Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

News

Get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here

UT Junior Julia Dieter Named Truman Scholarship Finalist 

The Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has announced that junior Julia Dieter is a finalist for the prestigious and highly competitive Truman Scholarship. She is one of 198 finalists selected from a pool of 781 applicants representing 305 institutions nationwide. 

A public affairs major, member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, and Baker Scholar, Dieter will interview with the Truman Foundation later this month, and recipients will be announced in late April.  

Raised in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, she says the recognition affirms her dedication to public service and her desire to positively contribute within the public sphere.  

“Being a Truman Finalist is an affirmation of more than just academic achievement. It is a recognition of my commitment to service and to advancing policy that I believe in and am passionate about,” said Dieter. “It’s been extremely empowering to be surrounded and uplifted by peers, professors, and mentors who have encouraged me to apply for programs like this one and to take those next steps in a career I previously didn’t see as possible.” 

The Truman Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, public service, and academic excellence. The award provides $30,000 for graduate study in public service-related fields, along with leadership development opportunities, and access to a nationwide network of public service professionals. 

Dieter currently serves as the sole student commissioner on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, representing more than 220,000 students across the state. As one of the first UT students in several years to hold the role, she has deepened her understanding of education policy and government leadership through intentional collaboration with state officials and policy advisors.  

Dieter intends to pursue a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in education policy. After graduate school, she aims to begin her career with the Tennessee Department of Education, focusing on elevating state education standards and civic knowledge, before seeking a larger role in the Tennessee State General Assembly.   

On campus, Dieter serves as an ambassador for the university and the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is involved in student government. 

“Julia is an exceptional, engaged, and motivated scholar and leader who is already making a difference on our campus and in our state,” said Dr. Meredith M. Malburne-Wade, director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.  “It is an honor to work with her as she pursues the Truman Scholarship.”  

Eager to make her mark, Dieter credits the support she has received from UT with empowering a greater belief in herself and what she can achieve. 

“I care deeply about the health of Tennessee’s education, and I plan to play a role in changing the public perceptions of education in the South,” said Dieter. “I am committed to this state and will seek a career in the state assembly so that I can see my ideas and vision for the state come to fruition.” 

Students interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship or other national and international awards are encouraged to contact Undergraduate Research & Fellowships at urf@utk.edu or 865-974-8560. 

Fullbright U.S. Student Program Opens April 2

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program that offers funded, year-long post-graduate research, grad degrees, arts projects, and teaching opportunities in one of 140+ countries around the world. Fulbright facilitates cultural exchange and promotes mutual understanding for an increasingly globalized society.
UT has consistently been named a Fulbright Top Producer due in part to URF’s expert advising, resources, and application support for UT students and alumni.

There are TWO ways you can learn more about the Fulbright experience and how to apply.

You can click here to visit our website for more information.

Additionally, URF will be hosting a Fulbright Student Panel event on April 23rd, 3:00-4:00PM, in the Student Union, Room 377A (the Executive Dining Room near the Big Orange Pantry).
To attend, be sure to RSVP by clicking here.

AURA Awards Available to Fund Independent Research and Creative Projects

The Advanced Undergraduate Research Activity (AURA) program promotes advanced research and creative activities by awarding $1500 stipends to students who collaborate with a faculty mentor to design an independent research/creative project for summer 2024.
All currently enrolled UTK undergraduate students not graduating in May are eligible to apply. Research may be conducted independently or in support of a capstone.
Stipends of $250 may be available for research, materials, and travel expenses. An additional $250 may be available for the faculty mentor’s materials to support the AURA awardee.
Interested in applying? Applications close April 5th.
Follow this link to apply.

Knight-Hennessy Scholarship @ Stanford University: Information Session

URF is pleased to host Christian Tanja, an admissions director from the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, who will host an information session on April 2nd from 5:00-6:00 PM in Student Union #360. 
In addition to providing three years of funding, Knight-Hennessy Scholars cultivates and supports a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.

Fellowship Advising to Enhance your Academic and Professional Career

Nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships support a wide range of activities that can orient or enhance your academic experience and professional career.
You could study abroad, work in a year-long cohort, advance into leadership, explore the policy arena in your field, or deepen your creative or research prowess. There is no perfect, ideal, or even typical candidate. Review committees seek interesting applicants and consider the whole person.
If you haven’t considered how fellowships may impact your career trajectory, consider searching among this list of awards.
To make an appointment, fill out this interest form.

Become a Leader of Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA)

URA is a student-led mentoring group providing peer-based support for undergraduate students seeking and involved in research at UTK. URA is hosting elections at its next meeting on Wednesday, April 3rd and invites new and returning students interested in campus leadership and undergraduate research to attend, vote, and run for office.
The positions to be filled include the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Event Coordinator, Social Media Committee Chair, Student Outreach Committee Chair, and Faculty/Community Liaison Committee Chair. 
The meeting will be held at 4:00 PM in Melrose Hall, Unit F, Room E102 (located at 1616 Melrose Avenue, near Hodges Library). 

Upcoming Graduation Accolade Applications and Info Session

URF recognizes graduating students for their outstanding commitment to undergraduate research and fellowships by awarding those who qualify with an item of recognition to wear at commencement ceremonies.
There are two levels of recognition: Excellence in Undergraduate Research receives a specialty cord, and Distinction in Undergraduate Research receives a specialty medallion plus the cord.
Attend a Graduation Recognition Information Session on Wednesday, April 17, from 4:00-4:45 PM via Zoom.

Register for the info session by following this link here! 

Learn more and apply for an Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Graduation Accolade by following the link here!

The deadline to apply for spring graduation is May 1st. 

URF Travel Grants for Conferences

Presenting at a conference? Here’s a way to get your travels partially funded.
Apply for a URF Travel Grant to present your undergraduate research or creative work at a non-UTK sponsored conference or event.
The grants vary by location: $300 for in-state conferences, $500 for national conferences, $800 for international conferences, and $100 for virtual conference registration.
Apply by May 1st, 2024 for travel between April 1 and June 30.
See application details on our website.

Fullbrighters with Disabilities: Disability Justice in India

As a 2018 US Fulbright Research Grantee to India, Istou Diallo, explored notions of disability in Indian society while highlighting strategies disabled Indians employed to challenge their societal and political marginalization.
At this Fulbrighters with Disabilities event, Istou will share what led her to research this topic, what she learned comparing disability justice movements in the U.S. and India, and tips for prospective Fulbright applicants.

A Q&A session will occur towards the end.

Attend this virtual event to learn more about Diallo’s experience as a Fulbrighter and her research.

Friday, April 19th, 11 AM – 12PM.
Click here to RSVP.

Introducing and Debunking Fulbright Grants for BIPOC students

On April 4 at 6:30 pm ET, hear about the Fulbright Program (where you can research, study, and teach abroad) from BIPOC Fulbright alumni, including the experience representing America abroad and the application process.
The event will include a moderated discussion and Q&A. Hosted by Fulbright NOIR, Fulbright LOTUS, and Fulbright LATINX.
Register by clicking here.

Application opens for the Jones Center for Leadership’s Leadership Knoxville Scholars Cohort

The Leadership Knoxville Scholars (LKS) seeks UTK’s most exceptional student leaders for a two-year opportunity to forge meaningful connections with influential figures in the Knoxville Community.

As a Leadership Knoxville Scholar, you will be challenged and empowered through instruction, mentorship, and leadership of a chosen Community Action Project.

Applications to join the 2026 cohort are now open and close April 5th, 2024.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Undergraduate Research Deadlines

April 5: Summer AURA Applications Deadline 
April 5: Jones Center for Leadership and Service’s Leadership Knoxville Scholars Application Deadline
May 1: URF Travel Grant requests due for travel between April 1 – June 30th
May 1: Graduation Recognition Application Deadline 

Undergraduate Research Events

April 3: Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA) Meeting, 4:00 PM in Melrose Hall E102
April 4: Introducing and Debunking Fulbright Grants for BIPOC students. Register Here
April 8: Getting Started in Undergraduate Research. Register Here
April 9: Research Poster Design: Thinking Beyond the Text. Register Here
April 15: Keys to Effective Presentation of Research Results. Register Here
April 17: Graduation Recognition Information Session, 4:00-4:45 PM via Zoom. Register to attend 
April 19: Fulbrighters with Disabilities: Disability Justice in India, 11 AM – 12 PM, click here to RSVP
April 23: EURēCA in the Student Union Pilot Flying J Ballroom, 4:30 – 8:00 PM
April 23: Fulbright Student Panel, 3 – 4 PM, Student Union Room 377a (Executive Dining Room), click here to RSVP