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Unexpected Results
Sometimes a seemingly insignificant decision can totally change the course of an academic career.
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New Age Alloys
Novel combinations of elements may be the key to the strongest heat-resistant materials ever created.
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Maximizing Value
One of the twentieth century’s most insightful political theorists is also a major force behind the transformation of philosophical studies at UT.
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Upsetting the Balance
National Academy of Sciences member Dan Simberloff investigates the impact of biological invasions.
Events
Research
We conduct research that matters.
As a premier, research-extensive institution, our students—undergraduate and graduate—delve further into subjects they may have only dreamed about.
UT’s partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows our students to work beside some of the world's renowned scientists in areas like electrical engineering, microbiology, polymer science, and ecology. Teams in architecture and engineering are working on innovations in zero-energy housing and other areas of ecologically sustainable design.
But our collaborations are in no way limited to science.
At the Marco Institute, faculty and students draw upon the center’s rich library resources to advance scholarship in medieval and Renaissance history, art, literature, and music. American history specialists curate the papers of presidents Andrew Jackson and James Polk. Center for Social Justice scholars are tackling the tough questions about health care disparities and immigration.
From improving mental health and education to economics and taxation efficiencies, our work impacts people, places, and industries throughout the world.
Research News
NIMBioS Study Finds Biological Fitness Trumps Other Traits in Mating Game
The brighter the colors, the more popular the butterfly will be with the females. A new study from the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis finds that a female’s mating decisions are largely based on traits that reflect fitness or those that help males perform well under the local ecological conditions.
Professor Finds Prehistoric Rock Art Connected; Maps Cosmological Belief
It is likely some of the most widespread and oldest art in the United States. Pieces of rock art dot the Appalachian Mountains, and research by anthropology professor Jan Simek, president emeritus of the UT system, finds each engraving or drawing is strategically placed to reveal a cosmological puzzle. The research led by Simek, is published in this month’s edition of the journal Antiquity.
Three Students Selected for Summer Research Experience at National Institute
Three UT students have been selected for the highly competitive Research Experience for Undergraduates program currently underway at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis taking place on campus. Samuel Estes, Brittany Hale, and Jacob Lambert, are among nineteen students from acrross the country participating in the eight-week, research-intensive program.
Professor Researching Nuclear Batteries Receives ORAU Award
The research of a UT professor working to create a battery that packs several thousand times more energy than batteries used today has received a boost from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Eric Lukosi, an assistant professor in nuclear engineering, received a $10,000 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, including $5,000 from ORAU and $5,000 in matching funds from the UT Office of Research.
Report: Economy Shows Signs of Strength, Finds “Firm Footing”
Falling unemployment rates, an increase in vehicle sales, and a long-awaited rebound in the residential housing market are all indications that the national and state economies are making a comeback. Despite sequestration of federal spending and a payroll tax increase that have slowed consumer spending, the economy is poised for strong growth in both 2014 and 2015, according to the spring 2013 Tennessee Business and Economic Outlook released today by UT’s Center for Business and Economic Research.
Mars Curiosity Rover Provides Strong Evidence for Flowing Water
Despite satellite images that show vast networks of channels, past Mars rover missions have shown limited evidence for flowing water on Mars. Now, rocks analyzed by NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover team, including Linda Kah, associate professor of earth and planetary sciences at UT, provide solid evidence that Mars had rivers or streams.
QUEST Scholar of the Week
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Recognizing Aleydis van der Moortel for receiving received a prestigious fellowship from the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.
Research Spotlight — Trace Logs One Million Downloads
UT Libraries' digital archive, Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange (TRACE), hit a milestone recently as it reached one million downloads. TRACE is one of many platforms offered by research libraries around the country that allows scholars to publish their research and creative work online.
Research Spotlight — Bredesen Center
The Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education brings together extensive and complementary resources at UT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to increase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research of national significance.