Research Projects
Tennessee Tech's quantum information science research portfolio includes federally supported projects and research initiatives in quantum communications, secure networking, advanced computing and related technologies.
These activities bring together faculty expertise, specialized research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration to investigate emerging technical challenges, advance experimental quantum systems and provide opportunities for student research and workforce development.
Featured Project
Quantum Cookeville-Crossville: Regional Quantum Communications Testbed
Tennessee Tech has received $2.1 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a regional testbed for entanglement-based quantum communications between Cookeville and Crossville, Tennessee.
The project will integrate specialized quantum networking equipment to generate, distribute and measure entangled quantum states across geographically separated locations. The planned infrastructure will support experimental research into quantum network performance, timing, stability and the integration of quantum and classical communications systems.
- Federal funding: $2.1 million
- Sponsor: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce
- Project period: October 1, 2026–September 30, 2028
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Ismail, Ph.D.
- Co-principal investigator: Anthony Skjellum, Ph.D.
- Project locations: Cookeville and Crossville, Tenn.
Additional Funded Research and Initiatives
Tennessee Tech's quantum research portfolio has provided a foundation for future quantum technology development and workforce development and includes federally supported projects focused on quantum education, regional infrastructure planning, cybersecurity and educational partnerships. See below for current and past projects.
- » Expanding Quantum Education and Workforce Development (EQUIS)
Through the National Science Foundation-funded EQUIS initiative, Tennessee Tech has led a multi-university effort to expand education and experiential learning in quantum information science and engineering across the southeastern United States.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), ExLENT Program, Award Abstract # 2322594
Title: Beginnings: Creating and Sustaining a Diverse Community of Expertise in Quantum Information Science (EQUIS) Across the Southeastern United States
Funding: $1 million total; $500,000 Tennessee Tech share
Project period: October 2023–September 2026 - » Quantum Appalachia
Supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Quantum Appalachia explored the feasibility of establishing a regional quantum network connecting quantum computing, simulation, sensing and related technologies across Appalachia. The planning initiative included evaluating potential network infrastructure, developing regional partnerships, identifying workforce needs and exploring economic-development opportunities associated with emerging quantum technologies.
Sponsor: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), ARISE Program
Title: Quantum Appalachia: Forging the Future of Economic Growth and Secure Connectivity
Funding: $500,000
Project period: October 2024–September 2025 - » Post-Quantum Cryptography Research
Tennessee Tech conducted sponsored research in post-quantum cryptography through a subcontract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The work represents part of the university's broader research activities addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges associated with quantum technologies.
Sponsor: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (subcontract)
Funding: $72,000
Project period: January–July 2024
Selected Quantum Research Studies
Tennessee Tech researchers investigate technical challenges in quantum networking, cryptography and emerging computing technologies. Their work includes developing communication protocols, evaluating network architectures, improving security mechanisms and studying the performance of quantum computing applications.
Entanglement Distribution and Routing
Researchers develop and evaluate methods for distributing quantum entanglement across complex networks, including hybrid classical-quantum systems and proposed space–air–ground architectures. Their studies examine routing efficiency, resource utilization and network performance to inform the development of future quantum communications systems.
Quantum Cryptography and Authentication
Research includes quantum identity authentication, controlled quantum teleportation and approaches to secure communication between quantum-connected systems. These studies investigate methods for improving authentication, access control and the security of emerging quantum networks.
Integrating Quantum Cryptography with Existing Infrastructure
Researchers investigate how existing communications and cybersecurity infrastructure could be adapted to support quantum cryptographic protocols. Studies involving electrical power systems examine approaches to quantum-capable resource allocation, network upgrades and secure key distribution.
Quantum Machine Learning and Cybersecurity
Tennessee Tech researchers study the performance and limitations of quantum machine learning techniques in cybersecurity applications. Their work includes investigating how changes in data over time affect quantum learning models and exploring methods to improve model adaptability.
For technical research findings, detailed project descriptions and publications, explore CEROC's quantum research and quantum research publications.