MTSU College of Basic & Applied Sciences

06/02/2026

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Liz Barnes

Before becoming a nationally recognized researcher in science education, Dr. Liz Barnes was a teenager working as a waitress after leaving high school. Today, she is helping faculty across the country better understand how students learn science and how teaching can be more effective.

As an associate professor in MTSU Department of Biology, Barnes studies evidence-based teaching practices and works to make science more accessible for students from all backgrounds. Her own path to higher education continues to shape her research, teaching, and commitment to student success.

Read her story at https://bit.ly/3RHN9pQ

05/29/2026

Big ideas are moving out of the lab and becoming commercially viable.

Our faculty are helping to position ideas for the marketplace through patents, partnerships, entrepreneurship, and commercialization support.

For CBAS, this work reflects what we see across the college every day: research with purpose, faculty and students solving meaningful challenges, and discoveries that can strengthen workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across Tennessee.

Read the full article at https://bit.ly/4wVdBfH

05/27/2026

⚾️ The Nashville Sounds are stepping up to support student veterans once again.

Game worn military jerseys from the Sounds’ Salute to Armed Forces Day game are now being auctioned to benefit the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. 🇺🇸

The Daniels Center serves more than 1,300 veterans and military connected students and families each year, providing support that helps them succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Bid on a jersey and help make an impact for those who have served. 💙 Read the article at https://bit.ly/4vdhJWK

05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their service and courage continue to inspire generations across our communities and beyond. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Artificial intelligence is changing the future of scientific discovery.

On this episode of The Research Minute podcast, Professor of Biology Dr. Mary Farone joins David to discuss the hidden microscopic world surrounding us and how advances in AI and DNA sequencing are helping researchers identify and study organisms that once went undetected.

From discovering new bacteria species to exploring the future of microbiology research, the conversation highlights how technology is opening new doors in science every day.

Watch the full episode at https://bit.ly/43pios4

MTSU Department of Biology

05/20/2026

🍫🥛 Did you catch the “Out of the Blue” show featuring the journey of MTSU’s famous chocolate milk from farm to bottle?

This story highlights something incredibly important to Tennessee and our region: agriculture, workforce development, and hands on student experiences that prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

From the Experiential Learning and Research Center in Lascassas to the MTSU Creamery and Rutherford Farmers Co-Op, MTSU students are involved every step of the way gaining real world experience in dairy production, processing, testing, and distribution.

Agriculture remains one of Tennessee’s most important industries, and the MTSU School of Agriculture continues to play a vital role in preparing students to meet the growing needs of the field while supporting local communities and economies across the state.

05/19/2026

⚛️ A defining moment for the future of quantum innovation in Tennessee.

Today, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Middle Tennessee Electric (Corporate Office) officially solidified their partnership to advance quantum science, research, and workforce development across the region and state.

University leaders, trustees, faculty, and MTE executives gathered on campus for the signing of a memorandum of understanding that builds on more than a year of collaboration focused on positioning Middle Tennessee at the forefront of quantum technology.

“We are in advanced discussions on resource sharing to develop a quantum testbed that would allow collaborative experiments linking our two physical locations in Murfreesboro,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. “Our goal is to use this partnership to accelerate the development, adoption, and utilization of quantum technologies by companies in Middle Tennessee.”

MTE President and CEO Chris Jones added, “Quantum computing represents more than the next generation of technology — it represents the next generation of opportunity for our region.”

From healthcare and cybersecurity to energy, logistics, transportation, finance, and advanced computing, the impact of quantum technology is expected to reshape industries across Tennessee and beyond.

The future is quantum, and MTSU and MTE are helping lead the way.

MTSU Physics & Astronomy

05/18/2026

Big Day tomorrow for QRISE and MTE.

Watch live as MTSU and Middle Tennessee Electric formalizes its partnership in quantum research and education on Tuesday, May 19, at 8:15 a.m., here on Facebook, at MTSU.edu/live, or on MTSU True Blue TV! MTSU College of Basic & Applied Sciences

05/18/2026

Follow along the MTSU School of Agriculture's Dairy producing MTSU's famous chocolate milk.

05/18/2026