University of Tennessee, Knoxville, logo with a power T on an orange background on the right side.

Energy and Environment

  • Research Areas
  • Faculty
  • Education
  • Partnerships
  • Centers of Excellence
  • About
  • News
  1. Home
  2. Posts By Jennifer Johnson
Professor and department head Zan Gao talks with kinesiology PhD student John Oginni simulating an experiment using a virtual reality bicycle exercise. Overlaid is a graphic with the text "Raising the bar in Research Excellence."

Leading Researchers Join UT To Expand Impact and Innovation

posted on July 31, 2026

UT is raising the bar in research excellence with the addition of eight exceptional researchers, three of whom are tackling pressing challenges related to energy and environment. Two of these preeminent faculty hires are advancing the circular bioeconomy. A new engineering professor’s work with materials and structures under extreme conditions has applications for nuclear energy.

Filed Under: IEE News

A scientist in a lab coat and safety goggles carefully measures a substance on a balance scale while another scientist works in the background.

UT, Partners Win up to $160M for NSF Regional Innovation Engine To Drive Rural Economic Development 

posted on July 14, 2026

The NSF has recognized the BRIDGES Engine, co-led by UT, as a winner of the nationwide Regional Innovation Engines competition. BRIDGES will receive up to $160 million over 10 years to strengthen the circular bioeconomy in the southeastern US, cultivate a lasting innovation ecosystem, and drive economic growth in rural Tennessee communities and beyond. 

Filed Under: IEE News

UT Professor Gerry Dinkins gives instructions to students in a shoal along the Nolichucky River.

Hidden Biodiversity in Tennessee Rivers: A Q&A with UT Freshwater Mussel Researcher Gerald Dinkins

posted on March 24, 2026

New genetic research with key contributions from UT reveals previously unknown species in the Tennessee River Basin—one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the world and home to more freshwater mussel species than anywhere else in North America.

Filed Under: IEE News

Ayers Hall on the University of Tennessee campus.

Five UT Faculty Receive Fulbright Awards

posted on July 31, 2025

Faculty will use this year’s Fulbright awards to study, teach and conduct research around the world.

Filed Under: IEE News

A graduate student works with samples in test tubes under a fume hood in a marine microbiology lab in UT's Science and Engineering Research Facility.

Four Researchers Honored by AAAS as Lifetime Fellows

posted on March 27, 2025

AAAS Fellows are elected by peers in recognition of their extraordinary achievements.

Filed Under: IEE News

Group photo from the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund Award Ceremony at the Jackson Terminal in Knoxville.

University of Tennessee Names 2025 Chancellor’s Innovation Award Recipients

posted on February 18, 2025

Winning UT faculty will receive $50,000 each to support their entrepreneurial research.

Filed Under: IEE News

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Energy and Environment

Research Areas
Circular Bioeconomy,
Clean Energy Systems,
Engaged Communities,
Sustainable Environment, &
Sustainable Infrastructure
UT Research supports five gateways defining the university’s strategic priorities—the Institute for Energy and Environment is one of them. Find out about the other four gateways here.
The university is committed to recruiting top-tier faculty members across multiple disciplines who are interested in addressing the nation’s greatest challenges. Learn more about the Cluster Hire Initiatives.
X (formerly Twitter) logo. LinkedIn logo.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
865-974-1000

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.

ADA Privacy Safety Title IX