The second half of May brings; a professor in the Tickle College of Engineering honored with Pioneer in Power Award; the College of Veterinary Medicine named a new Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies; a MABE Alum received the Prestigious Henry Granjon Award; a retired director of the U/T Gardens received the American Public Gardens Association Award of Merit; UT Extension named a new director of 4-H Youth Development; and nine students in TCE’s Department of Nuclear Engineering earned Nuclear Energy University Program Awards.
Department of Nuclear Engineering
On a Scientific Mission to Mars
For decades, a human mission to Mars has been dreamed, discussed, and even worked toward—but it hasn’t happened yet. And there are many reasons including the significant technical challenges that stand in the way.
For one, it takes a lot of fuel to get there and viable techniques haven’t yet been developed to successfully harness enough energy to launch a rocket on a 33.9-million-mile road trip—and then bring it back.
Also, a trip like that would take a long time. More time spent in space means more potentially harmful effects on the astronauts’ health. Living in low gravity and being exposed to space radiation for long periods of time changes the human body, as NASA is now finding out, thanks, in part, to a recent year-long space mission by UT alumnus Scott Kelly.
But, UT engineering students led by UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Nuclear Materials Steve Zinkle are working on overcoming these challenges by peering into “exotic” materials that can withstand extreme environments—as in those created by nuclear-powered thermal propulsion. That’s because one promising approach to get a rocket to Mars and back in a shorter time is by going nuclear.
Learn more about Zinkle’s work at tickle.utk.edu.
Recognitions, June 27
Four Scholars Spend Three Weeks Studying WWII in Europe
Four students from the College of Architecture and Design who were chosen as UT Normandy Scholars spent 13 days in May exploring the history of World War II in England, France and Germany.
Normandy Scholars is an interdisciplinary program designed to allow undergraduate students from across the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to study World War II in a wider context.
While abroad, students visited memorials, museums, galleries, parks and cemeteries. To read more about these students’ travels, check out their blog at normandy.utk.edu/catergory/normandy-scholars-2018.
Two Faculty Members Awarded Third Place for Renovation of Ireland’s Connolly’s of Leap
Two faculty members, Lisa Mullikin, Associate Professor of Interior Architecture, and Kevin Stevens, Lecturer in the School of Architecture, were recently awarded third place in an international design competition in Ireland.
The contest challenged designers to envision a renovation and extension of the famous Connolly’s of Leap, an Irish cult music venue located near the southern tip of Ireland. With three generations of owners, the venue is historic to the region and has championed live music since 1810. For more than 200 years, the venue has made a name on the international music scene for hosting thousands of world-famous artists as well as cult music talent.
Mullikin and Stevens’s design, titled “Rooted|Rootless,” focuses the design of the music venue around a central tree, called the Mother Tree, which is known for supporting life and passing wisdom. The design includes a series of gardens and ramps to bring visitors from the existing waterfall, ravine and surrounding neighborhood. Complete with a full, floating, faceted canopy, their design aims to honor the relationship between the music, place and people who visit this iconic venue.
UT Plans $129 Million Engineering, Research Facility
An aerial view of the east side of UT’s campus, showing the approximate location of a new $129 million, 228,000 square-foot facility.
UT will soon begin construction on a $129 million, 228,000-square-foot building that will provide state-of-the-art research and classroom facilities for engineering students and faculty.
The new building will be located on the east side of campus near Neyland Stadium and will host a number of university programs.
An example of a public-private partnership that benefits the people of Tennessee, the project is funded with $90 million provided by the state, nearly $29 million from university sources, and $10 million from private donors as part of the university’s Join the Journey campaign.
The new building will significantly enhance the east side of UT’s campus and views of the campus from Neyland Drive.
Continue reading about the new facility at news.utk.edu.
Wood Named Fellow by American Nuclear Society, Coble Honored
Professor of Nuclear Engineering Richard Wood of the Tickle College of Engineering has been selected as a 2017 fellow of the American Nuclear Society, one of the highest honors a nuclear engineer can achieve.
Jamie Coble, assistant professor of nuclear engineering, is also being honored by the society with its early career award for her work with nuclear safety.
Richard Wood
Given in response for what the group called his “significant contributions to nuclear engineering,” Wood’s award will be presented during the ANS annual conference in San Francisco June 11–15.
“We are extremely happy for Richard and for this recognition of his years of innovative work,” said Wes Hines, head of the department. “His selection is validation of the contributions he has made to the field, to our department, and to our university.”
As part of his recognition, the ANS pointed out that Wood alone is responsible for having developed or revised one-third of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s codes and guides.