Dozens of faculty and students presented original research at the third annual UTC Research Celebration. Faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students presented research from a variety of fields, including athletic training, nursing, psychology, and education at the all-day celebration in the UTC University Center.
Dr. Phil Oldham and Meredith Perry
“Research is truly the ultimate continuing education. It’s discovering new information that helps drive our society, economy, and create a better quality of life. Today it is the heart and soul of what a university is about,” Dr. Phil Oldham, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said.
“This is my favorite day of the year because I have learned so many different things,” Meredith Perry, Director of the UTC Office of Sponsored Programs and Partnerships.
Meredith Reinecke, UTC graduate student in Athletic Training, investigated the risk factors foot for ankle injuries in collegiate football players. Clark found that playing time, health history and height can increase the likelihood of an injury.
“We’re furthering the athletic training profession, adding to the body of knowledge, and if any of us want to teach, doing research looks good,” she said.
UTC undergraduate student, Matthew Stephens, assisted Dr. Gretchen Potts, UC Foundation Associate Professor of Chemistry, with research on chemical compounds found in cigarette butts.
Meredith Reinecke
“We did something like this because it’s relevant. Almost like 5.6 trillion cigarettes are smoked each year and nearly a billion are littered each day,” Stephens said.
“Research is an actual application to what we learn in class. You can’t learn as well unless you get some hands-on training,” he continued.
The event was sponsored by UTC Office of Sponsored Programs and Partnerships and the UTC Graduate School.
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