It may be the middle of February, but it feels like spring is here with warm temperatures, flowers in bloom, and birds chirping. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
Congratulations to Dr. Dalei Wu in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. His research project was named among the Top 50 by Smart Cities Connect Media and Research. Dr. Wu’s Underground Infrastructure Sensing project uses equipment such as radar and magnetic sensors to detect underground water and sewer pipes, electrical conduits, fiber optic lines and other infrastructure. The information helps city engineers and construction companies avoid damaging pipes and other utilities when digging.
Diversity and inclusion are part of the core values for UTC. One way to learn about people from different parts of the world is to sign up as an International Orientation Leader for the Center for Global Education. By helping new international students navigate their first days at UTC, you will learn about different people, cultures and points of views. It’s an excellent chance to expand your horizons and help make our campus a welcoming place.
Congratulations are in order for women’s basketball head coach Jim Foster, who notched his 900th career win against Western Carolina University on February 1. He is only the eighth NCAA women’s basketball coach to reach this incredible milestone. In addition, wrestling head coach Heath Eslinger won his 100th career dual on February 11 against Gardner-Webb University. Heath is an alumnus and holds an amazing 52-5 record in Southern Conference matches.
Several of our athletic teams are heading into their end-of-season championships. Men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in Asheville, N.C., beginning March 1 to compete in the SoCon tournament. The women’s track and field team will participate in a championship meet in Lexington, Va., on February 24-25, and the wrestling team will go for another SoCon title in Charleston, S.C., on March 3. Let’s cheer them all on.
The UTC Senior Mock Trial team has advanced through regional competitions and is heading to Memphis for the Opening Round Championship Series in late March. These competitions take place in eight cities, and the top six from each move on to the American Mock Trial Association’s National Championships in April. It is a major accomplishment to make it back to the championships.