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Updates and news for the week of April 4 – 10, 2023
The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Campus Updates | University Events Master Calendar | UTC News
Quantum is coming to UTC
 Source: https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201911/qubits.cfm Quantum technology is coming and, with it, new opportunities in education, jobs and business. “Gig City Goes Quantum” is an EPB initiative to prepare for the future, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a leading collaborator. UTC will be connected to the EPB quantum network launching this summer, and UTC students will have access to it, where they can develop qualifications for new applications in this evolving field.
Students, along with faculty and staff, are encouraged to learn more at one or all of three, free, 45-minute presentations next week from quantum technology experts.
- Monday, April 17 (quantum computing): Dr. Raphael Pooser, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Distinguished Research Scientist
- Wednesday, April 19 (quantum networking): Dr. James Troupe, Xairos Quantum Communications Chief Scientist
- Friday, April 21 (quantum sensing): Dr. Tian Li, UTC Assistant Professor of Physics
Each talk begins at noon at the Center for Professional Education in the James R. Mapp Building, 311 E. M.L. King Blvd. For more information, visit UTC Quantum Initiative or EPB Quantum Network.
And the finalists are …
The 2nd Annual Fly for Researchers pitch competition for UTC faculty and graduate student innovators will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on April 19 at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Mapp Building, spotlighting ideas that have the potential to be commercialized or licensed.
The finalists:
- Whole Homes: Andrew Eubanks (student), Connor Mackey (student) and Sungwoo Yang, assistant professor, Civil and Chemical Engineering
- Modular, Pneumatically Actuated Balance Platform: Erkan Kaplanoglu, associate professor, Engineering Management and Technology; Max Jordon, assistant professor, Physical Therapy; Dr. Jeremy Bruce, M.D.; Ahad Nasab, professor, department head, Engineering Management and Technology
- Drone-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) System to Detect and Assess Damaged Solar Panels: Abdul Ofoli, UC Foundation associate professor, Electrical Engineering and Vahid Disfani, assistant professor, Electrical Engineering
- Audio Quality eXtreme (AQX): Joshua Tyler (student) and Donald Reising, UC Foundation associate professor, Electrical Engineering
- Clear Insulator Energy Efficient Window Applications: Sungwoo Yang, assistant professor, Civil and Chemical Engineering
To register for the event, click here. For more information, email jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity and Center for Wellbeing have partnered to put on a series of events throughout the month. For more information and an updated list, check out MocSync. Teal ribbons have been placed on trees around campus that link to the MocSync page.
Events taking place this week include:
- Today (April 4): SAAM Zine Gallery Night, University Center Chickamauga Room, 5 p.m.
- Wednesday (April 5): Lunch Chat: What is Consent?, Lupton Hall 118, noon
If you have questions, please contact emily-rosenquist@utc.edu in the Center for Women and Gender Equity or megan-mcknight@utc.edu in the Center for Wellbeing.
Coming Next Week: UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference
The UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference is fast approaching, with the largest academic conference on campus taking place next Wednesday, April 12, in the University Center. This conference, which provides a place for students to showcase their academic and creative endeavors, will feature displays, presentations and posters from UTC undergrads, graduate students and faculty.
More than 260 unique presentations are slated throughout three sessions in the Tennessee Room and Chattanooga Room—beginning at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Watch: When Benefactors and Beneficiaries Meet
The recent Scholarship Luncheon, hosted by the Division of Advancement, brought nearly 200 people to the University Center Tennessee Room. The event provided an opportunity for students to thank their benefactors and for donors to get to know the students who benefit from their generosity.
The outstanding people of UTC
 From left: Jacob Barber, Grant Fetters, Claire Hoeke and Nick Morris (photo courtesy of Dr. Hunter Holzhauer). The UTC SMILE Fund team of senior Jacob Barber and juniors Grant Fetters, Claire Hoeke and Nick Morris has advanced to the regional semifinal round in the global CFA Institute Research Challenge, placing them in the final 42. When the competition began, there were nearly 1,300 university teams from around the world.
Check out these Mocs making a difference:
- Dr. Mina Sartipi was interviewed as part of a Times Free Press story about Laura Chace’s recent visit to Chattanooga. Chace, president and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), met with Chattanooga community leaders, government officials and leaders in mobility and transportation technology and toured the Smart Corridor+ testbed.
- Senior Katherine Fair and sophomore Malik Norwood were interviewed on The Daily Refresh to talk about their participation in the Campus Composers Concert.
- Clinical Assistant Professor Rachel Nall was a recent guest on 3 Plus You to talk about the School of Nursing’s upcoming NightinGala event.
- The Marching Mocs’ invitation to the 2024 London New Year’s Day Parade was the subject of a More to the Story with Staley on New 12 Now, featuring interviews with Dr. Randall Coleman and Dr. Kenyon Wilson.
- Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton was featured in the Times Free Press after being one of four athletic directors at the Football Championship Subdivision level to win the Cushman and Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year Award.
- Mocs women’s basketball coach Shawn Poppie earned Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team to its 19th Southern Conference Tournament title.
- Mocs men’s basketball standout Jake Stephens was selected to participate in both the 2023 NABC–Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game and the 2023 State Farm College Team Skills and 3X3U Championships during last weekend’s Final Four festivities in Houston.
Campus Survey for Students
The Office of Title IX has launched a campus survey for students. All students should have received an email on April 3 inviting them to participate in the survey, which is completely anonymous. Each email contains a unique URL, so students must check their email for their link to participate. Students have until midnight on April 24 to complete the survey.
The survey only takes about 15 minutes, but it will have a far-reaching impact for years to come. The survey’s goal is to measure how people of different backgrounds and identities experience our campus and to use that data to further enhance campus programs and services. The more students participate, the deeper our understanding will be about the experiences of students on our campus. Click here to learn more.
Student Philanthropy Initiative: Graduation Cords
To all our graduating Mocs, congratulations from UTC Advancement. As you transition from student to alumnus, you have the opportunity to have a lasting impact at UTC. By donating just $5 or more, you can receive an exclusive gold cord to wear at commencement, signifying your commitment to future Mocs. This small donation can go a long way in helping to fund scholarships and enhance academic programs. Plus, wearing the gold cord will set you apart as a proud UTC supporter. Donate today and leave a legacy for future students at your alma mater.
UTC Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
The UTC Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert, open to the public, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The spring concert also will be available to watch via livestream.
This performance includes “Marche Slave” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, “Variations on a Shaker Melody” by Aaron Copland, and the “Infernal Dance” and “Berceuse and Finale” from “The Firebird Suite” by Igor Stravinsky.
UTC Theatre Co. Presents “Everybody”
 From left: Karlee Jamieson, Ellen Rich, Katie Mullins and Austin Oppedisano The UTC Theatre Co. will present Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Everybody” April 18-22 in the Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 18-22, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on April 22.
Tickets can be purchased through the UTC Box Office in person, by phone (423-425-4371) and by visiting the UTC Theatre web page. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.
Call for Marshals
A handful of faculty or staff (10-15) are being sought to serve as marshals at each of our five May 2023 commencement ceremonies:
- Friday, May 5—Graduate School, 11 a.m.
- Friday, May 5—College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, 3 p.m.
- Saturday, May 6—Gary W. Rollins College of Business and College of Engineering and Computer Science, 9 a.m.
- Saturday, May 6—College of Arts and Sciences (History; Interdisciplinary Studies; Mathematics; Political Science and Public Service; Psychology; Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies), 1 p.m.
- Saturday, May 6—College of Arts and Sciences (Art; Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science; Chemistry and Physics; Communication; English; Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures; Performing Arts; Philosophy and Religion), 4 p.m.
Click here for more information, including the volunteer signup form.
Another Busy Week at UTC
The week of April 3-9 is National Public Health Week, and with it comes the news that UTC is collaborating with the Hamilton County Health Department to conduct the most comprehensive health assessment in the county’s history.
Dr. Dawn M. Ford, president-elect of the Tennessee Public Health Association and UTC assistant professor of public health, has collaborated with the epidemiology staff at the Health Department to create a survey to assess the county’s health needs. To take the survey online, click here.
Join faculty and staff in walking “the big lap.” Employee Wellness and the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning are leading a walk for faculty and staff around campus during the lunch hour (noon-1 p.m.) today (April 4). Meet at the UTC Library by Starbucks to participate.
The Department of Finance and Economics will host a virtual financial literacy lecture from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday (April 5) featuring Dr. Carly Urban—professor of economics at Montana State University and research fellow at the Institute for Labor Economics. Click here to register.
Financial education is a popular tool to keep up with an ever-evolving and complex financial system. But how has financial education changed behaviors? Which behaviors can and should change and at what cost? This talk will review research findings pertaining to the effectiveness of financial education and for whom financial education is most effective.
On Thursday (April 6), the College of Arts and Science Diversity Committee will honor Dr. Gale Iles, associate professor of criminal justice, at a celebration event beginning at 6 p.m. in the UTC Library Roth Grand Reading Room.
The event, free and open to the public, will begin with a presentation by Iles titled “The Symbolism of Lady Justice.” A Q&A and reception will follow. Click here to RSVP.
Are you a student who also works on campus? If so, the Center for Career and Leadership Development wants to celebrate you. Join us from 4-6 p.m. next Tuesday (April 11) in the University Center Game Room for the Student Employee Celebration. There will be food, games and lots of “Thank You’s” for all your hard work on campus.
All student employees and supervisors of students are invited to this celebration. Check out MocSync for more information or reach out to endia-butler@utc.edu or mandy-mcallister@utc.edu. You can also call (423) 425-4948.
April is Financial Literacy Month
On Thursday, April 13, the SMILE Fund Investment Strategy Meeting (ISM), an update on the SMILE Fund’s performance and economy/markets, will take place from 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the University Center Raccoon Mountain Room. Everyone who attends is invited to a free networking lunch at Universal Joint (532 Lookout St.) following the ISM. For questions or information, email Hunter-Holzhauer@utc.edu.
The ISM agenda: The officers review portfolio performance, recent trades, their economic outlook for the summer and remainder of the year, and any risk management issues.
Bookstore Bestsellers
The UTC Bookstore is hosting a pair of special events this month.
Authors Tom and Jane Bissonette will be on campus to introduce their book, “These Waning Walls,” from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15. The book can be pre-ordered at the Bookstore.
On Friday, April 21, the Bookstore will hold a tie-dye event from noon-4 p.m.
Campus Updates
On Monday, April 17, MOC Forward will present a Workforce Diversity Symposium consisting of a panel of community partners discussing DEI in the workplace. The symposium till take place from 10 a.m.-noon in the UC Auditorium, and lunch will be served.
Local experts will share their knowledge, experiences and perspectives on issues related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They will identify challenges and opportunities, share best practices and provide insights on how organizations can create a more diverse and inclusive environment. For more information, contact oei@utc.edu.
The Graduate School, in coordination with International Student Services, will host a Graduate Fair and Information Session for international students to answer questions about graduate studies at UTC. To register, click here. For more information, click here.
Lori Waite’s Sociology 1250 “Social Problems” class has been partnering with the Salvation Army all semester and will hold a clothing drive on behalf of the organization April 10-11.
Donations of gently used clothes and shoes will be accepted from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, April 10, in the University Center lobby and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, on Cardiac Hill.
In conjunction with the Spring Research and Arts Conference, Environmental Studies will present a scientific panel on translational research from 2:30-4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, in the University Center Raccoon Mountain Room.
Biology, Geology and Environmental Science faculty members Jennifer Boyd, Sarah Farnsley, Deanna Beasley and Stephanie DeVries will describe how their research advances scientific knowledge with applications that benefit society.
The Department of Art, along with the Institute of Contemporary Art, is hosting the 2023 BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition in the UTC Fine Arts Center.
The annual BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition, which takes place through April 22, is the capstone achievement of graduating BFA studio majors, comprised of a public exhibition and artist lecture series, which represents the culmination of two years of intensive artistic and intellectual development for the department’s Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates. This year’s class is a cohort of 24 artists from four BFA studio concentrations—graphic design, painting and drawing, photography and media art, and sculpture.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is looking for judges for the upcoming Technology Symposium taking place on April 20. All professions and backgrounds are needed.
For more information about the Technology Symposium and to register to be a judge, click here.
Are you a graduate student seeking work on campus? Housing and Residence Life has graduate assistantships. Visit utc.edu/ga and scroll to “Assistantship Job Postings.”
The International Symposium on Digital Forensics and Security—ISDFS 2023—will be held both online and in person at UTC on May 11-12. This symposium has been supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers since 2016. All papers approved by the referees and presented at the symposium will be sent for publication in the IEEE Xplore library. For information or questions, email Asaf-Varol@utc.edu.
Join the UTC Color Guard and showcase your talents on a national and international stage. We perform at various events throughout the year and offer opportunities to develop dance, flag and rifle skills while building friendships and leadership abilities. The Color Guard welcomes individuals from every walk of life and experience and embraces diversity in all forms.
This year, the Marching Mocs have been invited to participate in the 2024 New Year’s Day Parade in London, England, attracting millions of viewers from around the world.
As an added bonus, UTC Color Guard performers are eligible to receive a stipend. To audition or for information about audition dates and requirements, contact utcbands@gmail.com or visit utc.edu/band.
Any university email that contains the following protected or sensitive information must be encrypted:
- Protected health information (i.e., patient record information)
- Personally identifiable information (i.e., Social Security number)
- Credit card information
- Any information protected by governmental or institutional regulations
Did you know you can send encrypted emails to other employees in Outlook by putting the word “encrypt” in the subject line of your email? For more information and step-by-step instructions, visit the IT Knowledge Base.
The UT Vault is another method for securing sensitive emails. This tool is especially useful if you are sending a sensitive email to a student, someone with another email service provider, or if someone outside of UT needs to send you sensitive information. The UT Vault is also useful if you need to send an email with a large attachment. Visit UT Knoxville’s OIT webpage for more information.
Mocs Card Services is issuing new cards to all faculty, staff and students. Please get your new card before the end of the semester.
What is the difference in the current Mocs Card and the NEW Mocs Card? The new Mocs Card is embedded with a RFID chip (tap technology) that will coincide with the installation of new card readers across campus.
- Bring your current Mocs Card to the ID Office in University Center Room 262 to exchange for the new card.
- The ID Office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- If you do not bring your current ID, there is a $30 replacement fee. Replacement fees are processed in the Bursar Office (University Center Room 274).
- Contact Mocs Card Services (423-425-5819) or the ID Office (423-425-2218) with questions.
Save the Dates: Collegiate Recovery Week
Collegiate Recovery Week is April 10-14. The Center for Wellbeing and the Mocs Recovery Program welcome all members of our campus community to celebrate recovery this week and learn how to be strong allies. Contribute to our social media campaign here. Let us know why you support collegiate recovery and/or the importance of recovery in your own life. We will be sharing responses and videos throughout the week.
Please join us for the following initiatives and events:
- Monday (April 10): Recovery Golf Cart Trivia, around campus, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Tuesday (April 11): Mocs Recovery Alumni Instagram Live Chat, @mocsrecovery on Instagram, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Friday (April 14): Wear Purple Day to show your support and tag @mocsrecovery
- Friday (April 14): Recovery Hike, Stringer’s Ridge, 4-6 p.m.
Find weekly Mocs Recovery meetings here.
Looking ahead
Events posted to this week’s University master calendar include:
 Senior Kerim Hyatt was recently named Southern Conference Player of the Week. This week’s Mocs Athletics calendar:
- Tuesday (April 4): Men’s Golf at Wofford Invitational – Final Round (Spartanburg, SC), All Day
- Tuesday (April 4): Women’s Golf at the Chattanooga Classic (Black Creek CC), All Day
- Tuesday (April 4): Beach Volleyball at Mercer (Macon, Ga.), 8 a.m.
- Tuesday (April 4): Beach Volleyball vs. Berry College (Macon, Ga.), noon
- Tuesday (April 4): Beach Volleyball vs. Erskine College (Macon, Ga.), 4 p.m.
- Wednesday (April 5): Softball at Georgia State (Atlanta, Ga.), 3 p.m.
- Thursday (April 6): Women’s Tennis vs. Furman (UTC Tennis Center), 1 p.m.
- Friday (April 7): Outdoor Track and Field at Flames Invitational (Cleveland, Tenn.), All Day
- Friday (April 7): Outdoor Track and Field at Tennessee Relays (Knoxville, Tenn.), All Day
- Friday (April 7): Softball vs. Western Carolina (Frost Stadium), 3 p.m.
- Friday (April 7): Softball vs. Western Carolina (Frost Stadium), 5 p.m.
- Saturday (April 8): Outdoor Track and Field at Flames Invitational (Cleveland, Tenn.), All Day
- Saturday (April 8): Outdoor Track and Field at Tennessee Relays (Knoxville, Tenn.), All Day
- Saturday (April 8): Men’s Golf at Hoosier Invitational (Bloomington, Ind.), All Day
- Saturday (April 8): Beach Volleyball vs. New Orleans (Florence, Ala.), noon
- Saturday April 8): Softball vs. Western Carolina (Frost Stadium), noon
- Saturday (April 8): Women’s Tennis at ETSU (Johnson City, Tenn.), 1 p.m.
- Saturday (April 8): Beach Volleyball at North Alabama (Florence, Ala.), 2 p.m.
- Saturday (April 8): Men’s Tennis at Samford (Birmingham, Ala.), 2 p.m.
- Sunday (April 9): Men’s Golf at Hoosier Invitational (Bloomington, Ind.), All Day
- Monday (April 10): Men’s Tennis vs. UAB (UTC Tennis Center), time TBA
Looking back
 Geographic Information Systems student Will Stuart gathers data about trees in Coolidge Park. Described by insiders as a hidden gem, the UTC Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab was created in 1995 to provide learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in Geographic Information Systems. In layman’s terms, GIS marries data to maps to help understand the world in new ways.
Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- UTC will be the newest institution participating in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, an initiative supported by the National Academy of Engineering to educate a new generation of engineers expressly equipped to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century. The UTC GCSP will begin in the fall 2023 semester as a partnership between the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Honors College—with participation from the other colleges on campus.
- For the 10th straight year, UTC has been designated as a “Tree Campus USA” by the national Arbor Day Foundation. The selection honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in conservation efforts.
- This past weekend, UTC hosted the American Society of Civil Engineers Mid-South Student Symposium, welcoming more than 300 civil engineering students from 14 visiting universities to participate in various technical and non-technical competitions and events throughout Chattanooga.
- If you think the Mocs Express buses seem quieter than usual, don’t worry, your hearing is still good. Since January, the four shuttle buses at UTC have been fully electric-powered, and the mechanical grumble of a diesel engine replaced by a smooth hum.
- The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science dedicated a painting in memory of Dr. Mark Schorr during a ceremony last Friday. As part of the event, the department announced the creation of the Dr. Mark Schorr Endowed Fund, an award in his memory to benefit graduate student research.
WUTC Spotlight: Naughty Cat Cafe
 Photo by Nessa Parrish On “Pet Day” during WUTC’s 2023 Spring Pledge Drive, Haley Solomon and Nessa Parrish went to the Naughty Cat Cafe to interview over 35 cats on Instagram Live with a miniature microphone.
For years, “Pet Day” has been a recurring theme during pledge drives in order to spike donations and infuse fun and competitive energy into fundraising efforts. Donors are encouraged to pledge in honor of their pets as the WUTC team keeps a running tally of cats, dogs and other unique animals.
Be Well Tip of the Week: STI Awareness Month
April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month. Having accurate information regarding your sexual health risks and getting tested for STIs are important for those who are sexually active. Here are some important points for you to remember:
- Choosing to abstain from sexual intercourse is the best way to prevent contracting an STI.
- Condoms are very effective at preventing many STIs if you choose to be sexually active.
- STIs can come without symptoms, with mild symptoms or with more obvious symptoms. Understanding your risks and following healthcare recommendations for getting tested is important regardless of your symptoms.
- STIs that go untreated or unmanaged can cause other healthcare issues such as infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease, among others.
- If you are sexually active, it is likely recommended that you should get STI testing at least once a year for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Based on your individual risks, you may need additional STI testing at that same interval or possibly more frequently.
STI information and testing are available at University Health Services. Please call (423) 425-2266 to schedule an appointment today.
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