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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.

 

2026 Projects

  • Radiation Damage in Materials: Experimental Modeling and Machine Learning Analysis

    Students will learn fundamentals of radiation damage in materials and how it can be modeled with systems as simple bubble raft and tracked with modern machine learning algorithms

    The first portion focuses on the creation and utilization of a bubble raft. Bubble rafts can be generated using relatively simple setups, including aquarium-style air pumps connected to fine needles or diffusers to produce bubbles on the surface of a soap–glycerin solution, where they naturally self-assemble into a two-dimensional, close-packed lattice. Imaging of bubble rafts is performed using optical methods, as the bubbles are typically millimeter-scale.

    During the second portion students engage with real life Transmission Electron Micrographs (TEM) and videos, as well as their Bubble raft videos to do post-processing and analysis using Machine Learning (ML). Specifically, students train machine learning models using YOLO (You Only Look Once), a real-time object detection algorithm based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are designed to recognize patterns and features in images. A prewritten code framework hosted on Google Colab is provided, allowing students to annotate their own images and train models without needing prior coding experience. To encourage engagement, the exercise culminates in a tournament of student-trained models, highlighting how choices in annotation quality, training parameters, and data selection influence model performance. These results are compared to pre-trained models, giving students broader context for how automated image analysis is applied in real research environments.

  • Genomic Exploration of Appalachian Wild Grapes

    Wild grapes (Vitis spp.) are native to North America, and the Appalachian Mountains host an impressive diversity of these species. Over generations, these wild populations have contributed important genetic traits, such as strong disease resistance and the ability to withstand extreme cold, to many of the grape varieties now grown across the Eastern United States. Even though these contributions are vital to modern viticulture, the evolutionary history of these wild grape genomes remains largely unexplored.

    This learning experience offers the chance to help close that knowledge gap by assembling a complete genome of an Appalachian wild grape accession preserved in the germplasm collection at the UT Institute of Agriculture’s CoEvolution Lab. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to the full process: isolating high-molecular-weight DNA, using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing to capture extended DNA fragments, and applying advanced bioinformatic approaches to assemble a high-quality, contiguous genome. The resulting reference genome will support future studies on Appalachian wild grapes and contribute valuable insights to the broader grape research and breeding community.

  • Mechanical Behavior of Metallic Alloys

    Advanced materials are critical to the performance, safety, and efficiency of modern technologies ranging from power generation systems to aerospace engineering. In this project, students are introduced to the fundamentals of materials science through hands-on experimental research focused on metallic alloys and their mechanical behavior. Students will engage with pure metals, using an arc melter to create custom alloys that will be cast and prepared for testing. Through mechanical analyses, we will investigate how changes in elemental composition influence material properties such as strength, ductility, toughness, and durability.

    Throughout the project, we will connect laboratory procedures to real-world engineering applications, including studying the development of materials capable of withstanding the extreme environments found in turbines and other high-performance systems. Students will also design and conduct their own experiments, analyze data, and compare findings with existing scientific literature. Additional demonstrations, including impact experiments, will further illustrate key concepts in material behavior and structural performance. Through this experience, students will gain insight into how materials research drives innovation across engineering, energy, and manufacturing industries.

Past Bridge Projects

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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