IEEE IAS Lecture: "The Nature of Emerging Technologies: Quantum Literacy as an Emerging Field for Accelerating Workforce Development"

#Quantum #Workforce #Development

Quantum literacy is the new baseline for an economy defined by photonics, lasers, sensors, quantum networks, computing, cryogenics, and machine learning. This talk presents QLITEX, a modular e-learning platform that converts quantum concepts into employable skills through stackable micro-credentials. Each module -- spanning theories, applications, components, terminology, schematics, supply chain, visualizations, and problem-solving -- uses short, first-person micro-simulations, NGSS-aligned lessons, and AI-guided assessments to move learners from curiosity to competency. We outline a literacy-to-employability ladder for grades 8–12, community colleges, and upskilling programs, with artifacts that map to industry roles, defense and health use-cases, and regional talent pipelines. The platform’s analytics generate a Quantum Literacy Readiness Index for cohorts, enabling institutions and employers to target instruction, certify readiness, and shorten time-to-productivity. Case studies demonstrate rapid onboarding for interns and technicians, industry leader education, teacher professional development, and pathways to technology transfer. Attendees will leave with a practical blueprint -- content architecture, partnerships, and adoption steps -- for integrating quantum literacy at scale to accelerate job-ready workforce.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Tim Akers currently serves as the Associate Provost for Academic Research at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Prior to joining CSUSB, he served as the Assistant Vice President for Research Innovation and Professor of Public Health at Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore, Maryland. During his tenure across academic institutions, Dr. Akers has also held the roles of Associate Dean for Research and Assistant Dean for Research in Public Health. His extensive experience includes serving as a Senior Behavioral Scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Office of Minority Health, and as a Senior Research Scientist at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine.

 Dr. Akers is a U.S. Air Force veteran, specializing in counter-terrorism for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare, serving as an Emergency Services Team Leader in the USAF Security Police. His work has received support from the National Science Foundation, enabling him to spearhead the establishment of the National Quantum Literacy Network, a 501(c)(3) where he volunteers as the CEO (go to www.quantumliteracy.org). This initiative focuses on research innovation and addressing workforce development needs in industry, government, and the Department of Defense, particularly for historically underserved groups and businesses. Dr. Akers was appointed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the U.S. Department of Energy to serve a three-year term on the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (NQIAC) for the U.S.

 Furthermore, Dr. Akers has pioneered the development of a new theory, paradigm, and discipline called Epidemiological Criminology. He has authored two seminal books on the subject: "Epidemiological Criminology: A Public Health Approach to Crime and Violence" (Jossey-Bass and Wiley & Sons, 2012) and "Epidemiological Criminology: Theory to Practice" (Taylor & Francis and Routledge, 2013). His work, which addresses the intersection of public health and criminal justice, particularly the impact of hyper-disparities on the most vulnerable populations, has gained national and international recognition. He has been invited to present his theory at prestigious venues including The Hague, Netherlands, and has given keynote speeches at De Montfort University and University of Northampton, both in the United Kingdom. Dr. Akers is frequently sought out for his expertise by municipalities, law enforcement, law firms, and media outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, TRT World, and The Boston Globe.

 Lastly, over the past 20 years, Dr. Akers has been a member of the National Advisory Board for Dia de la Mujer Latina in Houston, Texas, and, over the past two years, Dr. Akers took on the role of Chairman of the Board at the Intercultural Center for Health, Research, and Wellness, also located in Houston. Both organizations are non-profit 501(c)(3) entities dedicated to reducing health disparities. They achieve this by providing education and training to Latinx/Hispanic Community Health Workers across the United States and Latin America. More information is available on their websites: www.diadelamujerlatina.org and www.interculturalhrw.org