{"id":351,"date":"2023-01-13T12:31:52","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-multi-dev.utk.edu\/energy-dev\/?page_id=351"},"modified":"2026-04-21T11:09:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T15:09:57","slug":"engaged-communities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iee\/research-areas\/engaged-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Engaged Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Engaged Communities<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Amplifying many voices to shape a sustainable future<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Clean air and water, fresh food, energy-efficient housing, cost-effective transportation, and outdoor recreation are not equally accessible. We envision a world in which everyone has opportunities to help shape a sustainable future\u2014and experience its benefits. UT researchers engage individuals and communities as partners, ensuring that our work together is guided by the knowledge, priorities, and needs of all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our approach to innovation at the intersection of energy and environment relies on a deep commitment to community and the assurance that our approaches are sustainable. In this area, for example, we are working with communities across the state to create a space for Tennesseans to tell their stories, and together with UT\u2019s energy and environmental humanities initiative, we are working together to secure a sustainable future for our natural resources. This approach has guided the Tennessee RiverLine initiative<\/a>, strengthening connectivity throughout river communities across the state.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple UT research centers enable community-engaged research. Researchers with the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment<\/a> and the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks<\/a> examine geographical, technical, and policy factors that influence energy burden<\/a> and energy access. Other researchers are improving microgrids<\/a> that facilitate increased renewables and grid resilience in rural areas.      <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT is in a unique position to bring together world-class research, workforce development, community engagement, and partnerships with industry.”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kevin Heaslip, director of UT\u2019s Center for Transportation Research<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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UT Wins Funding for Green Jobs Initiative<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UT has been awarded a $750,000 grant for East Tennessee Works, a regional green jobs initiative led by the university and focused on Knoxville\u2019s inner-city and rural Southern Appalachian communities. 

Learn more about this grant<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Zhou\u2019s New Tech Has Low-Income Housing Covered <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Poorly insulated homes are a financial and health burden for many low-income families. UT researchers in engineering, materials science, social work, and architecture are creating innovative ways to inexpensively retrofit homes to save energy and improve indoor conditions.

Read about this multidisciplinary innovation.<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Research Leaders Merge Expertise for International Collaboration<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UT research leaders representing expertise in energy and environmental justice, energy resilience, and sustainability are building connections around the globe to collaborate with researchers on renewable energy, green energy, and a better environmental future for all.

Learn more about this international collaboration.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT Partners to Bring Nuclear Education to K-2 Students<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Tickle College of Engineering is part of a groundbreaking statewide initiative to introduce nuclear energy concepts to students in kindergarten through second grade through the first program of its kind in the United States. Elementary teachers statewide will be trained to deliver age-appropriate lessons that introduce young learners to key energy concepts, aiming to demystify nuclear power, inspire curiosity about science and technology, and establish a foundation for future careers in clean energy.

Learn more about the initiative.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Our work occurs in labs, through dialogue, and out in communities. Research emerges from and informs new investigations by recognizing the interplay between disciplines across UT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n