Research Day is about more than just research. It provides a space for students and faculty to display and discuss their projects, no matter what discipline they’re from.
“It is unique in that it brings together faculty, staff, and students from across campus. Every college, department, and organizational division is invited to participate,” said Meredith Perry, Director of the UTC Office of Partnerships and Sponsored Programs.
“It’s a time for people to interact with each other and with ideas, seeing how those ideas connect, even across disciplines, as a part of a larger conversation at universities across the United States and even internationally,” said Dr. Salvatore Musumeci, Director of the UTC Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity.
Research Day, the only campus-wide showcase of scholarship, research, and creative activity at UTC, was held in the University Center.
“This event gives academics a platform. We see athletes compete on the field, we see actors in the theater, we see musicians on stage. This is that platform for academics and what’s happening in the classroom,” Musumeci said.
This year’s event included 133 presentations reflecting a diverse array of topics and academic disciplines.
One example of this year’s research is, “Space Use in the Otter Exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium.” In this presentation, Dr. Preston Foerder, a UTC psychology professor, and Sally Swanson, a senior psychology major, explained their research into how the otters were using their new exhibit space and whether otters are active and visible to patrons.
“There is so much great work going on at UTC, and it can be hard to get all that information out there. This is a great time to showcase that,” Musumeci said.
Research Day began in 2009 as a showcase of externally-funded programs on campus, and has grown tremendously over the years. It has evolved into a celebration of all scholarly activity regardless of the funding source and embracing everyone in the UTC community – faculty, staff, administrators, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
“Research, particularly undergraduate research, is important at UTC, and we’re working on there being even more research and collaboration opportunities on campus. Graduate school, as well as the job market, are so much more competitive these days. This type of research experience really showcases a student’s skillset; it demonstrates that student’s ability to commit to the research process, work with a variety of people, and be committed to long term projects,” Musumeci said.
“Research Day is one of my favorite days at UTC because I always learn so much. Most importantly, it underscores what a vibrant and robust scholarly community we have on campus. I love to see those ‘lightbulb moments’ when people make a connection between their lines of inquiry or across the traditional boundaries of their respective disciplines,” Perry said.
