As Connecticut prepares to spotlight its growing role in the quantum economy, Dr. Christine Broadbridge helped listeners understand how the science of the very small is shaping very real opportunities for the state.
Appearing on Connecticut Public Radio’s “Where We Live” on Feb. 10, Broadbridge — professor of physics and executive director of research and innovation at Southern Connecticut State University and founding director of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology — described how “Quantum 2.0” is moving from theory to application.
A major theme of the conversation was student engagement and access to research.
“Most people feel as though research, that idea of developing new knowledge, is not accessible unless you have a Ph.D.,” Broadbridge said. “We want to make sure that folks know that they can get involved early.”
She emphasized that hands-on experiences are key to helping students see themselves in science and technology fields as part of the statewide workforce.
“Once they get their hands active and they get involved in the development of new knowledge and technology, they can better see themselves in that place as being someone that can contribute and engage,” she said.
Her appearance comes just ahead of Southern’s spring semester ribbon-cutting and student research showcase for the newly renewed and renamed Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology — a milestone highlighting the center’s expanded mission and the state’s growing leadership in quantum and advanced materials innovation.
