--a CURE. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) involve students in authentic research by engaging students in inquiries where neither the students nor the instructor know the answer.

Lab Courses During a Pandemic

In the spring of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities across the world rapidly transitioned classes and activities to be conducted remotely. This transition presented particular challenges for laboratory courses. We are currently conducting research to document the variety of creative approaches employed by physics lab instructors, measure the impact of the transition to remote teaching on student learning and students' beliefs about experimental physics, and to assess the effectiveness of remote lab teaching strategies.