NSF NRT GCR AI Program and Fellowship
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NSF NRT-GCR, AI: Program and Fellowship

Immersive Research Traineeship in the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Cyber Security


U.S. National Science Foundation logo

Overview

The Immersive Research Traineeship in the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Cyber Security is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship (NRT) program designed to equip the next generation of STEM leaders with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to address critical challenges in energy security. This program aims to bridge the gap between engineers and scientists trained in cybersecurity and AI algorithms and those specialized in energy systems, fostering a unique cohort skilled at integrating these fields to tackle national priorities.

In a rapidly evolving world, energy infrastructure faces increasing threats and growing demands for resilient and sustainable systems. With over 427,000 job vacancies in energy, 663,500 in cybersecurity, and 55,000 in AI, the demand for cross-disciplinary talent has never been higher. Anchored in the thriving research and industrial ecosystem of Tennessee, this NRT allows trainees an opportunity to have research and professional discussions with industry partners and Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).

Mission

Through the three key pillars of Education, Research, and Professional Development outlined below, this NRT fellowship empower M.S. and Ph.D. students in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering to collaborate and address the following:

 Are engineers and scientists with research training in cybersecurity and AI algorithms but no actual understanding or hands-on experience in the physical energy infrastructure ideal to solve energy security?

 Are engineers and scientists well trained in energy generation, storage, and power transmission technologies in an ideal situation to assess and mitigate an impending security threat?

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NRT Cycle

Education

Research

Professional Development

Research & Publications

The following are on-going research projects and published conference and journal papers from NRT trainees and NRT faculty with the Immersive Research Traineeship in the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Cyber Security NRT fellowship program:

On-Going Research Projects

News & Events

The following section features upcoming workshops, bootcamps, seminars, and outreach events hosted by the TTU NRT group, with active NRT trainees often leading and organizing these initiatives. You’ll also find relevant articles, university stories, and program updates posted here.

Up-Coming Events

How to Apply

Immersive Research Traineeship in the Convergence of AI, Energy, and Cybersecurity applications for the Spring 2026 semester are OPEN. Applications must be received by December 1st, 2025, for full consideration.

Students interested in participating in the NRT fellowship may apply before applying to graduate school at Tennessee Tech. However, to be eligible for the NRT fellowship, students must enroll as an M.S. or Ph.D. Electrical & Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering student at Tennessee Tech at the start of their fellowship.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the application below and submit all required documents to the NRT Project Coordinator, Mr. John-Caleb (JC) Williams, at jcwilliams@tntech.edu.

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Contact Us

For more information about the NSF NRT-GCR: Immersive Research Traineeship in the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Cyber Security, whether you’re interested in learning more about the program or applying, feel free to reach out to us via our contact information below!

Leadership

Maanak Gupta portrait

Maanak Gupta, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator; Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Computer Science
mgupta@tntech.edu

Indranil Bhattacharya portrait

Indranil Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Co-Principal Investigator; 

JC Williams portrait

John-Caleb (JC) Williams

NRT Project Coordinator; Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Doctoral Student jcwilliams@tntech.edu

 

NRT Trainees

 

Garrett Armstrong portrait

Garrett Armstrong

NRT Trainee - Cohort 1 - Masters Student Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE)
garmstron42@tntech.edu

Terry Hines portrait

Terry Hines

NRT Trainee - Cohort 1 - Masters Student Mechanical Engineering (ME)
tdhines42@tntech.edu

Kate Phillips portrait

Kate Phillips

NRT Trainee - Cohort 1 - Doctoral Student Computer Science (CSC)
klphillips45@tntech.edu

 

 

 

Dakota Moye portrait

Dakota Moye

NRT Trainee - Cohort 1 - Doctoral Student Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE)
djmoye43@tntech.edu

 

 

NRT Faculty & Staff

 

Maanak Gupta portrait

Maanak Gupta, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator; Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Computer Science
mgupta@tntech.edu

Indranil Bhattacharya portrait

Indranil Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Co-Principal Investigator; 

Doug Talbert profile

Doug Talbert, Ph.D.

Co-Principal Investigator; Co-Director Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Center; Professor of Computer Science (CSC) 

dtalbert@tntech.edu 

 

Eunsung Park portrait

Eunsung Park, Ph.D.

Co-Principal Investigator; Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction (CI)
epark@tntech.edu

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Twanelle Majors, Ph.D.

Evaluator; Senior Lecturer of Chemistry (CHEM)
tmajors@tntech.edu

Shanae Tyree portrait

Shanae Tyree

NRT Project Manager; Center for Energy Systems Research Manager
styree@tntech.edu 

 

 

JC Williams portrait

John-Caleb (JC) Williams

NRT Project Coordinator; Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Doctorial Student
jcwilliams@tntech.edu 

 

 

NRT Industrial Advisory Board (IAB)

 

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Dale Blair, Ph.D.

Principal Research Engineer
Georgia Tech Research Institute
Tennessee Tech 85' B.S. & 87' M.S. ECE

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Jack Baxter

V.P. of Power Systems Operations
Nashville Electric Service (N.E.S.)
Tennessee Tech 91' B.S. ECE

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Tim Fritch

Manager of Power Quality
Tennessee Valley Authority
Tennessee Tech 04' B.S. ECE

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