Invited talks will be in Room 216 :
- 8:45 - 9:45 : Ms. Elissa Levy
- 11:15 - 12:15 : Dr. Carl J. Williams
Dr. Carl J. Williams (CJW Quantum Consulting LLC, CEO)
Title: From Quantum Mechanics to the 2nd Quantum Revolution
Abstract: 2025 was declared by UNESCO to be the International Year of Quantum, in part to recognize the foundation of Quantum Mechanics that was established in the mid 1920’s by Einstein, Bohr, Schrodinger, and many other pioneers. Those scientific underpinning gave the world the foundation for the 1st Quantum Revolution that transformed our society in the 20th Century with the transistor, laser, MRI scanners and other technology and devices. Today, we are at the beginning of the 2nd Quantum Revolution, that exploits the part of quantum mechanics that caused Einstein to state “God does not play dice with the universe!” After setting the context for this presentation, I will introduce key concepts such as superposition and quantum entanglement. I then describe how our control and manipulation of these provide the foundation for paradigm shifting technology that will transform the 21st Century. The presentation will conclude by providing an overview of this emerging quantum 2.0 economy and capabilities from atomic clocks so precise that one can observe the curvature of space time at 100 microns to quantum computers that leverage superposition and entanglement to process vast amounts of information simultaneously, promising breakthroughs in drug discovery, materials science, and optimization problems. For physics educators, this revolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Students must grasp counterintuitive concepts like wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, and entanglement—ideas that defy classical intuition. For society, we are entering an era where quantum literacy becomes essential for the next generation of scientists and engineers. As quantum technologies mature from laboratory curiosities to commercial applications, preparing students to navigate this quantum-enabled future becomes a critical educational imperative.
Bio: Dr. Carl J. Williams is the CEO of CJW Quantum Consulting LLC where he provides strategic advice to fortune 100 companies, small companies, and startups in the quantum technology space and supply chain companies wishing to develop a quantum strategy. He established CJW Quantum Consulting after a highly successful career at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he led the NIST Quantum Information Program since its establishment in 2000 and played a significant role in establishing the United States government policy that led to the National Quantum Initiative Act, including testifying before Congress. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has won several awards over his career for both science and scientific leadership. His career accomplishments include the establishment of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), the establishment of the Joint Quantum Institute, major leadership leading to the 2019 Redefinition of Treaty of the Meter, and more than 120 scientific publications. He is a member of the Global Future Councils of the World Economic Forum. Dr. Williams received his B.A. from Rice University in 1981 and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1987.
Ms. Elissa Levy (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, VA)
Title: From Ideal to Real: Teaching Physics for an Imperfect World
Abstract: No physics classroom is an isolated system. Our students bring their whole selves—their emotions, dreams, and life history—into our learning spaces, and they carry their classroom experiences out into the world. In this talk, we'll explore frameworks for helping students connect the idealized content of the physics classroom with the complexities of the real world. By doing so, we can empower students to become more critical thinkers, preparing them to navigate a world that is anything but frictionless. We'll examine the history of physics and how it has shaped our modern curriculum, discuss the structures of power and privilege that influence who participates in physics, and explore pedagogical approaches that foster a more inclusive and relevant learning environment. Join us for specific and immediately usable strategies, as well as a roadmap for continuing this conversation—because there is no simple solution to teaching physics in today's complex world.
Bio: Elissa Levy teaches physics at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia. She has previously taught in New York City public schools. She is an active board member of the Underrepresentation Curriculum, STEMteachersNYC, the Decolonizing Physics Group, and the Yale Science and Engineering Association. She is on the editorial board of TPT and is Co-Chair of the AAPT Diversity Community. She also designs professional development for STEP UP and local organizations. She holds a BS in physics from Yale University and an MST in physics education from Pace University. She is currently working on a master's in school leadership and supervision from George Mason University. Prior to teaching, Elissa spent 8 years leading special projects at a premier hedge fund.
