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Homecoming 2013 is Saturday

The 2013 UT Homecoming festivities culminate on Saturday, November 9, when faculty, staff, and students from different colleges, offices, and organizations across campus welcome back thousands of lifelong Vol fans. “Cirque du Rocky Top” is this year’s Homecoming theme.

UT will play Auburn University in this year's Homecoming football game.
Read more >>

Big Orange Give continues through Saturday

The Big Orange Give reached its goal of raising $125,000 well ahead of its deadline, so a new goal was set: $175,000. The COE has had 175 in mind all year! The university-wide campaign has already met this second goal, and it continues through 9:00 p.m. EST on Homecoming Saturday, November 9. Big Orange Give >>

One way to contribute to the Big Orange Give, and also the Impact Big Ideas campaign, is to give to the IEEE Robotics Team. Donations will help the team in another successful year of competition and continued engineering outreach to local and state-wide schools.
Read more about the team >>

FACULTY NEWS

Dr. Stephen Paddison

Paddison is UT's Quest Scholar of the Week

Dr. Stephen Paddison, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE), recently published an important paper in Physical Review Letters (PRL). Paddison, in collaboration with the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), the University of Houston, and the University of Michigan, has discovered the anomalous electronic state of water confined in nanodomains, such as those in biological cells, which is distinctly different from that of bulk water, for example, water contained in a cup. This was achieved using high-brilliance and high-energy synchrotron radiation X-rays.
Read more >>

Dr. Joshua Fu

CEE research earns Significant Event Award

Dr. Joshua Fu, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), and Dr. Kan Huang, a research associate, have been awarded the Significant Event Award from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for their contributions to the project "Arctic Black Carbon Initiative," funded by the Department of Energy.

Black carbon (BC) is formed from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It has significant warming effects and human health impacts. The contributions from the UT team will have profound implications on demonstrating BC emissions reduction opportunities in Russia and also alleviating climate change over the Arctic region.
Read more >>

STUDENT NEWS

James Price

Yujia Bai

CBE doctoral candidates defend dissertations

Doctoral candidates in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE), will defend their dissertation at 9:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2013, in the CBE Conference Room (Room 422) of the Dougherty Engineering Building.

James Vincent Price's dissertation is titled "A Tale of Two Protein Switches: Engineering, Characterizing, and Understanding a Novel and a Natural Switch." He will defend at 9:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, in Room 422 of the Dougherty Engineering Building. His advisor is Dr. Eric Boder.

Yujia Bai's dissertation is titled "Membrane Study of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells and Performance Study of Hydrogen Bromine Redox Flow Batteries." He will defend at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, in Room 409 of the Dougherty Engineering Building. Bai's advisor is Dr. Thomas Zawodzinski.

Jennifer Ladd-Lively's dissertation is titled "Development of a Monitoring Framework for the Detection of Diversion of Intermediate Products in a Generic Natural Uranium Conversion Plant." She will defend at 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 15, in Room 422 of the Dougherty Engineering Building. Ladd-Lively's advisor is Dr. Tse-wei Wang.
Read more >>

CTR offers rail transportation course

Dr. David Clarke, director of the Center for Transportation Research, will instruct a special topics course in rail transportation during the spring 2014 semester. "Design of Railway Transportation Systems," CE 595, will be a unique opportunity to learn about railway engineering. Contact Clarke at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-1812.

The three-credit-hour class will cover:

• Basic principles of railway transportation
• Track behavior and design
• Geometric design of railway lines and terminals
• Railway construction and maintenance
• Train performance
• Railway signaling and communications
• Capacity and operations analysis

EVENTS

National Day of Remembrance observed on campus

A National Day of Remembrance will be observed on Monday, November 11, to honor fallen soldiers who have died since September 11, 2001. A roll call of names will begin at 7:00 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m. that day. A remembrance ceremony will be at 1:45 p.m. on the south lawn of Ayres Hall, followed by observance of a national moment of silence at 2:00 p.m. The remembrance is sponsored by the Task Force in Support of Student Veterans.

KAERI representatives visit COE campus

Visitors from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) visited the UT COE campus on Wednesday, October 30. The visit was hosted by Dr. Wes Hines (far right in photo), the Charles P. Postelle Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering (NE); Dr. Belle Upadhyaya, professor in NE; and Dr. William Hamel (far left in photo), professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, (MABE). The visit included discussions of the capabilities of both KAERI and COE and a current International Nuclear Engineering Research Initiative between the two institutions. The KAERI representatives also toured Dr. Hamel’s robotics laboratory, as pictured above right.

Campagna presents CBE seminar

Dr. Shawn R. Campagna, an associate professor in the UT Department of Chemistry, will discuss "Application of Metabolomics, Lipidomics, and Kinetic Flux Profiling to Understand Metabolism at the Systems Level" 9:40-10:50 a.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in Room 612 of the Dougherty Engineering Building.

The seminar is presented by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE).
Read more >>

Colglazier will speak on science and diplomacy

Dr. E. William Colglazier, pictured at right, science and technology adviser to the Secretary of State, will speak on Science and Diplomacy at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 21, at the Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy.

Colglazier is a former UT physics professor and director of the UT Energy, Environment, and Resources Center (1983-1991). The talk is free and open to the public.

Aluru will speak in MABE seminar

Dr. Narayan Aluru, pictured at right, will speak on the "Multiscale Simulation of Molecular Fluids" in a presentation of the Distinguished Seminar Series in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering (MABE).

The talk will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2013, in Room 405 of the John D. Tickle Engineering Building.
Read more >>

OPPORTUNITIES

ACEC scholarship information available online

Information about scholarships being offered by ACEC, ACEC of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Engineering Foundation (TEF) is now available. The TEF is offering three scholarships in addition to the Dorothy & Arthur Crouch Memorial scholarship. The ACEC deadline for submitting applications is January 24, 2014. The TEF deadline is February 3, 2014.
Read more about applying for the scholarships >>

iBME invites faculty, staff, and students for "Jingle Bell Run"

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (iBME) would like to support the Arthritis Foundation by putting together a team for the 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2013. The run/walk will begin at Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Read more >>

Click here to visit the iBME Jingle team page, where you can become a team member or donate to support those participating.

Engineering Study Abroad open for summer 2014

An information session for the 2014 Faculty–led Study Abroad Programs will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 11, in Room 108 of Estabrook Hall.

• Engineering in London– Dr. Roger Parsons, Dr. Mike Berry, Dr. Paul Crilly
  May 30-July 1, 2014, London, England
  
• Sustainable Energy– Dr. Madhu Madhukar
  May 8-28, 2014, Dublin Ireland, 
  
• Water Resources and Climate Change in the European Alps– Dr. Glenn Tootle
  May 6-28, 2014, Innsbruck Austria
  
• New! Lean, Reliability, and Maintainability Engineering in Germany– Dr. Klaus Blache
  June 1-21, 2014, Munich, Germany
  
• Nuclear Engineering in Prague– Dr. Eric Lukosi
  May, 2014, exact dates TBD, Prague, Czech Republic
  

Faculty and students who have been on these trips will be available to answer your questions at the information session.
Read students' study-abroad experiences from past summers >>

GRAMS Program offers assistantship for master students

The Graduate Assistantship for Masters (GRAMS) Program is coordinated by the Center for Intelligence Systems and Machine Learning (CISML). This assistantship program is funded by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Science Alliance (a UT Center of Excellence).

The program is restricted to master students who are US citizens and who are currently enrolled in full time graduate study at the University of Tennessee. If you are considering graduate study here at UT/EECS, visit the GRAMS website to review the research areas that are currently supported by GRAMS funding.

Tsinghua University English Summer Camp applications open

The Center for International Education is taking applications from UT faculty, staff and students to teach in the Tsinghua University English three-week summer program. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about China. Lodging, meals, and a stipend are provided. The program is scheduled for June 30-July 18, 2014.

An information session on the program will be 5:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, in the International House TV Room. For more information or to apply, contact Betty Tipton at [log in to unmask].

Sophomore Boot Camp offered in January

Sophomore Boot Camp is a mini-conference exclusively for second-year students held 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2013 (the day before classes start), at the University Center. Registering allows students access to sophomore-specific programming, including: choosing a major, searching for internships, studying abroad, writing resumes, utilizing social media, and preparing for graduate school. In between sessions, students can network with peers and campus staff. Refreshments, a professional portfolio, and an etiquette luncheon are provided to participants. Dress is business casual.

To register, login to Hire-A-VOL through http://myutk.utk.edu/ (complete your profile if you're logging in for the first time). In "Upcoming Events," search Career Services Workshops, select "Sophomore Boot Camp," and click "Sign-up" in the menu on the right.

For questions, contact Jenny Ward at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5435. The program is sponsored by Career Services and the Chancellor's Honors Program.
Read more about Career Services >>

Summer undergrad research experience at Kansas State

The Kansas State University Center for Sustainable Energy seeks applications for its summer 2014 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in sustainable bioenergy, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The total value of this program is $7,600 per student.

The program accepts students from all science, agricultural, and engineering majors and class years. Applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents. First-generation college students, members of ethnic minority groups, females in STEM disciplines, and other under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. No previous laboratory or research experience is required. Application deadline is February 15, 2014. Apply here >>
Read more >>

Applications open for i3 undergraduate research program

The 2014 iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) will be held at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Information Sciences June 1-27, 2014. The i3 is an undergraduate research program that prepares students from underrepresented populations for graduate study and careers in the information sciences. Students undertake a year-long experience that includes two summer institutes held at the University of Pittsburgh and a year-long team research project. Students are immersed in special-topics workshops, professional development seminars, research projects, and network-building opportunities. Application deadline is January 17, 2014. Read more >>

Stay up-to-date with Engineering Professional Practice information and events by clicking the “Like” button on the program’s Facebook page, following the program on Twitter, visiting its website at www.coop.utk.edu, or calling 865-974-5323.

Students, please note: If you receive a co-op or internship offer, please contact Engineering Professional Practice for help with paperwork and any preparations you may need – [log in to unmask], 865-974-5323, or 310 Perkins Hall.

Featured student: Brennen Cox

This week's student is Brennen Alexander Cox, above, an electrical engineering major who accepted an internship at Logan Aluminum located in Russellville, Kentucky.

Cox described the department he worked in and what his main responsibilities were.

"I worked in the Engineering Site Maintenance department, which handles the upkeep of the switch yard, all high voltage power cables, the monorails, the automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and the cranes," he said. "Every project I handled related to upgrades that removed obsolescence from the older equipment. I used CAD to update electrical drawings, update cable schedules, and create back planes for the monorails, AGVs, and cranes due to the addition of PLCs and wireless communication. I helped wire the grabs for a crane upgrade and run and terminate Ethernet and SSI cables for new Wi-Fi antennas and lasers."

A challenge that Brennen had to overcome during his assignment was completing assignments that he had never done before, without much instruction.

"I was expected to figure things out with limited information, and I was able to solve these problems by getting as close to the goal as possible, and then finding someone or something nearby that could get me to the next step," said Cox. "This taught me that the world is not there to walk me through my work. It is my job, so I need to get out there and do it."

Cox found valuable benefit in his in intern assignment. He explained, "It was the chance to see a real application of my major and how that application translates into reasonability’s in a plant setting."

Students may read more about their peers' co-op experiences by logging into their Engineering Professional Practice profile via www.coop.utk.edu, clicking “Resource Library” (on the left margin) and selecting “Students at Work–In Their Own Words.” For information on engineering co-op and internships, contact [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5323.

What else can you do with your major? You can now receive your degree and a secondary education teaching license with VolsTeach. The VolsTeach program is available to Math and Science majors who wish to expand their career options by earning a secondary education teaching license. Given the current economy VolsTeach offers one degree with two career paths which will make you more competitive in the future job market.

VolsTeach provides:

• early and frequent field experiences
• personal guidance by Master Teachers and program advisors
• the opportunity to have paid exclusive internships during regular and summer terms
• a comfortable learning environment that will further enhance your professional skill set

This is your opportunity to be a part of the program. VolsTeach is open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are ready to start a journey that will give them a chance to connect with the community. Become a part of this exciting venture by signing up for the Fall Step 1 course now.

Click on the flier to the right for registration information.

For more information contact VolsTeach Coach, Jada Johnson at [log in to unmask] or visit the program's Facebook page, VolsTeach, for current events, and the program's website, http://volsteach.utk.edu.

Engineering Advising Services

Engineering Advising Reminder:
Be sure to schedule your advising appointment now to be cleared for registration for Spring 2014. Second Session classes (mainly FYS 129 and Physical Education) begin on October 10.

Spring 2014 Undergraduate Advising and Registration Reminders
The Spring timetable is available for viewing on MyUTK.

Spring 2014 Undergraduate Registration Dates:
November 25 & 26 Freshmen (less than 30 hours earned)

Students taking EF 151-152 (Honors EF 157-158) or Physics 135-136 (Honors 137-138) and Math 141-142 (Honors Math147-148) are advised in the Engineering Advising Office located in Room 202 of Estabrook Hall. Come by or call (865)974-4008 to schedule your advising appointment.

Students who have completed EF151-152/Physics 135-136 and Math 141-142 are advised by their major department. Contact your major department to schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor.

Career Services News

Lockheed Martin Information Tables and Session—November 12, 2013
Lockheed Martin will host two information tables on 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the fourth-floor entrance to the Min Kao Building and at the Pasqua Nuclear Engineering Building directly inside the main entrance closest to the department office.  They are recruiting for electrical, computer, mechanical, industrial, aerospace, and nuclear engineers and computer science majors.

Lockheed Martin will host an information session 5:00-7:00 p.m. on November 12, 2013, in the Executive Dining Room of the University Center.

EF 301 – Career Services for Engineers
Planning your class schedule for Spring 2013?  Don’t forget to register for EF 301 – Engineering Career Planning!
This class is offered each Spring and Fall semester and is taught at Career Services, 100 Dunford Hall, 1:25-2:15 p.m. on Mondays. This class is a perfect fit for all juniors and seniors and will equip students with the right tools to land that great job. Sophomores and graduate students may also register for the course as well.  The class is offered on a 1-hour Satisfactory/No Credit basis and is taught by Career Services Consultant for the College of Engineering, April Gonzalez/Justin Rice.  Expect visits from company representatives, tips and tricks from HR Recruiters, advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing and salary negotiation and learn the ways you can stand out and get noticed at the job fairs. 

Here’s what students are saying about the class:

“This is the most useful non-engineering class I have ever taken.  It gave me insider information about what employers are looking for during interviews and I have a resume that I feel great about!”

“Well thought out and put together course. I feel much more confident about job searching.”

“This class exceeded all my expectations – it really works!”

Don’t wait to sign up as space is limited and the class will fill up fast.

Attention: Seniors & Graduate Students Graduating in December 2013:
Don’t forget to complete the Post-Graduation Survey.

In order to keep Career Services’ records up-to-date and provide the best service to you, please take a moment to fill out the Post-Graduation Survey via HIRE-A-VOL.

To complete the survey log in to your Hire-A-Vol student or alumni account:
*Log into MY UTK at www.utk.edu and search under Academic Links for the HIRE-A-VOL link
*Under Your Profile on the HIRE-A-VOL Homepage, click on View/Edit your Profile
*Click on Employment & Continued Education

On the survey page, please click on Add An Employment Reporting or View Details under Continued Education and fill out your placement information.** Please be aware that your data is confidential and will not be shared with other departments. This data is collected in an aggregate/anonymous manner and is used for purposes that include salary averages, geographic preference, benchmarking, and reporting to ranking organization.
 
**If you have any difficulties accessing our survey, you may also email your placement data to [log in to unmask]. Please include your name, email address, employment status (Still seeking, Graduate School, Internship/Summer Job, Out of Job Market, Employed), Company or Grad School, Salary/Wage, Location of new job or Grad School.

For more information, contact April Gonzalez , Career Services Consultant, College of Engineering at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-5435. Check out www.career.utk.edu for a list of all upcoming events.

The Office of Multicultural Student Life offers these academic services. For information, call 865-974-6861.

Free Tutoring in Math, Chemistry, Biology, and Spanish: 7:00-10:00 p.m. Mondays & Wednesdays in the Clement Hall basement.

Free Tutoring in Math, English, Engineering, Accounting, French, Chemistry, Biology, and more: Appointment and walk-in tutoring available for all students.

Late-Night Study Session (tutoring available): 8:00 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at the Black Cultural Center. Games, crafts, stress relief activities. Snacks both days 3:00-10:00 p.m.

Vols Success Seminars: During the Fall semester, in collaboration with the Student Success Center and other campus departments, Vols Success Seminars will be offered to all UT students. This series of workshops is designed to equip all students with the knowledge and resources to be successful, inside and outside of the classroom at the UT. Students can register in advance for each workshop at multicultural.utk.edu or studentsuccess.utk.edu. View the Vols Success Seminars Fall 2013 calendar >>