Space is defined as the unlimited expanse in which all material objects are located, and all events occur. Artists and designers often explore the concept of space by creating something special and unique where people feel that they belong. Nuveen M. Barwari, graduate student in the School of Art, is using her work to create an entirely new space—one that allows her to connect her homeland and her host land. Continue reading
Graduate Student Spotlight
Graduate Student Spotlight: Grace Sarabia
In 1996, NASA administrators made a historic announcement: proof that life had existed on Mars at some point in its history. Their proof was a Martian rock that they claimed contained the same combination of minerals and carbon compounds as those created by microbes on Earth. Searching for chemicals that indicate the presence of life is at the heart of the research being done by Grace Sarabia, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Chemistry. Continue reading
Graduate Student Spotlight: Julian Cosner
Industrial hemp is a newly emerging agricultural market in Tennessee, but there is a need for more research, state-of-the-art tools, and methods of production to advance the industry. Julian Cosner, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is hoping to fill that gap by providing pest management strategies for Tennessee hemp growers. Continue reading
Graduate Student Spotlight: Brittany Panos

Panos holding a male Hooded Warbler
Agriculture and conservation have been on a collision course for generations. Farming provides critical food resources and revenue in agrarian states like Tennessee, but the environmental impacts of some farming methods can be devastating. From increased run-off and habitat loss, to chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Brittany Panos hopes to provide support for efforts that make farming more environmentally sustainable through the intersection of agriculture and bird conservation. Continue reading
Graduate Student Spotlight: Matthew Longmire
Matthew Longmire grew up on his family farm in Clinton, TN, so it was no surprise that he became interested in research on agricultural systems. The fact that he can do this while incorporating another life-long fascination—bugs—is just the icing on the cake. Continue reading