Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering positions Illinois as a leader in next generation quantum education
Illinois Wesleyan University today announced the creation of the Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate program that brings together multiple areas of study to better prepare students for careers in this emerging field.
The Fisher Quantum Center will make Illinois Wesleyan the first undergraduate liberal arts university in the United States to offer an interdisciplinary quantum program, positioning both the University and the state as leaders in the quantum space.
The Fisher Quantum Center is supported by a founding gift from Ann ‘82 and Alan Fisher, providing the resources to establish the center and launch programming. Ann is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and serves on the university’s Board of Trustees. The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to grow in phases and will expand its curriculum, facilities, and partnerships over time.
“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a defining step forward as the first undergraduate interdisciplinary quantum program. Quantum is reshaping industries and the way we solve complex problems, and this complexity is an ideal fit with Illinois Wesleyan’s cross-curricular approach to undergraduate education. We are especially grateful to Ann and Alan Fisher for their generous gift that is making this distinctive program possible,” said Illinois Wesleyan University President Sheahon J. Zenger
What is Quantum?
Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at the smallest scale, where the differences can be used to create new, more powerful technologies. Because of this, quantum has a wide variety of real-world applications and is poised to transform everyday lives and revolutionize industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare, finance, and agriculture.
Most quantum programs are primarily offered at the graduate level and focus on a single area of study. The Fisher Quantum Center takes a fundamentally different approach by focusing exclusively on undergraduate education and bringing together physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, biology, business, philosophy, and engineering into one holistic curriculum. Instead of separating these fields and narrowing the focus, it connects them to better reflect the broad applications of quantum. This first-of-its-kind approach prepares students not only with the technical skills for these emerging careers, but with an understanding of the economic, ethical, environmental, and societal implications of quantum technologies.
Students will be able to engage with quantum in multiple ways, including through individual courses, certificates, concentrations, hands-on experiments, projects, faculty-mentored research, and internships. The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and accessible to undergraduate students from all areas of study to create a gateway into quantum for students who might not otherwise encounter the field. It will also serve as hub for visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to collaborate on strengthening undergraduate quantum laboratories and infrastructure.
“We are proud to support the creation of the Fisher Quantum Center and the unique opportunity it creates for students coming to Illinois Wesleyan. The Fisher Quantum Center will open the door for students from many different backgrounds to engage with quantum in a way that is accessible and better prepares them for future careers. We are excited to see how this program grows and the impact it will have on Illinois Wesleyan students, the university, and the broader community,” said Ann and Alan Fisher.
The first courses through the Fisher Quantum Center will be available in Spring 2027, alongside enhanced quantum lab space, with programming expanding throughout the year. Beyond the classroom, the Fisher Quantum Center will support outreach initiatives to engage high school teachers and students to strengthen pathways into quantum and STEM fields. Beginning in Summer 2026, Illinois Wesleyan will host a fully funded Quantum Day Camp for high school STEM teachers and counselors from surrounding counties, with a residential Quantum Camp for high school students anticipated for Summer 2027.
“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a first-of-its-kind program that will create new opportunities for students to engage with quantum across disciplines while preparing them for the high-quality jobs of the future. Quantum technology is already shaping the future of the global economy, and Illinois is positioning itself as a global leader. To compete, we need to continue building a strong workforce pipeline, and Illinois Wesleyan is playing a critical role by giving students the skills and training needed to fill these emerging jobs and help keep Illinois at the forefront of innovation,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.
At a time when Illinois is emerging as a national hub for quantum innovation, the Fisher Quantum Center will play a critical role in developing the next generation of talent, expanding awareness of quantum careers and opportunities, and ensuring the state remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field.
“Developing the next generation of talent is essential to maintaining Illinois’ momentum in quantum,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois Wesleyan’s new program creates opportunities for students in high demand fields while helping build the workforce pipeline Illinois industries need. The Fisher Center reflects the forward-thinking approach that has helped position Illinois as a growing hub for quantum innovation and emerging technologies.”
