Congratulations to the 2016 symposium winners!
Graduate Student Awards
1st Place Oral Presentation: Ashleigh Barnes 2nd Place Oral Presentation: Guin Shaw & Lena Elenchin 1st Place Poster Presentation: Laura Casto 2nd Place Poster Presentation: Sukriti Ailavadi |
Undergraduate Student Awards
1st Place Oral Presentation: Kimberly Bress 2nd Place Oral Presentation: Lauren Finney 1st Place Poster Presentation: Kristen Booth 2nd Place Poster Presentation: Madeline Hayes |
Margaret "Tina" Riedinger Societal Impact Award: Laura Casto
To view the full list of abstracts and proceedings, click here!
Conference Description
This year's 2nd Annual Women in STEM Research Symposium is a full-day professional conference with undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and staff poster & oral sessions, a keynote address, a question & answer panel of STEM faculty & staff from the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and local industry, plus a Networking Session & Career Fair with companies and organizations across STEM fields!
All are invited to attend!
Schedule |
Location |
8:00 AM: Registration, Coffee & Refreshments, Poster Session A Set-Up
8:30 AM: Opening Statements - Chancellor Jimmy Cheek 9:00 AM: Oral and Poster Session A 9:00 AM: Networking Session & Career Fair Set-Up 11:00 AM: Poster Session A Removal and Lunch Break for Session A Presenters 11:00 AM: Session B Presenters Visit with Career Fair ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12:00 PM: Poster Session B Set- Up and Lunch Break for Session B Presenters 12:00 PM: Session A Presenters Visit with Career Fair 1:00 PM: Oral and Poster Session B 3:00 PM: Keynote Address, Introduction by Dr. Robert Nobles, End of Career Fair 4:00 PM: Question & Answer Women in STEM Panel Discussion 5:00 PM: Presentation Award Ceremony and Closing Remarks 5:30 PM: STEM Student Organization Fair |
Min Kao Building, Main Landings
MK 524 MK 118, 235, 354, 434, and 639 MK Student Lounge, 6th Floor Box Lunches on Patio, 6th Floor MK Student Lounge, 6th Floor --------------------------------------------------- Box Lunches on Patio, 6th Floor MK Student Lounge, 6th Floor MK 118, 235, 354, 434, and 639 MK 622 MK 622 MK 622 5th Floor East Entrance/Exit |
2016 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Virginia Dale
ORNL Corporate Fellow, Environmental Sciences Division
Director, Center for BioEnergy Sustainability
Virginia Dale is the Director of the Center for BioEnergy Sustainability, a Corporate Fellow in the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and was selected as the 2006 Distinguished Scientist at ORNL. Dr. Dale obtained her PhD in Mathematical Ecology from the University of Washington, and her primary research interests are environmental decision making, plant succession, land-use change, landscape ecology, ecological modeling, sustainability, and bioenergy systems. Virginia has authored 10 books and more than 235 published articles. She has served on national scientific advisory boards for five agencies of the United States: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Interior. She was one of the members of the international science community that contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Scientific Assessment that in 2007 received with Al Gore the Nobel Peace Prize. She has also been recognized with the Distinguished Landscape Ecologist award by the United States Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology in 2013. Her talk today will cover her broad expertise in these many areas and also her current research, entitled: “From Disturbance to Sustainability: Following Interesting Questions and Fun Opportunities.”
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2016 Panelists
Christine Ajinjeru is a second year PhD student in the Energy Science and Engineering program with the Bredesen Center. She received her B.A. in Chemistry from Grinnell College, IA and her current research focuses on the printability of polymers in Additive Manufacturing, an area that draws knowledge from Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering. Her subsidiary focus is on energy policy in Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on infrastructural development to fill the big energy gap in most countries. Christine is an international student who has lived and studied on 3 continents and that has allowed her to observe the representation of girls and women in STEM on all 3 continents based on course structure and dynamics in the classroom. She is passionate about STEM, education, gender equality and equity and she finds it “to be a privilege to be on the CFW STEM committee because it allows [her] to address some of the issues that could potentially increase women representation in the STEM fields here at UTK.”
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Dr. Maitreyi Das received her PhD in 2004 from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai in Biosciences in India. She then moved to Helsinki, Finland to study cell cycle in fission yeast in the lab of Prof. Tomi Makela. She continued her study of fission yeast in the lab of Prof. Fulvia Verde at the University of Miami where she studied cell shape control. Currently she is interested in understanding fundamental mechanisms that promote polarized cell growth and division in the model system S. pombe (fission yeast). In her independent lab, Dr. Das and her team have recently published their discovery of a novel and unique signaling pattern required for cell division in the fission yeast. Current research in her lab is focused on understanding the molecular details of this signaling pattern and how this promotes cell division and growth. When not in the lab she loves to spend time with her husband and toddler son.
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Anna Furches is a post-master’s research associate in the Genetic & Metabolic Engineering group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory where she develops genetic tools and engineers bacterial strains for biofuel and bioplastic production at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Previously, she served as Lab Manager and Lead Scientist at Assured Bio Labs in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She earned her BS in Botany and her MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, during which she had the opportunity to conduct research on a broad range of topics including plant population genetics and phylogenetics, the evolution of pollination biology, fungal barcoding in the Great Smoky Mountains, and the creation of novel phenotypes in the model plant “C-fern.” She is currently collaborating on several research projects with colleagues at Lincoln Memorial University (including her husband, Dr. Steve Furches). In addition, she serves as a Scientific Consultant to Assured Bio Labs.
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Dr. Robert Nobles joined UT in 2013, as a faculty member in the Department of Public Health within the College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences with the intent of enhancing the research infrastructure to support faculty and students in their scholarly pursuit of research answers. In his current capacity, he leads efforts and oversees research compliance activities related to the responsible conduct of research, research with human subjects and animals, work with biological and radiological hazards, research conflicts of interest, export controls, and research misconduct. Dr. Nobles also serves as the co-investigator on a 5-year $4.9 million NIH award for the Program for Excellence & Equity in Research (PEER); and chairs the UT institutional compliance committee, campus safety committee, and Commission for Blacks. Before coming to UT, Nobles served as the research compliance officer and public health faculty member at both Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to his career in academia, Nobles served as a public health prevention specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and as a program manager for the state of Florida’s Department of Public Health. Nobles completed his Doctor of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston with a triple major that included health policy & management, epidemiology, and health economics; and he received his master's in Public Health specializing in epidemiology, and bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Florida A&M University. Nobles is an avid educator and has taught on the collegiate level since 2001 in the areas of environmental biology, anatomy and physiology, public administration, health policy and management, health care finance, ethics, epidemiology, and responsible conduct of research.
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Megan Queener is a senior civil/structural engineer with Mesa Associates, Inc. with over 10 years of experience in the industrial and commercial construction fields. Mesa is a women-owned multi-discipline engineering company with clients such as TVA, ORNL, and Alcoa. Megan has also worked on numerous projects in the field of power generation for major utilities such as TVA and Duke Energy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UT in 2004 and a Master’s in civil engineering with a structural focus from Virginia Tech in 2006. She has her professional engineering license in both Tennessee and North Carolina.
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Dr. Stephanie TerMaath is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining the faculty in the Fall of 2012, she managed the Physics-Based Computing group at Applied Research Associates (ARA). She previously held positions at Boeing Phantom Works and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Her diverse technical background encompasses theoretical, computational, and experimental research, including advanced finite element analysis, structural mechanics, fracture mechanics, and material properties characterization. She completed a Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2000, an M.S. from Purdue University in 1995, and a B.S. from Penn State in 1993. She is a registered Mechanical Engineer and is an Associate Fellow with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). She is a faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers and WiSTAR3 (a program for women graduate students in STEM fields).
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Networking and Career Fair Participants
Analysis and Measurement Services (AMS) Corporation
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
EDP Biotech Corporation
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Mesa Associates, Inc.
National Institute for Mathematical Biological Synthesis
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (undergraduate, graduate, & postdoctoral fellowships)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Siemens Medical Solutions
United States Navy and Navy Officer Programs
UT Bredesen Center Graduate Program
UT Center for Career Development (bring your CV/resume!)
UT College of Veterinary Medicine
UT Comparative and Experimental Medicine Graduate Program
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
EDP Biotech Corporation
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Mesa Associates, Inc.
National Institute for Mathematical Biological Synthesis
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (undergraduate, graduate, & postdoctoral fellowships)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Siemens Medical Solutions
United States Navy and Navy Officer Programs
UT Bredesen Center Graduate Program
UT Center for Career Development (bring your CV/resume!)
UT College of Veterinary Medicine
UT Comparative and Experimental Medicine Graduate Program
Thank you to this year's donors and sponsors!
Poster Sessions
Session Description
Poster sessions will allow for the informal discussion of scholarly research being done by UTK women in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Posters will be assigned to one of two 2-hour poster sessions (Session A – morning, Session B – afternoon) based on department (field) and specific research area.
Submission Format
Poster session abstracts are limited to the following:
- Title
- Author(s) name(s) and institution(s)
- Abstract (not to exceed 300 words) that briefly addresses the following topics:
- Overall research goal, hypotheses, and/or background
- Methodology, experimental design, instrumentation, and/or techniques used to collect/analyze data
- Results, discussion, and/or conclusions
Selection Criteria
In the event that more applicants submit abstracts than can be accommodated in the University space, abstracts will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Is the title accurate, broadly descriptive, and communicate the importance of the research?
- Is the work grounded in a larger body of theory or research?
- Is the description of the research approach clear?
- Does the abstract communicate the originality and/or innovation of the work?
- Is the abstract organized well and concise?
- You may download the rubric that the judges will use to evaluate your poster presentation here.
Poster Preparation and Size Limitations
Posters should be printed on flexible, matte or laminated paper and should not exceed a maximum of 48 inches wide x 36 inches tall.
Posters should be hung according to the number you receive when you check in at the registration table on April 15th. You will have access to the room at least 1 hour prior to your session. Push pins and technical equipment for hanging posters will be provided. Neither tables nor power sources will be provided. We highly recommend that you bring business cards or post contact information near your poster should someone you meet like to continue your discussion after the session.
Posters should be hung according to the number you receive when you check in at the registration table on April 15th. You will have access to the room at least 1 hour prior to your session. Push pins and technical equipment for hanging posters will be provided. Neither tables nor power sources will be provided. We highly recommend that you bring business cards or post contact information near your poster should someone you meet like to continue your discussion after the session.
Oral Sessions
Session Description
PowerPoint-based oral sessions will allow for a formal presentation of scholarly research being done by UTK women in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Presentations will be assigned to 1 of 10 oral sessions (Session A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4, A.5 – morning, or Session B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4., B.5 – afternoon) along with 3-4 other speakers during each of the 2 hour sessions. There will be 5 minutes after each talk for questions and comments.
Submission Format
Oral session abstracts are limited to the following:
Note: Once you have submitted your abstract, you may not edit or resubmit. Only one abstract may be submitted per student.
- Title
- Author(s) name(s) and institution(s)
- Abstract (not to exceed 300 words) that briefly addresses the following topics:
- Overall research goal, hypotheses, and/or background
- Methodology, experimental design, instrumentation, and/or techniques used to collect/analyze data
- Results, discussion, and/or conclusions
Note: Once you have submitted your abstract, you may not edit or resubmit. Only one abstract may be submitted per student.
Selection Criteria
In the event that more students submit abstracts than can be accommodated during each session’s allotted time, abstracts will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Is the title accurate, broadly descriptive, and communicate the importance of the research?
- Is the work grounded in a larger body of theory or research?
- Is the description of the research approach clear?
- Does the abstract communicate the originality and/or innovation of the work?
- Is the abstract organized well and concise?
- You may download the rubric that the judges will use to evaluate your oral presentation here.
Oral Presentation Preparation
Presentations should be no more than 15 minutes in length and there will be 5 minutes for discussion and changeover to the next speaker. Please be considerate of other speakers and the audience by staying within your allotted time. Session moderators will help you hold to the allotted time.
Electronic files must be prepared using the formats listed below:
Details on electronic and projection equipment for each of the rooms will be provided after abstracts have been accepted and assigned to a session.
Speakers should report at least 10 minutes prior to the session start time based on the information provided to you when you check in at the registration table on April 15th (Min Kao West entrance across from the back of Buehler Hall).
Electronic files must be prepared using the formats listed below:
- Operating System: Media should be PC-formatted or Mac OS X
- Plug-Ins: Quicktime 7, Windows Media Player
Details on electronic and projection equipment for each of the rooms will be provided after abstracts have been accepted and assigned to a session.
Speakers should report at least 10 minutes prior to the session start time based on the information provided to you when you check in at the registration table on April 15th (Min Kao West entrance across from the back of Buehler Hall).
MEDIA RELEASE
To promote, evaluate, or otherwise describe the CFW-STEM Committee educational programs and activities, I give permission to the Committee and its members to photograph me and/or obtain interviews during the 2nd Annual Women in STEM Research Symposium on Friday, April 15th, 2016.
Additionally, unless I explicitly stated that I didn't give permission in the application, I give permission to use in connection with future publications (including but not limited to brochures, booklets, videotapes, reports, press releases, Web sites, and exhibits) any image or recording in which I appear, to use and cite any comment(s), verbal or written, made by me about the program, and to use my name in connection with any publication and in such manner as determined by the CFW-STEM Committee.
To promote, evaluate, or otherwise describe the CFW-STEM Committee educational programs and activities, I give permission to the Committee and its members to photograph me and/or obtain interviews during the 2nd Annual Women in STEM Research Symposium on Friday, April 15th, 2016.
Additionally, unless I explicitly stated that I didn't give permission in the application, I give permission to use in connection with future publications (including but not limited to brochures, booklets, videotapes, reports, press releases, Web sites, and exhibits) any image or recording in which I appear, to use and cite any comment(s), verbal or written, made by me about the program, and to use my name in connection with any publication and in such manner as determined by the CFW-STEM Committee.