STAGE Director and Founder Nancy Kawalek has been recognized as a part of the Quantum 100. The Quantum 100, a part of the United Nations-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), recognizes individuals globally who work on the advancement of quantum research, innovation, and education. Resulting from a worldwide call for nominations with over 400 submissions from 5 continents, the Quantum 100 represents people at every stage of their professional journey from academia, industry, education, art, culture, journalism, and policy.
With her unique role in quantum, Professor Nancy Kawalek bridges the worlds of science and art, bringing quantum mechanics to life through creativity and storytelling. As Founder and Director of the STAGE Center at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Kawalek leads a team that makes complex quantum concepts accessible to broad audiences through films, stage performances, interactive games, and exhibits. Her work emphasizes not just understanding, but experiencing and enjoying quantum science in ways that spark curiosity and collaboration.
A professional theater-trained actor with over 25 years of experience on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in regional theatre, Kawalek applies her artistic expertise to science communication, producing projects such as the award-winning docuseries “Curiosity: The Making of a Scientist”. STAGE’s interactive Quantum Games have encouraged international collaboration, touring to Japan, Switzerland, Paris, and Las Vegas, while also engaging local communities in Chicago to build connections with emerging technology hubs.
Beyond public engagement, Kawalek mentors undergraduate and graduate students, integrating education with scientific exploration. Through STAGE (Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration), she demonstrates how interdisciplinary creativity can deepen understanding of quantum science, inspire innovation, and cultivate a global quantum workforce.
Professor Kawalek is one of ten members of the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) community named in the Quantum 100. The entire Quantum 100 can be seen here.
