Projects
During the two-week research experience, students conduct short-term group research projects with master teachers, university researchers, and other STEM professionals. The culmination of this two-week experience is a final ceremony where groups present their research to federal and state ARC dignitaries, UTK and ORAU dignitaries, family, and friends.
2025 Projects
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Innovative Aptasensor Development for Rapid Detection of S. aureus, Synthesis of Janus Particles for Targeted Drug Delivery
This research project focuses on innovations in pathogen detection and targeted drug delivery through two coordinated efforts. The first effort advances rapid, label-free detection of Staphylococcus aureus, a major foodborne pathogen, by designing advanced aptasensors that target specific surface proteins on the pathogen. The project immobilizes specific aptamers designed for the pathogen on gold sensor chips and systematically characterizes binding kinetics, affinity, and assay robustness across varying biophysical and environmental conditions using real-time Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements. This approach enhances sensitivity and reproducibility for pathogen detection while unfolding the molecular details of aptamer-pathogen recognition.
The second effort develops Janus nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery by using biopolymers to fabricate asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, and electron microscopy confirm particle size, charge distribution, and morphological integrity. One hemisphere is conjugated with cell-specific ligands, and the opposite part is conjugated with a model therapeutic payload, creating multifunctional nanocarriers capable of precise delivery and controlled release.
These efforts integrate biophysical assay development with nanomaterials engineering, driving innovations in pathogen detection and therapeutic delivery.
UTK Department: Biomedical Engineering
Mentor(s):Dr. Michael Danquah, Shokoufeh Soleimani, Tracy Ann Bruce-Tagoe, and George Adu Asamoah
Master Teacher: Bridget Kennedy
Student Participants: Elliana Brown, Aarush Dutta, Kahlan Jolley, Cash Kirby, Liam Landaker, Aubrey Poole, Leif Siegel, Brennan Sorah, Wyatt Wood
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Evaluating the Practicality of Low-Cost Sensors and Custom Sensor Systems as Alternatives to Commercial Systems
This research project focuses on the design and development of a custom sensor package for object velocity measurements. The project utilizes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) infrared (IR), ultrasonic, and Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor packages, Arduino microcontrollers, photoresistors, and laser modules as well as supporting hardware to build and evaluate the efficacy of the custom sensor module. The system will use each COTS sensor module as standards to evaluate the custom sensor module across domains such as sampling rate, sensor range, and sensor dead time. Students will use their validated custom sensor module to investigate the possibility and limitations of using a custom sensor module to measure rates of speed for large objects such as sports balls. Through this hands-on research, students will gain practical experience in embedded systems, real-time data logging, and standalone hardware design. The project also introduces fundamental concepts in electronics, including the use of breadboards, resistors, jumpers, and multimeters, while teaching students how to manage power effectively using batteries.
By the end of the project, students will produce a functional prototype that reports the velocity measurements similar to what would be reported by COTS photogate systems. The system will be used to evaluate commonly held beliefs related to functional sports mechanics. Students will evaluate the statistical significance of their results and create data visualizations to report their data. The project will include a detailed report documenting the design, build process, and findings, providing valuable insights into the potential to answer questions with low-cost, custom electronic devices instead of purchasing commercially available, expensive, or technically complex devices. This project offers a comprehensive learning experience, combining technical skill development with data-driven analysis to address real-world challenges in velocity measurement and system design.
UTK Department: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Mentor(s): Dr. Ahmedullah Aziz and Rahatul Udoy
Master Teacher: Nathan Kenner
Student Participants: Conner Darling, Burgon Gibbs, Jordon Goodwin, Aiden Hoover, Mason Janney, James Martin, Lucy Moody, Lorelai Prewitt, Logan Robinson, Griffin Wheatley
Past Bridge Projects
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Innovative Aptasensor Development for Rapid Detection of S. aureu
Our research aims to advance the detection of S. aureus, a significant cause of foodborne illnesses, by creating a state-of-the-art aptasensor targeted at the IsdA protein. This protein is crucial for the bacterium's ability to collect iron, making it an ideal marker for detection. Our innovative approach leverages aptamer-modified platforms, introducing a method that is both novel and effective in pathogen detection, enhancing accuracy and reproducibility.
The project explores three distinct methodologies. One approach utilizes a carbon electrode enhanced with gold nanoparticles for electrochemical detection of the IsdA protein. Another method combines computational modeling with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for real-time, label-free analysis of the aptamer-protein interaction, aiming to optimize detection efficiency. The third strategy employs a label-free biosensor using mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which releases a signaling molecule upon detection of the target protein, acting as a molecular gatekeeper.
Together, these methods aim to improve food safety by offering quicker, more reliable ways to detect S. aureus, demonstrating the potential of aptasensor technology in addressing foodborne diseases
UTK Department: Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Michael Danquah, Dr. Najeeb Ullah, Tracy Bruce Tageo, and Shokoufeh Soleimani
Master Teacher: Bridget Kennedy
Student Participants: Keira Bauman, Clair Cheng, Emma Comer, Ainsley Good, Michael Louis, Nonye Okoro, Aneesh Pingali
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Nanoelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuits
The Nanoelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuits (NorDIC) Lab is part of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In our lab, we focus on creating new and innovative electronic devices and circuits that can be used in future technologies. Our goal is to design these devices and circuits in a way that addresses current and future challenges in the electronics industry.
As technology becomes more advanced, designing electronic systems becomes more complex. Instead of working on devices, circuits, or system architectures separately, we take a holistic approach. This means we consider how all parts of an electronic system—devices, circuits, and overall architecture—work together to solve complex problems and take full advantage of new technologies.
In simple terms, we are working to make the next generation of electronics more efficient, powerful, and capable by looking at the bigger picture and integrating all the different parts of the design process.
UTK Department: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Mentor: Dr. Ahmedullah Aziz
Master Teacher: Nathan Kenner
Student Participants: Briton Bedwell, Shawn De Pedro, Dream Kang, Malik Louis, Ananya Madduri, Caleb Scheffey, Mac Shuster
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Water Quality and Environmental Impacts
Students spend two weeks in advanced learning about water quality conditions encompassing testing, human and natural influences, standards, treatment, and regulations. Students will scientifically collect and perform tests on Appalachian region water samples, including a visit to the University of Tennessee Water Quality department. Field trips also include EPA testing and cleanup sites, sand and membrane city water filtration facilities, a waste treatment facility, the UT Wetlands project under Dr. Andrea Ludwig, and TVA ecological surveying.
Using their knowledge of water quality and factors affecting it, students will work together to come up with creative ideas for mitigation measures that can be deployed in their community. The program will culminate with final presentations based on small group ideas, which look to help mitigate environmental concerns.
Master Teacher: Marcela St. Onge
Assistant Teacher: Adam Wilburn
Mentors: Dr. Kane Barker
Students:
Ethan All, Madelyn Conner, Randall Dunkin, Isabel Kao, James Ludwig, Charles Martin, Isaiah Massengale, Stephanie Meredith, Shania Middleton, Brandon Ogunwumi, Ava Robinson, James Robinson, Audrey Sears, Carter Sherman, Emma Stevens, Jeffrey Yu
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Water Quality and Environmental Impacts
Students spend two weeks in advanced learning about water quality conditions encompassing testing, human and natural influences, standards, treatment, and regulations. Students will scientifically collect and perform tests on Appalachian region water samples, including a visit to the University of Tennessee Water Quality department. Field trips also include EPA testing and cleanup sites, sand and membrane city water filtration facilities, a waste treatment facility, the UT Wetlands project under Dr. Andrea Ludwig, and TVA ecological surveying.
Using their knowledge of water quality and factors affecting it, students will work together to come up with creative ideas for mitigation measures that can be deployed in their community. The program will culminate with final presentations based on small group ideas, which look to help mitigate environmental concerns.
Master Teacher: Marcela St. Onge
Assistant Teacher: Tommy Tatum
Mentors: Dr. Kane Barker and Cristina Carbajo
Students:
Braden Bass
Bryce Carroll
Isabelle Gladson
Kourtni Jackson
Ava McCollum-Beaves
Mackenzie McNeil
Benjamin Mumpower
Jonah Neal
Trevor Shevalier
Dylan Williams
Dayna Zeiders
Naomi Vargas
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