{"id":76316,"date":"2026-04-15T17:27:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T21:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/?p=76316"},"modified":"2026-07-15T16:42:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:42:34","slug":"spring-research-and-arts-conference-celebrates-student-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/spring-research-and-arts-conference-celebrates-student-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Research and Arts Conference celebrates student innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A

Students, faculty and staff attended the 2026 Spring Research and Arts Conference in the Wolford Family Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 15. Photo by Angela Foster.<\/p><\/div>\n

As students set up their presentations inside the Wolford Family Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 15, they were ready to showcase their work to the campus community.<\/p>\n

The annual Spring Research and Arts Conference at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was an opportunity to spotlight students\u2019 work from across UTC on a wide range of topics.<\/p>\n

Dr. Lisa Piazza, executive director of the UTC Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE), said the event is an ideal place for students to see how research works and the possibilities it offers.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of these students I meet\u2014believe it or not\u2014are in orientation, and a year later are already presenting as first-year students or second-year students,\u201d Piazza said. \u201cWe have such a depth and breadth that you can see all of the different projects\u2014it\u2019s just amazing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do this for the UTC community. It\u2019s really a great way to network, meet other people and see what\u2019s happening on campus in terms of research.\u201d<\/p>\n

The conference welcomed 715 presenters, including 355 unique presentations from colleges across campus. Baylor School, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, Tyner Middle High Academy and other local elementary, middle and high schools prepared presentations for the conference.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe students, faculty and staff presenting here are projects that they\u2019ve been working on for sometimes one to two years,\u201d Piazza said. \u201cIt means a lot to them after they put in all this hard work doing their research to share it with the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

A few of the projects from this year\u2019s Spring Research and Arts Conference included:<\/p>\n

\"Gracie

Gracie Crooks (right)<\/p><\/div>\n

Gracie Crooks, \u201cStabilizing Inverse Problems with Regularization and Optimization\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Junior Gracie Crooks, an applied mathematics major minoring in physics, examined how linear equations can be optimized to give \u201creal and useful\u201d results.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you wanted to do it as a cookie recipe where you have some part flour, some part sugar, some part chocolate,\u201d Crooks explained, \u201cwhen you\u2019re solving it, you can actually see what parts of your recipe matter. Sometimes you find out that when you reduce it all down, you can get rid of all the extra stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was her second research project since starting as an undergraduate at UTC, and Crooks said she doesn\u2019t take it for granted.<\/p>\n

She was the recipient of a SEARCH Award<\/a>,<\/strong> a program that supports students across all disciplines in pursuing original research under the supervision of UTC faculty.<\/p>\n

Crooks thanked Department of Mathematics Assistant Professor Ay\u00e7a \u00c7etinkaya for her guidance on the project and for the opportunity to explore a new research topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese opportunities really provide a foundation for going to graduate school, future studies or really just enabling students to focus on what they\u2019re learning and get the most out of it,\u201d Crooks said.<\/p>\n

\"Anna

Anna Grace Sorrells<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Deborah A. McAllister<\/strong>, Dr. Jennifer R. Lynberg, Anna Grace L. Sorrells, Taylor L. Behrman, \u201cAssessing the Programming Self-efficacy of Teachers Through Professional Development Using the Ozobot Evo Robot\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Anna Grace Sorrells, the Spring Research and Arts Conference has become an annual event.<\/p>\n

A graduate student pursuing an education specialist degree in school psychology, this was Sorrell\u2019s second time presenting. This year\u2019s research examined how the Ozobot Evo robot helped teachers incorporate robotics in the classroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe held professional development sessions with teachers over the summer,\u201d Sorrell said. \u201cWe taught them how they could implement this in the classroom. It\u2019s basically learning computer science and coding.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we measured their levels of self-efficacy, so logical thinking, cooperation, using algorithms, controlling the robot, and then debugging it. We measured those before and after the sessions and we found significant levels of improvement in all areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sorrell\u2019s previous project was similar, focusing on incorporating artificial intelligence into the classroom. She said she enjoyed examining education from a different perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get to see a lot of teacher training in my career,\u201d she said. \u201cThis was another side of education that I got to be a part of and I really enjoyed hearing the teachers\u2019 feedback.\u201d<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

Jamie Wilson, Dr. Reetesh Ranjan, Dr. Murat Barisik, \u201cChemical Reactor Network-based Modeling of Silicon Carbide Deposition During Chemical Vapor Infiltration\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

For senior mechanical engineering student Jamie Wilson, his research focused on validation.<\/p>\n

Drawing on previous research, Wilson examined how the process of producing silicon carbide could be accelerated.<\/p>\n

\u201cComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) is basically this huge equation that a computer can use to break the flow of fluid in a pipe or something like that down into small pieces that a computer can solve,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cCFD takes hours to solve, even on our supercomputer here at UTC. Each one of these simulations takes just 10 seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explained that much of his research used data collected over 30 years ago as a basis for comparison with the new methods.<\/p>\n

Wilson said it was \u201creally fun\u201d being able to conduct research as an undergraduate.<\/p>\n

\"Alex

Alex Morris<\/p><\/div>\n

Alex Morris, <\/strong>Dr. Burch Oglesby<\/strong>, Dr. Elizabeth Hathaway, Dr. Kara Hamilton, \u201cThe Effect of Chronic Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory: A Study on Young Adults\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Senior exercise science major Alex Morris examined how physical activity is essential for optimal health, including cognitive function. Her research question was \u201cHow does chronic aerobic exercise affect working memory in young adults?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Knoxville, Tennessee, native conducted her study focusing on UTC students.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found a slightly higher score in the active group,\u201d Morris said. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t enough to be significant. I had a lot of factors that went into that, including a smaller group size and self-report data. But doing a literature review, I found that overall, most people who get higher exercise have higher cognitive function.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was Morris\u2019s first time presenting at a Spring Research and Arts conference. She said she appreciated the opportunity to do research as an undergraduate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really cool, but definitely difficult to get participants,\u201d Morris said. \u201cOnce I got everybody, it was cool to do the data analysis. Everybody who agreed to be part of my study was really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Terry

Terry Ellis (middle)<\/p><\/div>\n

Terry Ellis, Dr. Bernadette DePrez, Lara Sanders, \u201cReduction of Post-Procedural Length of Stay for Uncomplicated Radial Percutaneous Coronary Interventions\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

As Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Nursing, Terry Ellis\u2019 project examining same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary interventions allowed him to learn about research underway on campus.<\/p>\n

Ellis is currently pursuing both a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master\u2019s of Business Administration.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never actually been to a research event here at UTC, but I think it\u2019s cool to see the diversity and all the different research being done, not specific to just one field,\u201d Ellis said. \u201cAs a faculty here, I\u2019m very well versed with what\u2019s going on in the College of Nursing, but to see that it\u2019s also being done amongst the rest of the colleges is really cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

The goal of his research was to achieve same-day discharge for patients using the American College of Cardiology checklist. Ellis partnered with Erlanger Hospital for his study.<\/p>\n

He described the research process as a \u201cwhirlwind,\u201d but enjoyed learning something new about the UTC community.<\/p>\n

\"Trey

Trey Mastin (Left)<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Khalid Tantawi, Ayden Black, Zach Hovey, Patrick Kent, Ben Mangrum, Trey Mastin, Ann McAbee, Andrea Ramirez, Will Whitney, \u201cSolar-Powered Hybrid Cooling System for Lithium-Ion Batteries\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Senior mechatronics engineering student Trey Mastin presented a solar-powered hybrid cooling system designed to improve temperature regulation for lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>\n

The project was created as an alternative to traditional cooling systems that rely on energy-intensive air conditioning units.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s basically a solar-charged hybrid cooling system for a lithium-ion battery,\u201d said the Cleveland, Tennessee native. \u201cWe\u2019re taking a high-cost system that usually uses an AC unit and turning it into a system using a Peltier element.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mastin explained that the design combines multiple cooling methods, such as a radiator fan and antifreeze-based circulation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought it was really interesting to make a more cost-effective way of cooling lithium-ion batteries,\u201d Mastin said. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot easier to make, even if it\u2019s a little less efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mastin will continue developing the project for an upcoming SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta after earning recognition at regionals.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

William Moore, Gracen Landry, Dr. Ashley N. Howell, \u201cEmotional Dysregulation as a Moderator of the Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and Reactive Versus Proactive Aggression\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Graduate psychological science students Gracen Landry and William Moore presented research exploring how emotion regulation and childhood experiences relate to different forms of aggression.<\/p>\n

They examined whether troubles in emotion regulation influence the relationship between childhood adversity and reactive or proactive aggression.<\/p>\n

\u201cReactive aggression is in the moment,\u201d said the Chattanooga native Landry. \u201cProactive aggression is goal-directed, where there\u2019s a plan behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They said one of the most surprising findings was that emotion dysregulation was more strongly linked to proactive aggression than expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe expected it to relate more to reactive aggression,\u201d she said. \u201cBut the data showed otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moore said the results emphasized how complex emotional and behavioral systems are.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes we find things we don\u2019t expect,\u201d Moore said. \u201cThat supports the importance of science.\u201d<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

Nadia Binte Asif, \u201cMulti-view Spatial Temporal-Type Learning for Heterogeneous Municipal Service Systems\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

Graduate student Nadia Binte Asif researched artificial intelligence to predict how long municipal service requests take to be completed.<\/p>\n

The computer science students\u2019 project analyzed data from 311 municipal service systems that handle non-emergency requests, aiming to improve transparency around service timelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as a resident submits a request, how long will it take?\u201d asked Asif. \u201cOur goal was to estimate that service time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The system includes machine learning techniques to model spatial and temporal relationships in service data. It also includes transformer-based architectures, encoders and large language model components.<\/p>\n

Asif said the research could potentially support \u201csmart city\u201d development by helping cities decide resources more efficiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we know which region needs service next, we can efficiently dispatch resources,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"Griffen

Griffen Akkerman<\/p><\/div>\n

Griffen Akkerman, Coulter Johnson, Tj Fields, Owen Smith, Elijah Hedrick, Dr. Ahad Nasab, \u201cPan-Tilt Mechanism for a Robot Camera\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Senior mechatronics technology student Griffen Akkerman from Milton, Tennessee, presented a pan-tilt robotic system designed to improve a camera\u2019s range of motion on an existing robot.<\/p>\n

The mechanism allowed the camera to move in multiple directions, improving its field of view and overall function.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re supposed to be able to pan it left and right, up and down to give the camera more FOV (field of view),\u201d Akkerman said.<\/p>\n

Akkerman ultimately chose the project due to his background in robotics. The system used 3D-printed components integrated into a working model, with the design going through multiple iterations before becoming the final product.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best part is just designing it,\u201d he said. \u201cWhatever I make, I\u2019ll also get to keep for my own robot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next steps for the project will include integrating the motors into the system and testing the structure\u2019s reliability while the robot is in motion.<\/p>\n

\"Anna

Anna Sherrill<\/p><\/div>\n

Anna Sherrill, Dr. Azad Hossain, \u201cMonitoring Chlorophyll-a Values in the Tennessee River Using Landsat Imagery and Google Earth Engine\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Graduate environmental science student Anna Sherrill presented research using NASA satellite imagery to monitor water quality in the Tennessee River.<\/p>\n

The project estimated chlorophyll levels to improve early detection of environmental risks by using remote sensing data and modeling tools.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re developing estimation models using NASA satellites to provide an early indication of harmful algal blooms,\u201d said the Chattanooga native.<\/p>\n

Sherrill said coordinating field sampling with satellite timing and weather conditions has been the biggest challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to take samples on the same day the satellite passes over,\u201d she said. \u201cThat takes planning and communication.\u201d<\/p>\n

The research addresses a gap in regional environmental monitoring, Sherrill explained, as water quality in the Tennessee River is addressed only through limited modeling focused on basic measurements.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has been no remote sensing model development for water quality in this region,\u201d Sherrill said. \u201cWe want to fill that gap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Lani Chastain (right)<\/p><\/div>\n

Lani Chastain, \u201cCommunicating Science Through Art\u201d<\/strong>
\nAdjunct physics faculty member and graduate student Lani Chastain joined a panel and presented on techniques drawn from the arts to make complex scientific concepts more accessible.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy presentation focuses on science communication techniques, particularly in astronomy, that are drawn from the arts in order to help researchers and educators effectively communicate complex science,\u201d Chastain said.<\/p>\n

She explained that her presentation idea developed from her experience with public outreach and her interest in interdisciplinary work between science and art.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the years, I have come to find that incorporating art and artistic techniques into my astronomy outreach to the public has made concepts more approachable for those without technical training in the field,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Chastain said she hopes her presentation will encourage more collaboration between the science and art fields.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope to convey that the work and techniques used in science and art are intertwined, and the two fields are much more alike than they are different,\u201d Chastain said.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/h4>\n

2026 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference<\/a><\/p>\n

Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE)<\/a><\/p>\n

SEARCH Award<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit UTC<\/a><\/p>\n

How to apply<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo Gallery by Angela Foster<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As students set up their presentations inside the Wolford Family Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 15, they were ready to showcase their work to the campus community. The annual Spring Research and Arts Conference at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is an opportunity to spotlight students\u2019 work from across UTC on a wide range of topics.<\/p>\n

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