Last month, four researchers were selected to have samples analyzed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Genomics Core and Illumina, a company that helps analyze genetic variation and biological function using the NovaSeq 6000 Next-Gen sequencing platform. Data from these experiments are expected to provide critical data for current and upcoming research projects and funding opportunities.

Two University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduate students have received Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) awards. Since its inception in 2014, UT ranks number one in the country for SCGSR awards with 19 recipients.

“I am proud to celebrate our graduate students’ accomplishments,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Matthew Mench. “This recognition by the Office of Science is an indication of the high caliber students UT is able to attract, the dedication of our faculty mentors, and our vibrant research community.”

Professor Qiang He and Assistant Professor Shuai Li have received one of the new One UT Collaboration and Innovation Grants for their proposal entitled “Pathogen Transmission Pathway Identification by Fomite and Behavior Monitoring​​.”

The objective of this research is to create and test new sensing, computational, and mechanistic tools to characterize the complex interrelationships between human behaviors and fomites, which are inanimate objects that become colonized with microbes.

Fomites serve as important intermediaries for transmission of pathogens to/from humans, so for settings such as schools, daycare centers, and long-term care facilities, understanding fomite transmission could play a crucial role in slowing infectious pathogens and helping to prevent economic calamity.

Professor Yilu Liu works on the forefront of smart-grid technologies as the UT/ORNL Governor’s Chair Professor for Power Grids. Still, she was surprised to learn that she won the 2020 IEEE Power & Energy Society Wanda Reder Pioneer in Power Award.

The research-focused Liu often defers nominations to younger research colleagues, so this award was a mystery at first. This recognition was fueled by Volunteer Spirit, it turned out.

“It took me a while to find out it was cooked up by a bunch of my former UT Knoxville students,” she said. “They never stopped contributing to our Vol family, from their research work when they were here to helping promote UT after they have left.”

The Pioneer in Power award was established to foster more diverse leadership by supporting career advancement, networking, and education of women in the electric power and energy industry. Liu was cited specifically for her innovative contributions and leadership in synchrophasor-based wide-area monitoring and control systems.