Building a quantum-ready workforce: MTSU leads national train the trainer workshop

MTSU quantum national conference workshop promo

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University continues to position itself at the forefront of quantum education and workforce training in Tennessee and nationally.

At the American Association of Physics Teachers winter 2025 meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, in mid-January, MTSU physics associate professor Hanna Terletska, along with Stewarts Creek High School teacher Robert Haddard and MTSU Department of Physics and Astronomy scholar and researcher Paulson K. George working in Terletska’s group, led a successful workshop, “Train the Trainer: From Atoms to Quantum Computers.”

Middle Tennessee State University Department of Physics and Astronomy associate professor Hanna Terletska leads the “Train the Trainer: From Atoms to Quantum Computers,” session in mid-January during the American Association of Physics Teachers winter 2025 meeting in St. Louis, Mo. Terletska’s many efforts are helping MTSU position itself at the forefront of quantum education and workforce training. (Submitted photo)

The four-hour session provided essential guidance on how to introduce quantum mechanics and quantum computing concepts to high school educators, Terletska said. This workshop is part of her efforts under the National Science Foundation-funded (three-year $800,000) ExpandQISE award.

Quantum Information Science is a rapidly growing field with enormous potential to transform various areas, including computing, national security, financing, energy research, new materials, health care and information technology.

The workshop attracted participants from Stony Brook University, Purdue University, the University of Denver, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and others.

Middle Tennessee State University Department of Physics and Astronomy post-doctroral student Paulson George was a co-presenter during the “Train the Trainer: From Atoms to Quantum Computers” session during the American Association of Physics Teachers winter 2025 meeting in St. Louis, Mo., in mid-January. George designed a hands-on session in the workshop to explain quantum superposition, measurement and other quantum properties easily. (Submitted photo) — Middle Tennessee State University Department of Physics and Astronomy scholar and researcher Paulson K. George was a co-presenter during the “Train the Trainer: From Atoms to Quantum Computers” session during the American Association of Physics Teachers winter 2025 meeting in St. Louis, Mo., in mid-January. George designed a hands-on session in the workshop to explain quantum superposition, measurement and other quantum properties easily. (Submitted photo)

This initiative addresses the critical need for a quantum-ready workforce in the U.S., as highlighted in national reports emphasizing the urgency of engaging more educators and students in quantum science.

Dr. Hanna Terletska

“We believe that empowering educators is the first step toward building a quantum-ready future,” Terletska said. “By providing the tools, knowledge and confidence to teach quantum concepts, we are laying the foundation of the next generation of scientists and engineers. MTSU is proud to lead this effort, and we are committed to making quantum education a reality for schools across the country.”

In the workshop, participants explored interactive quantum games designed to make quantum mechanics more approachable and engaging for their students. Terletska used the same ideas from a successful College of Basic and Applied Sciences STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Camp.

Robert Haddard, a Stewarts Creek High School teacher, prepares to lead part of the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Physics and Astronomy “Train the Trainer: From Atoms to Quantum Computers” workshop session during the American Association of Physics Teachers winter 2025 meeting in St. Louis, Mo., in mid-January. (MTSU Photo by Hanna Terletska)

Robert Haddard, Stewarts Creek High School science teacher — Robert Haddard

MTSU postdoctoral researcher Paulson K. George, a native of Mananthavady, Kerala, in India now living in Antioch — Dr. Paulson K. George

The workshop also provided hands-on practice with coding on the IBM quantum computer, equipping educators with the skills to incorporate quantum computing into their classrooms, Terletska said. Her team provided attendees with a comprehensive set of materials, including workshop plan, quantum demos and coding exercises, easily adapted to fit a variety of curricula.

Scholar and researcher George, a native of Mananthavady, Kerala, in India now living in Antioch, said he “actively participated in all the discussions and content creation for the workshop as a co-presenter and organizer, and contributed significantly. I designed a hands-on session in the workshop to explain quantum superposition, measurement and other quantum properties easily.”

Pioneering initiatives

Terletska has led numerous pioneering quantum education initiatives, including the STEM camps in 2023-24, training approximately 65 high school students, equipping them with fundamental quantum skills and exposure to cutting-edge quantum technologies.

She conducted the train the trainer workshop when MTSU hosted the Tennessee section of the American Association of Physics Teachers in spring 2024, engaging faculty representatives form Christian Brothers University, UT-Chattanooga, UT-Knoxville, Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay State University.

The workshops fostered quantum literacy among educators and expanding quantum training efforts across multiple institutions.

“By inspiring and equipping educators with the necessary tools to teach quantum concepts, MTSU is actively contributing to the national push for a stronger, more diverse workforce,” Terletska said.

Terletska’s efforts are part of a broader MTSU Quantum Initiative, an MTSU-wide program dedicated to advancing quantum education, research and workforce development.

Greg Van Patten, Middle Tennessee State University College of Basic and Applied Sciences dean, discusses the phenomenal growth in the MTSU quantum science research area as he wraps up a session with the university Board of Trustees in early December in the Miller Education Center on Bell Street in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Led by associate professor Hanna Terletska, MTSU’s program has become a leader in advancing quantum education, research and workforce development. (MTSU screenshot from Board of Trustees meeting)

“MTSU, through the work of Dr. Terletska, has quietly established itself as a multifaceted state leader in quantum,” said Greg Van Patten, College of Basic and Applied Sciences dean, who addressed the university’s Board of Trustees in December regarding the burgeoning program.

Dr. Greg Van Patten, professor, Chemistry; dean, CBAS — Dr. Greg Van Patten

“We are leaders in quantum research,” Van Patten added, mentioning $5.5 million from seven grants Terletska obtained in recent years. “We are leading multi-institution collaborations. “Dr. Terletska was singled out by her National Science Foundation program officer as a leader of a model program in this emerging area.

“Our Quantum@MTSU initiative has attracted 20 interdisciplinary faculty from diverse fields, fostering exactly the type of collaborative environment essential for high-impact research. … Beyond research, MTSU is leading quantum workforce development. Students from top universities in America are enrolling in Dr. Terletska’s classes. And, our efforts are being recognized nationally as MTSU is leading a Department of Energy-funded workforce pipeline program in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.”

The initiative aims to build interdisciplinary collaborations, expand quantum training programs and create opportunities for students and educators to engage with cutting-edge technologies. For more on the initiative, visit https://quantum.mtsu.edu.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)