Faculty who conduct research related to the natural sciences in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) or who are interested in such research are invited to a virtual SPARKS event facilitated by the Office of Research and Engagement’s Research Development staff on Thursday, September 10, from 1–4 p.m.
This event will connect UT researchers with those at the National Park Service to explore and support new collaborative efforts. Paul Super, science coordinator for GSMNP, will summarize the various National Park resources available to researchers.
Please register to attend by Thursday, July 27.
A series of lightning talks will be delivered by faculty from UT Knoxville and the UT Institute of Agriculture and GSMNP researchers, presented in three sessions as follows:
Agenda
Session One (1–2 p.m.)
Welcome from Sharon Pound and Paul Super
Joshua Fu, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Kristine Johnson, National Park Service
Jessica Braunstein, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
Mona Papes, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Session Two (2–3 p.m.)
Kendra Straub, National Park Service
Tom Colson, National Park Service
Joe Clark, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
Jon Schwartz, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sally Horn, Department of Geography
Session Three (3–4 p.m.)
Richard Gerhold, College of Veterinary Medicine
Ben Holt, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Matt Kulp, National Park Service
Laura Russo, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Jennifer Franklin, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
Final thoughts and Q&A
The goal of this event is to connect potential collaborators, share ongoing research initiatives, and build a community of interest with whom ORE can communicate emerging research opportunities. For more information, contact Sharon Pound (spound@utk.edu).