An NSF Grant awarded to Casper College is bringing quantum physics into hands-on reality for students across the state. Thanks to a recently awarded $444,059 grant from the National Science Foundation, Casper College is leading a statewide initiative to prepare students from Wyoming and around the country for the next frontier of technology.
Expanding STEM Education Through the NSF Grant
The “Quantum Pipeline” project aims to demystify complex scientific concepts by introducing hands-on learning long before a student enters a college classroom. The initiative focuses on three primary components:
- Quantum Trunks: 130 portable kits filled with experiments will be distributed to K-12 schools across all 23 Wyoming counties.
- Quantum Science Camp: An immersive summer program where high school students and teachers work alongside experts from the Texas A&M University’s Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering.
- New Coursework: A new “Quantum Topics and Experiments” course at Casper College will give students a head start on transfer opportunities and careers in quantum computing and sensing.
Collaborative Research and Hands-On Opportunities
“This grant allows us to take these ‘invisible’ concepts and make them tangible,” said Andrew Young, Ph.D., Casper College physics instructor and the project’s principal investigator. “We aren’t just teaching physics; we’re building a bridge for students from Wyoming and beyond to enter a global industry that is growing by the day.”
The project represents a unique collaboration between a two-year college and a world-class research institution. By partnering with Texas A&M, Casper College ensures that local students have access to elite research experiences without leaving the state.
“This is what Casper College does so well — we put students at the cutting edge. Young and his colleagues represent the kind of faculty excellence that makes a real difference both for our students and for our community,” said Kevin Hartshorn, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs. By partnering with institutions like Texas A&M, Casper College is ensuring its students have access to world-class research experiences right here in Casper.
The project’s timing aligns with a global shift in technology. With the United Nations designating 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (see “One hundred years of quantum mechanics” by Marlan O. Scully and William G. Unruh, Science Magazine, December 4, 2025), Casper College is positioning its students to be at the forefront of an industry that generated over $1 billion in 2024.
“Early exposure is the key to building a sustainable STEM workforce,” said Marlan Scully, Ph.D., a Casper College alumnus and distinguished professor at Texas A&M. “This pipeline ensures that Wyoming’s youth gain knowledge and experience with the most advanced scientific challenges of our time.”
Indeed, the Quantum Science Camp has been a hit, attracting students and high school teachers from around the country for the past several years. The students and the high school teachers listen to lectures by experts such as Professor Suhail Zubairy of Texas A&M and Scully of TAMU and Princeton and carry out experiments that illustrate the principles of quantum physics.
About Andrew Young: Andrew Young, Ph.D., is currently a physics instructor at Casper College. This is Young’s first successful NSF proposal as principal investigator at Casper College. However, he served as co-principal investigator with fellow Casper College physics instructor Jared Bowden in 2007, with the University of Wyoming as the lead institution. The last successful NSF proposal awarded to Casper College instructors as principal and co-principal investigator was in 1995. Paul Marquard, engineering faculty at Casper College, was part of that team.
About Casper College: Established in 1945, Casper College is one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the region. Located in Casper, Wyoming, the college offers more than 130 academic programs and certificates, providing an “Education for a Lifetime” through a student-first approach.
About the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering at Texas A&M: The Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering builds on the interface between quantum mechanics, general relativity, and biophotonics to advance our understanding of the universe and its emergent properties. The Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering promotes the spirit of discovery by supporting vibrant research programs and bringing scientists from all over the world to debate, question, and clarify some of the most profound issues of our time.
At a Glance:
- News Focus: Statewide “Quantum Pipeline” STEM education initiative.
- Funding Agency: National Science Foundation — Award: $444,059.
- Key Participants: Casper College, Texas A&M University Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (IQSE), and Wyoming K-12 schools.
- Key Takeaways and Statistics:
- 130 portable Quantum Trunks distributed to K-12 classrooms across all 23 Wyoming counties.
- Annual summer Quantum Science Camp held in Casper.
- Brand-new “Quantum Topics and Experiments” college course launching at Casper College.
- First NSF PI award for Casper College faculty since 1995.
Written by Christopher Lorenzen with AI assistance. The story was vetted and reviewed for completeness and accuracy.
