University of Tennessee, Knoxville, student scholars recently traveled to the Tennessee Capitol to present their undergraduate research projects to state legislators as part of the annual Posters at the Capitol. The event provides students exposure and access to state leaders and legislators, including Governor Bill Lee who addressed the students to open the poster exhibition.
“I expanded my network by meeting other undergraduate researchers while sharing incredibly important entomological research with Tennessee’s state representatives.” Kathleen Coffman, a senior majoring in plant sciences, said. “This opportunity inspired me to continue communicating science to people of all backgrounds and educational foundations.”
The student scholars who participated were:
- Kathleen Coffman, Senior, Plant Sciences, Presented: Zombie Ant Fungus: It’s Now Among Us, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. J.F. Grant
- Madlen Conley, Junior, Geography, Presented: Exploring the Dendrochronological Potential of Eastern Red Cedar Trees at the McGhee-Carson site, Vonore, Tennessee, Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Matthew Kerr & Dr. Jaqueline Kerr
- Tony George, Senior, Biomedical Engineering, Presented: Experimental Study of Aspiration Catheter Removal for Ischemic Strokes, Faculty Sponsor: Bryan Good
- Gillian Hertslet, Junior, Biological Sciences, Presented: Investigation into the Conformational Dynamics of Glucagon Receptor using Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy, Faculty Sponsor: Rajan Lamichhane
- Jada Laws, Senior, Psychology, Presented: Prenatal Wellness Interventions’ Influence on Postpartum Contraceptive Plans, Faculty Sponsor: Jill Maples
- Hannah Morris, Senior, College Scholars (Education Reform and Policy), Presented: Play and the Built Environment: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Children’s Access to Play in Knoxville-Knox County, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Michael Camponovo & Dr. Margaret Quinn
- Tyler Myers, Sophomore, Microbiology and Neuroscience, Presented: Investigating Dopamine Modulation by Bacterial Symbionts in Entomopathogenic Nematodes, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heidi Goodrich-Blair
- Caleb Napper, Senior, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Presented: Analysis of Alternate Binder Properties in Optimized Concrete, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Ma
- Breanna Polen, Senior, Food Science, Presented: Listeria monocytogenes: Survival of the Fittest!, Faculty Sponsor: Doris D’Souza
- Ellie Pritchard, Senior, Neuroscience, Presented: Advancing Neurodegenerative Disease Research using Brain Slice Culture, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rebecca A. Prosser
- Skylar Sopko, Senior, Nursing, Presented: Correctional Nurses’ Perceptions of Substance Use Withdrawal Treatment for Pregnant Women in Jail in the South-Central Appalachia Region, Faculty Sponsor: Sadie Hutson & Dr. Carrie Lingerfelt
Before traveling to Nashville, Undergraduate Research & Fellowships hosted an orientation to help scholars refine their posters and presentations. Christie Kennedy, director of research marketing and communications for UT’s Office of Communications & Marketing, presented to the scholars about how to effectively communicate their research to a broader audience. David Smith, director of external affairs for The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, advised the students about how the students can contribute to statewide efforts to translate academic research into real-world policymaking.
In addition to our Vols, students from the University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Memphis, Austin Peay University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, and Middle Tennessee State University, the organizer of the event, also presented. The Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee System hosted the event.