UT alumna Javiette Samuel has joined UT’s Office of Research and Engagement as director of community engagement and outreach. She began work on September 25.

Javiette Samuel

In this role, Samuel will lead efforts to create and strengthen partnerships between UT and external stakeholders and cultivate relationships with key national, state, and regional partners. She will work with units across campus to identify and tackle grand challenges critical to the well-being of our state and its citizens.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has launched a new statewide undergraduate experiential learning conference for students open to all 54 accredited not-for-profit colleges and universities in the state of Tennessee.

“We are excited to give our students another chance to share their research with our state legislators and the general public,” said Marisa Moazen, director of undergraduate research.

Nine undergraduate students presented eight posters at Friday’s event on subjects ranging from physics to archaeology. Approximately 100 people stopped by to hear presentations and speak with students about their research.

Sen. Richard Briggs, right, speaks with Emma Pugmire, senior in Classics, about her research on the Latin inscription at ‘Ayn Gharandal.

Several state legislators were invited to the event after the students missed the opportunity to visit with them in Nashville. Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, visited with the students and spoke with them about their work.

“I was absolutely amazed at the sophistication of the research and the dedication of the students,” said Briggs.

“The number of undergraduates conducting research at the university is increasing each year,” said Moazen. “So it is important we provide opportunities for them to interact with a variety of audiences.”

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