Alan Liby, former director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Advanced Manufacturing Program, has been appointed director of the University of Tennessee’s Joint Institute for Advanced Materials (JIAM). Located at UT’s Research Park at Cherokee Farm, JIAM is a partnership between UT and ORNL. His tenure began on August 19.

“The University of Tennessee is a leading authority in advanced materials and manufacturing,” said Robert Nobles, interim vice chancellor for research. “By leveraging the joint institute’s resources and expertise, Liby will help elevate the visibility of this program beyond its current scope.”

Stacia Martin-West, an assistant professor in UT’s College of Social Work, along with Amy Castro Baker, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, have received a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action grant of about $680,000 to evaluate an innovative project that could help alleviate poverty and inequality in Stockton, California.

Whether they need to commiserate about the trials of parenthood, get advice, or simply brag about their youngsters’ achievements, today’s parents often turn to an ever-ready forum: social media.

The UT-area Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) recently adopted an updated charter and several associated operating procedures.

Kimberly Eck, assistant vice chancellor for research development, has joined the executive committee of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Board. Her new role will see her spend one year as vice president, one year as president, and the final year as a past president.

Eck has served as Chair of the Southeast NORDP Region (SE NORDP) in the past, leading the region to become an officially recognized affinity group, launching a regional meeting series, and creating a regional RD job shadow experience. Over the next four years, she hopes to help NORDP continue to grow and serve its members.