Room-Temperature Quantum Research Facilities: A Scalable Model for Emerging Research Universities

The emergence of quantum information science as a transformative technology domain has created workforce demands that existing educational infrastructure cannot meet. This paper argues that nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond provide a technically capable and financially accessible pathway for emerging research universities to establish quantum research programs. Unlike superconducting qubits requiring millikelvin temperatures, NV centers operate at room temperature with standard optical and microwave equipment. We present practical research programs achievable with university-scale resources: quantum sensing applications, small-scale algorithm development with 5-10 qubit registers, foundational quantum networking research, and workforce training programs capable of engaging hundreds of students annually. We present a generalizable facility design framework featuring phased implementation ($70,000-$350,000 over seven years) and strategic positioning within the Texas Quantum Initiative (HB 4751).