The summer of 2025 was an interesting one for me. I was used to working in a traditional lab full-time during the summer between my undergraduate years but not this summer. I chose to work on an initiative started by my colleague and I in September 2024. The Q^3 initiative, a Center for Quantum Networks and United Nations International Telecommunications Union focuses on quantum computing, art, and ethics. The Q^3 Qompute Hackathon is part of the Q^3 educational initiative and is going to be a traditional 24 hour hackathon followed by a day of networking, swag, prizes, food, panels, keynote speakers, and more!
I found myself in a position to start USC’s first undergraduate quantum physics organization, called Quantum Engineering Ethics (QEE), with the mission of engineering an ethical future in quantum technology. Through meeting other quantum-curious students in the LA area, I noticed that there was a need for more community, outreach, and quantum education. By hosting the Q^3 initiative, QEE is hoping to fill in the gaps and celebrate the International Year of Quantum as designated by the UN. By providing custom curated quantum learning resources and custom hackathon challenges from IBM Quantum, attendees will be able to go from 0 to 100 by following the recommended hackathon guidelines. I spent my summer learning how to build websites, manage social media accounts, improve my marketing skills, and learning how to make graphics and animations.
This initiative quickly consumed my summer and between 10+ meetings every week, finding sponsors, and learning how to facilitate a hackathon it quickly became a full time job. I personally love education and outreach so this did not feel like it was word, not that there were not moments when it seemed impossible and like I could not do it all in time. The QEE has grown so much from December 2024, we expanded from 5 leaders to 12 leaders, multiple sponsors, collaborators, and reached over 70 members. I am glad I was able to dedicate a summer to this education effort and establish such a strong foundation for the Q^3 initiative to grow in LA!
Of course, being in LA for the summer was also an incredible opportunity to explore Southern California since this is my first full summer here. I took countless trips to Laguna Beach, which has quickly become my favorite in SoCal, and picked up tennis with my friend this summer!
As I mentioned before, this was my first summer in LA so I really wanted to live every LA experience. One of the things I have grown to love about this city, despite my initial hesitation to live here, is the culture and pride LA locals feel. One of the places that energy cannot be missed is a Dodgers Game and I had the pleasure of attending my first game with my best friend this August too! I will definitely be going to many more games in the future.
