The Division of Student Success (DSS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, welcomes Dr. Sarah Binion and Mr. Kazim Rahman to the University Honors faculty. Dr. Binion and Mr. Rahman join Dr. David Frank as the program’s third full-time faculty hire in the month of October.
Dr. Sarah Binnion
Dr. Binion completed her Master of Science degree in forensic science and doctorate in biomedical research at Marshall University and currently serves as research technician and laboratory manager in the Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Dr. Binion enhanced her studies with real-world experience at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Marshall University Forensic Science Center in connection with the Huntington Police Department, and Kentucky State Police.
“Dr. Binion’s background in biochemistry and forensic science is ideal for our University Honors students,” said Dr. Pat Akos, associate vice provost for Student Success and executive director of University Honors.” She offers perspectives on careers in STEM that so many of our student’s desire. Her work in applied forensic science is the very definition of complex problem-solving.”
Dr. Binion credits her mother as a model for women in science and is passionate about decreasing the persistent gender gap in the STEM. In the classroom or the laboratory, she fosters an enriching environment founded on empowering students and emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Mr. Kazim (Kaz) Rahman
Mr. Rahman holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from York University in Toronto and a Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts (writing/directing) from City College of New York (CUNY) in New York City. He has been teaching Time-Based Art in the School of Art (College of Arts and Sciences) at UT Knoxville since 2022.
Rahman began his career back in 1998 with a job teaching English in Moscow, Russia. Since then, his career has taken him across the globe, educating students in subjects related to Art, Media and Culture/Sociology in India (U of Hyderabad), Pittsburgh (Art Institute), Turkey (Istanbul Sehir U and Istanbul U) and the UK (Arts U Plymouth, Plymouth U and U of Kent).
“The international experience Mr. Rahman brings to University Honors is extremely valuable. He has helped students tell stories across multiple media, and his creativity will inspire our student’s innovation.”
An accomplished author, artist, cinematographer, film writer, producer and director, Rahman’s work speaks for itself. He has produced highly regarded media with global recognition. His international and multimedia background position him as the best guide for encouraging innovation among students in the design thinking program.
Both Dr. Binion and Mr. Rahman will start their academic appointment with University Honors in January and will teach several sections of the complex problem-solving minor pilot courses.