#qrise

MTSU launches the quantum era and solidifies Tennessee's tech leadership with the QRISE Centre.

MTSU careers

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) advanced towards global quantum research and technology leadership. The university opened the College of Basic and Applied Sciences' Quantum Research, Interdisciplinary Science, and Education (QRISE) Centre. The inaugural ceremony in the Science Building's second-floor mezzanine lauded Tennessee as a new global leader in quantum technology. State and local officials spoke.

MTSU Board of Trustees Chair Steve Smith, College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Greg Van Patton, and President Sidney A. McPhee called the opening a turning point for the university and state. “The new QRISE centre will drive breakthroughs that will shape the next generation of technology and will transform how we understand and harness the quantum world,” said President McPhee. Quantum science is progressing swiftly and might disrupt critical businesses, according to McPhee. Ten years from now, the economic impact might be tens of billions.

Quantum Science Strategic Imperative

Quantum technology's importance and reach were stressed by MTSU physics professor and QRISE founder Hanna Terletska to the 50 guests. Terletska, who has over ten years of academic experience and over $8 million in awards, including two Department of Energy grants and six National Research Foundation grants, believes quantum research and technologies are a U.S. priority that affects the entire economy.

These consequences affect advanced materials, cybersecurity, computers, energy, healthcare, and finance, which are crucial to American national security, defence, and worldwide leadership.

Terletska noted that Tennessee had a generational chance to lead quantum. She oversees workforce development, multidisciplinary research, and partnerships with academic, commercial, and government organisations as director.

Understanding Quantum World

The rapidly growing field of quantum information science (QIS) aims to use matter's peculiar properties at the atomic and sub-atomic levels, where traditional physics rarely applies. Quantum superposition allows an atom to be both a particle and a wave. Better understanding of quantum superposition may speed up computers, say researchers.

Dean Greg Van Patton convincingly demonstrated QRISE's potential to improve power grids, infrastructure security, and disease diagnosis. Van Patton told the audience that these applications are more than remote possibilities. These things are developing”.

Building a Statewide Quantum Ecosystem

QRISE Centre aims to be a “central hub for statewide quantum technologies,” uniting national labs, industry, government, and academia. Terletska said Friday's statement launched the Middle Tennessee quantum consortium hub. QRISE is working with Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) in East Tennessee, Quantum Chattanooga EPB in southeast Tennessee, and the innovation economies of Nashville and possibly Memphis to create a Tennessee quantum ecosystem.

This relationship includes TN-QuMat, a collaboration involving MTSU, Fisk, Tennessee State, Meharry Medical College, ORNL, and the U.S. Department of Energy. This initiative is part of the Department of Energy's RENEW program, which trains future scientists and engineers in key research fields. To support this multi-institutional project, the university received a $2.2 million DOE grant this year.

Key Government-Industry Partnerships

At the launch, key government and business partners were highlighted. The relationship between MTSU and Oak Ridge National Laboratory was largely due to Chuck Fleischmann. Fleischmann, who coordinated MTSU administration, faculty, and trustees' summer travel to ORNL, congratulated the university on the government grant in a video.

MTSU and ORNL's cooperation “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,” says ORNL Partnerships Director Shaun Gleason.

They were joined by MTE representatives. MTE president and CEO Chris Jones praised MTSU's goal and said MTE and United Communications would be crucial partners.

Mr. McPhee congratulated elected officials for their $147 million investment in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. By creating a "corridor of innovation," this funding has helped MTSU improve research and services.

A Key Moment for Students

QRISE pursues workforce development and education in addition to research. Van Patten called the QRISE launch “a defining moment for MTSU a bold step into the future of innovation and discovery”. He stressed that QRISE gives students access to the “front edge of a rapidly growing global sector”. QRISE ensures graduates are ready to contribute with practical experience and multidisciplinary training.

Senior Ariel Nicastro, the Quantum Computing Club's three-time president, said she was thrilled to be part of MTSU's early quantum projects and stressed the necessity of working with Oak Ridge and Middle Tennessee Electric.