MTSU Launches QRISE: A New Center for Quantum Research and Innovation

Middle Tennessee State University has announced the launch of a groundbreaking new center that will position the university, and Tennessee, at the forefront of quantum science and technology.

Joined by key industry partners, MTSU officially unveiled the Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education Center (QRISE) within the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. The new center will serve as a world-class hub for quantum discovery, innovation, education, workforce development, and economic advancement.

“Quantum science is developing very quickly and promises to significantly impact technologies with economic impacts in the tens of billions of dollars within the next decade,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee during the announcement held in the Science Building on October 31. “The newly established QRISE Center will drive breakthroughs that will shape the next generation of technology and transform how we understand and harness the quantum world.”

Advancing Quantum Discovery in Tennessee

Led by Dr. Hanna Terletska, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, QRISE is designed to make MTSU a leader in one of the most transformative fields in science today.

“Quantum science and quantum technologies are strategic U.S. priorities with economy-wide impact from computing and cybersecurity to energy, advanced materials, healthcare, and finance,” said Terletska. “This moment is a generational opportunity for the state of Tennessee to become a national leader in quantum technologies, their commercialization, and workforce development.”

MTSU has already secured several million dollars in federal grants to support its quantum research initiatives, including a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the RENEW initiative. The funding supports TN-QuMat – a collaborative project involving MTSU, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee State University, Fisk University, and Meharry Medical College – focused on training the next generation of scientists and engineers in critical national research areas.

Strategic Partnerships

MTSU’s push into quantum research is strengthened by partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), both of which were represented at the announcement event.

“The partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and MTSU reflects a shared commitment to developing a bold workforce equipped with critical skills to shape quantum advancements, not only for Tennessee but for the nation,” said Shaun Gleason, ORNL Partnerships Director.

Chris Jones, President and CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, praised MTSU for its forward-thinking vision. “Having the foresight to focus on and invest in quantum is vital. MTE and United Communications, our fiber and broadband company, will be good and necessary partners as this moves forward. We stand with MTSU today and will walk with you down this path.”

Steve Smith, Chair of the MTSU Board of Trustees, also commended Terletska and her team. “It’s always good to partner with a giant, and Oak Ridge National Lab is just that. I compliment Dr. Terletska and the university on getting an award on merit and being out in front.”

A special video message from Congressman Chuck Fleischmann congratulated the university on its quantum leadership. Fleischmann, who has been instrumental in connecting MTSU with ORNL, also coordinated a visit earlier this year for MTSU trustees and faculty to the lab.

Building a Quantum Future

Provost Mark Byrnes and College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Greg Van Patten both emphasized that QRISE represents a new era for MTSU.

“The work of Dr. Terletska and her colleagues reflects the fact that we’re now conducting research at the forefront of national and international work,” Byrnes said. “We’re playing in the big leagues when it comes to research, and that’s something we can all be proud of.”

Van Patten called the launch “a defining moment for MTSU, a bold step into the future of innovation and discovery. For our students, QRISE means access to the front edge of a rapidly growing global sector. Whether they become scientists, engineers, or entrepreneurs, our graduates will be ready to contribute on day one because they’ve not only learned the theory but done the work.”

Training Tomorrow’s Workforce

At the heart of QRISE’s mission is preparing students for the jobs of the future through hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world experience.

Senior Ariel Nicastro, of Franklin, said she’s proud to be part of MTSU’s initial quantum efforts. “It’s great to see representatives from Oak Ridge and Middle Tennessee Electric in this partnership. To make quantum efforts broad, we have to have partners like them.”

Terletska, who has received six National Science Foundation grants and two Department of Energy grants totaling more than $8 million, said QRISE reflects MTSU’s strategic vision to build a Tennessee-wide quantum ecosystem.

“Our goal is to make Middle Tennessee a central hub for statewide quantum technologies by bringing together academia, industry, government, and research institutions,” she said. “At QRISE, we’re designing educational programs with hands-on training and interdisciplinary collaboration to build a Tennessee quantum-ready workforce that can meet national and global challenges.”