The Ecosystem for Research Networking and the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub(NEBDHub) have partnered to host a series of webinars focusing on Quantum Computing. This Dynamic series will convene leading researchers, industry innovators, and educators to explore the evolving frontiers of quantum science and technology. These virtual events are designed for learners, educators, researchers, and professionals. Each interactive session will span topics from foundational principles to cutting edge real-world application, bridging disciplines and sparking discovery.

Building Quantum from the Ground Up: How Regional Universities Can Lead the Quantum Workforce

Quantum science and workforce training are often perceived as the domain of large research universities and national laboratories. In reality, smaller and regional institutions, which educate a significant share of U.S. students, including many first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented learners, play a critical role in expanding access, training talent at scale, and connecting quantum research to regional workforce needs. For these institutions, sustained federal investment is essential to enable quantum programs to take root and scale. 

In this talk, I will share how Middle Tennessee State University is building a comprehensive quantum initiative at a regional university by integrating research, education, industry engagement, and workforce development, made possible in large part through critical funding from federal agencies such as the NSF and DOE. I will discuss the structural challenges and resource constraints faced by smaller institutions and the strategies used to overcome them, including a growing portfolio in quantum materials, quantum computing, and AI-enabled quantum science; the launch of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional quantum curricula and student training pathways; and a strategic partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory that connects students and faculty to national-scale research and industry-relevant problems.

Together, these efforts position MTSU as a regional hub for quantum education and workforce development, while contributing meaningfully to the Tennessee and national quantum ecosystem. Ultimately, building quantum capacity at regional universities is not about catching up, it is about ensuring that the future of U.S. quantum science is built broadly, wherever talent lives and opportunity can be created.

Register here for this free, virtual webinar scheduled for Friday, February 20th, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.

Dr. Hanna Terletska’s research background is in computational physics, with a focus on disordered and strongly correlated quantum materials, supported by NSF- and DOE-funded projects. She leads the Middle Tennessee Quantum Consortium, a regional partnership among MTSU, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Austin Peay State University, working with national laboratory partners to expand quantum research, education, and workforce training across Tennessee. She also develops interdisciplinary quantum curricula and leads Train-the-Trainer programs to strengthen quantum capacity at emerging research institutions.