QRISE Center
Announcing the 2026 National Science Foundation National Research Traineeship (NRT) hosted by Middle Tennessee State University
Interdisciplinary Graduate Research and Training Program (IGRTP) in QISE-AI
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the new MTSU Interdisciplinary Graduate Research and Training Program (IGRTP) in Quantum Information Science/Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (QISE-AI). This program is underwritten by the National Science Foundation’s National Research Traineeship (NRT) program and is expected to run until August 31, 2030. This program is funded by NSF DGE #2510274: NRT-QISE-AI: Middle Tennessee Interdisciplinary Graduate Research and Training in Quantum Information Science and AI, 2025-30. https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2510274&HistoricalAwards=false
Application and Eligibility Guidelines
Eligible student applicants must:
- Have Cumulative GPA over 3.0
- Be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a STEM field
Final-year undergraduates may apply; Degree must be conferred before enrollment
To be considered and apply for the NSF sponsored MTSU NRT program, there are two required steps:
- Apply to the MTSU Graduate School (Skip if you are admitted/enrolled already)
Submit your graduate application to Middle Tennessee State University here:
➤ https://www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply/
- Apply to the MTSU IGRTP Program
After (or while) applying to the Graduate School, complete the IGRTP program application here:
➤ https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Start/919c116f-b24b-4403-9f9a-80ba0cc0d185?SSO=N
Both steps must be completed for full consideration. All applications must be completed and received by March 1, 2026, for full consideration.
- Please inform your recommenders that a request for an academic reference letter will be arriving by email and give them a lead time of at least 2 weeks to send a letter.
- Please include your transcript(s) when you submit your IGRTP application.
Contact:
Dr. Wandi Ding (PI) Wandi.Ding@mtsu.edu
Ms. Mimi Thomas (Program Coordinator) Mimi.Thomas@mtsu.edu
Program Themes and Research Activities
- Theme 1 – Quantum Machine Learning, Computing, and Cybersecurity
- Theme 2 – Quantum Materials, Quantum Chemistry
- Theme 3 – AI and Quantum Machining, Computing for Biomedical Research
Program Highlights
- Robust Interdisciplinary Curriculum featuring Quantum Information Science AND Artificial Intelligence
- Comprehensive Professional and Career Development
- Hands-On Collaborative Research
- Specialized Coursework
- Those who qualify may be eligible to receive a $37,000 stipend and tuition costs for one year
- Career, Research and Industry Readiness Preparation
- Funding allowances for research and conference presentations
- Networking and Team Building Retreats
We welcome you to apply to this innovative program by March 1, 2026!
Who Should Apply? We are seeking enthusiastic students with a desire to be on the cutting edge of quantum and AI research and discovery! Eligible participants must also possess a conferred bachelor’s or master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math field before enrollment into the NRT program and have at least a 3.0 or greater cumulative GPA.
Location: Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee—the geological center of that state and just 35 miles south of Nashville! Due to our central location, we are near Oak Ridge National Laboratory located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee.
Program Faculty
Major research efforts of our faculty cadre within the IGRTP-QISE-AI program will focus on three transformative research themes to advance interdisciplinary studies in quantum information science and AI. We hope you will find your place with us. Please explore the faculty pages for more information and understanding.
Computer Science:
Mathematical Science:
Physics:
Chemistry:
Contact
Hanna Terletska
Director of QRISE Center
Associate Professor
Department of Physics & Astronomy
WPS 206C
Phone: 615-898-2792
Email: hanna.terletska@mtsu.edu