Comment from Benjamin Frandsen

[200.300, 200.218] To Whom it May Concern: I am an associate professor of physics with a research focus on quantum materials. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.300 and 200.218 that would impede STEM recruitment and retention initiatives and restrict certain research fields vital to broadening participation in STEM. I currently lead an NSF-supported effort to strengthen the network of regional high-school physics and science teachers in my area. The intent is to bring teachers together so they can support each other and more effectively foster interest in physics and other STEM fields among high-school students. I could imagine such an effort as being potentially perceived as misaligned with presidential priorities now or in the future. Halting this activity would needlessly end a unique opportunity to strengthen STEM education and broaden the pipeline for a highly trained STEM workforce. We have the best chance of preserving our nation's scientific leadership with as large a STEM workforce as possible, and efforts that limit participation in science will only hurt us.