Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

SURGE Projects 2020

The Office of Undergraduate Research is pleased to announce the following projects for the SURGE Program for Summer 2020

To learn more about the SURGE Program including student pay and program expectations, visit the SURGE Program Information page

Interested students can apply to the project of their choice using the

SURGE Program student application form.

Applications must be submitted by February 12, 2020 

**Due to COVID-19, not all projects will be conducted during Summer 2020.  Other projects have adopted a virtual format as indicated below**

 

**Deferred to 2021

Project Title:

Exploring Sustainable Urban to Rural Practices (E-SURP) Undergraduate Research

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 6 students

Faculty:

Sharon Jean-Phillippe, Herbert College of Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries

Natalie Bumgarner, Herbert College of Agriculture, Plant Science

Project Description:

The number of minorities currently entering agriculture and natural resource career paths is insufficient to support increased representation in these disciplines. Opportunities to develop additional pathways for future professionals, scientists, and practitioners in schools of agriculture and natural resources will heavily depend upon making connections with non-traditional students. This project will focus on providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing professionals in the fields of forestry (urban forestry) and plant science (horticulture production), by participating in applied research carried out using an agroforestry model.  In addition, students will be able to develop and facilitate community outreach activities with local residents. The proposed undergraduate research will help increase student’s awareness of agricultural sciences and natural resources -STEM disciplines by connecting students with field research experiences, providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing and organizing summer programming activities.

Position Description:

Exploring Sustainable Urban to Rural Practices (E-SURP) undergraduate research experience is designed to introduce students to agriculture food production systems in both urban and rural settings. Research projects will be focused on different methods of food production and students will be engaged in sharing information about food production and agriculture with residents in the Knoxville area through a range of in-person, video and social media activities.

 

Tasks for student undergraduate research will include:

  • Engage and actively participate in agricultural and natural resource production site visits and orientation
  • Establish, manage, and maintain agroforestry food production trial plots at the KBGA and ETREC-OCU. All trials will be designed to provide information for small-scale food producers across a rural to urban gradient. Planned trials include small-scale production research in native fruit and nut tree plantings, herbal and medicinal plantings, and urban and rural vegetable plantings.
  • Harvest and evaluate plots to support data collection from these trials which will include written, photographic, and digital video records.
  • Assist in preparation and delivery of teaching and demonstration presentations on these trials for KBGA and UT AgResearch Extension field days and other programs.
  • Produce outreach materials for stakeholder education including but not limited to Extension fact sheets, blog posts, social media posts, and instructional or educational videos.

**Continuing in virtual format

Project Title:

Assessing the health of ex vivo brain tissue slices maintained in a microfluidic bubble perfusion system

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 6 students

Faculty:

Christopher Baker, Arts and Sciences, Chemistry

Rebecca Prosser, Arts and Sciences, Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology

Project Description:

Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and neurotoxic processes in the brain is critical for developing more effective preventative and/or restorative treatments.  However, studying the cellular changes that underlie these debilitating conditions in intact animals is extremely challenging.  We are developing and testing a novel microfluidic device for maintaining brain tissue in vitro that allows precisely timed application of experimental treatments, real-time assessment of cellular activity, and continuous timed collection of substances released from the tissue for off-line chemical analysis.  This unique combination of capabilities allows us to investigate these neurological processes with far greater complexity and accuracy.  It also provides the opportunity to directly measure neuronal function across multiple modalities. Preliminary data indicate that we can maintain healthy tissue for at least 10 hours. However, additional assessments of tissue health are needed to create a solid baseline for quantitative characterizations of the effects of toxic and/or degenerative treatments.  The experiments conducted during this 8-week SURGE project will provide an interdisciplinary, research-intensive experience to a group of 6 undergraduate students who will learn how to assess and statistically analyze tissue health using a combination of cell activity, histological and chemical analyses under control conditions and in response to toxic conditions.

Position Description:

The Prosser (BCMB) and Baker (Chemistry) Labs seek motivated undergraduate researchers for an 8-week summer research project focusing on brain tissue health in ex vivo culture conditions. We are developing technologies for measuring brain tissue function under highly controlled conditions, which will ultimately be applied to better understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and neural injury and toxicity. The objective of the summer research project is to identify methods for assessing tissue health via molecules released by brain tissue into the surrounding solution environment. Students involved in this project will gain hands-on experience in neuroscience and bioanalytical chemistry. They will learn best practices in professional research from experimental design and laboratory techniques to scientific communication and ethical conduct of research. This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week, with time split between the Baker and Prosser labs as needed. On-campus housing, a weekly meal allowance, and a generous stipend are included.

** Cancelled for 2020

Project Title:

Studying the Palisade at Coan Hall: Archaeological, Geophysical and Geomorphological Training and Analysis

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 8 students

Faculty:

Barbara Heath, Arts and Sciences, Anthropology

Howard Cyr, McClung Museum

Project Description:

Students working on this project will use methods of historical archaeology, geomorphology and geophysics to understand the cultural and environmental effects of colonialism on a 17th-century landscape. Portions of an extensive 17th-century palisaded (fenced) enclosure associated with the Sekakawon, a Native American group, will be explored through geophysical prospection, soil coring, and limited archaeological excavations. The evidence collected will indicate the size and configuration of the palisade, indicate natural and cultural alterations to the landscape at the time of its use and abandonment, locate structures or activity areas within it, and explore its relationship to the historic plantation of Coan Hall, which has been the subject of previous excavations. The site is situated along a tributary of the Potomac River in Northumberland County, Virginia. Students will spend five weeks in the field learning about the project and collecting data. They will rotate between three teams—archaeological excavations, coring to collect geomorphological samples, and conducting geophysical prospection. Students will return to campus for the final three weeks of the program to digitize data, process and interpret core samples and geophysical results, and to write a report on the summer’s work.

Position Description:

Position Description for Studying the Palisade at Coan Hall: Archaeological, Geophysical and Geomorphological Training and Analysis

The Office of Undergraduate Research is seeking eight students to participate in an eight-week research opportunity investigating an archaeological site in Heathsville, Virginia. Students will work in Virginia from June 1 to July 3, and then on campus in Knoxville at the McClung Museum and Strong Hall beginning July 6. Time in Virginia will entail daily (Monday-Friday) work at a colonial-era archaeological site with some evening lectures and/or laboratory sessions. Participants will conduct archaeological excavation, terrestrial remote sensing /geophysical data collection and analysis, and sediment coring and analysis. Work in Knoxville will include laboratory analysis of sediment cores and geophysical results, and digitizing site maps and forms. Participants will work collaboratively to prepare a site report. Prior experience is not necessary, but students must be willing and able to engage in strenuous, outdoor physical labor, to follow instructions closely, and to be able to both work independently and as a member of a team. Travel, lodging, and food costs will be covered, and students will earn a $4000 summer stipend.

Special note:

Archaeological fieldwork is exciting but also can be physically challenging. Applicants should be in good health and have the ability to engage in eight-hour days doing physical labor. Participants should be comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs., pushing wheel barrows, shoveling, and kneeling, squatting, and standing for prolonged periods. We work outdoors in varying weather conditions ranging from 60 degrees and light drizzle to 100 degrees and full sun.

**Continuing virtually as Consumer Behavior and Retailing related to COVID-19

Original Project Title:

Re-imagining the Farmers’ Market: Attracting Limited-Resource Families through Merchandising and Marketing Strategies

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 8 students

Faculty:

Michelle Childs, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management

Christopher Sneed, UT Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences

Original Project Description:

This interdisciplinary project between disciplines of Retail and Family and Consumer Sciences offers turn-key research experiences for undergraduate students. This project aims to equip, train and evaluate students’ progress utilizing formative and empirical research necessary to develop and implement merchandising and marketing strategies for attracting limited-resource families to farmers’ markets. Students recruited from diverse disciplines across campus will collaborate with Nourish Knoxville and farmers at the Knoxville Market Square Farmers’ Market to implement this project. Utilizing a series of formative research opportunities including touring local farms and farmers’ market and interviewing limited-resource families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education, students working in groups (i.e., 2 groups of 4 students each) will create and execute activities aimed at attracting limited-resource families to farmers’ market booths. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of their implemented techniques. Additionally, students’ learning outcomes will be evaluated by instructors, with the goals of possessing retail merchandising knowledge and research experience. This project presents a sustainable opportunity to be extended into the school year as a research intensive course and serves as a pilot for external funding through USDA SNAP Education and USDA Education and Workforce Development.

New Project Description:

Data analysis and review of shopping patterns and behaviors related to COVID-19

Position Description:

As part of the SURGE Program through the Office of Undergraduate Research, we are seeking students interested in developing and implementing strategies to appeal to limited-resource families. Through this experience learning project, students will be equipped and trained in both formative and empirical research methods as well as merchandising and marketing strategies for appealing to farmers’ market consumers. This position is available from June 1st-July 27th, 2020. As part of this position, students will receive $4,000 for participating, student housing in Laurel Hall (or similar) and a meal allowance of $75/week. Up to $3,000 will also be available for materials, supplies and related travel.

 

Specific duties include:

 

  1. Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion or veteran status.

 

  1. Complete required training and learning modules needed to implement project. Including participation in both formative (e.g., visit farmers’ market and local farms) and empirical research (i.e., data collection).

 

  1. Travel locally as part of experience learning activities.

 

  1. Assist with the planning and preparing of activities for farmer’s market booths. This will can include assisting with gathering and organizing supplies, creating and implementing materials and items necessary to enhance appeal of farmer’s market booths.

 

  1. Collect data related to farmers’ market activities and communicate progress for the purpose of reporting and evaluating the project.

 

  1. Complete time sheets and travel records per University policy.

 

  1. Assist with other duties as assigned related to tasks for the project.

**Cancelled for 2020

Project Title:

Playtime in the sunshine: Heat exposure and play behavior of young children on hot days

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 8 students

Faculty:

Kelly Ellis, Arts and Sciences, Geography

Laurie Caudle, Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Child and Family Studies

Project Description:

Children are more susceptible to heat than adults, especially during outdoor play. However, methods that have been developed to study individual heat exposure have primarily been applied to adult populations. There have been a few studies on heat exposure of school-aged children, but these studies do not reflect the complexity of motivations during play for younger children, which may be more motivating for them than seeking thermal comfort. This interdisciplinary study is the first of its kind to consider young children’s heat exposure in confluence with children’s social and play interactions. We will use iButtons and thermal cameras to assess the ambient and surface microclimates across the outdoor playscape at the University of Tennessee Early Learning Center. We will then observe heat exposure and play behavior of children on the playscape to determine how their social interactions and play behavior impact their movements in and out of shade, whether they are differentially exposed to heat throughout play, and whether movement to shadier spaces or use of cooler play surfaces lessened their heat exposure. During the project, student researchers will learn about team communication, research ethics, the logistics of collaborative data collection and analysis, and experience working in early education settings.

Position Description:

This project is focused on preschool children’s heat exposure and play behavior on an outdoor playground. Student team members will work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary research team lead by professors from Geography and Child and Family Studies. Students will specialize in climate or play aspects of the project and chose related topics of interest to investigate for their Discovery Day poster. Students will learn and use multiple data collection techniques, including assessment of heat patterns in the playground environment, children’s heat exposure, video observations of young children, and analysis of children’s play, social, and movement patterns. Furthermore, students will gain first-hand experience collecting data in an early education environment with young children. This project is an excellent opportunity for students with interests in child development, outdoor play environments, weather, climate, early education, play behavior, the impact of environment on behavior, and children’s health and well-being.

**Continuing in virtual format

Project Title:

A camera-based system for noninvasive monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Group Size: 6 students

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Faculty:

Xiaopeng Zhao, Engineering,

Tami Wyatt, College of Nursing, College of Nursing

Project Description:

The objective of this project is to develop a wireless, noncontact monitoring system that measures multiple physiological parameters in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Compared to traditional sensors in a NICU, this monitoring system will not use any wires and adhesives, rendering it safer and more convenient. The monitoring system will aim to estimate two physiological signals: heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR). The current practice of measuring HR involves collecting electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from adhesive electrodes placed on the torso of the neonate. Respiratory signals are collected in a similar matter to ECG monitoring. Undergraduate research assistants will be recruited to develop hardware and software for the system as well as conduct experiments to collect and analyze real patient data. This project will help undergraduate researchers learn multidisciplinary skills and foster teamwork and self-initiative.

Position Description:

The objective of this project is to develop a wireless, noncontact monitoring system that measures multiple physiological parameters in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Compared to traditional sensors in a NICU, this monitoring system will not use any wires and adhesives, rendering it safer and more convenient. The monitoring system will aim to estimate two physiological signals: heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR). The current practice of measuring HR involves collecting electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from adhesive electrodes placed on the torso of the neonate. Respiratory signals are collected in a similar matter to ECG monitoring. Undergraduate research assistants will be recruited to develop hardware and software for the system as well as conduct experiments to collect and analyze real patient data. This project will help undergraduate researchers learn multidisciplinary skills and foster teamwork and self-initiative.

** Continuing in virtual format

Project Title:

Montgomery 1960 (Version 2.0) – Integrating Marginalized Voices

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 8 students

Faculty:

Karen Boyd, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Cary Staples, College of Architecture and Design, School of Design

Project Description:

The Leadership Studies and App Farm Interdisciplinary 2020 Undergraduate Research Team proposes its summer project to be a re-design of the Montgomery 1960  –an experiential-learning curricular tool that teaches empathy and perspective-taking through history. Players learn these skills (foundational to intercultural and ethical sensitivity) (Swaner, 2005) though immersion into the lived experiences of and challenges faced by the historical events’ participants.

The 2019 Undergraduate Research team designed and prototyped the game logic and graphic interface inside the ARIS (Augmented Reality Interactive Storytelling) platform. The 2020 research plan is to evolve the game from ARIS to a team-programmed web-based platform, which will allow for more flexible and inclusive game design and play. The Summer Research Team (SRT) will re-engineer the original prototype to improve the technological accessibility and diverse student engagement in the experience. The SRT will use a Participatory Action Research approach to engage in design thinking, game building, historical primary source analysis, production, and play testing with the goal of improving the accessibility and relevance of the product to African-American, lower socioeconomic status, and first generation college students. They will collaborate with the living student sit-in participants to better organize and interpret the historical content into a working prototype.

Position Description:

Position Description

All student team members will:

  • Facilitate redesign dialogues participants (sit-in and marginalized

student populations)

  • Participate in Full Team Version 2.0 experience design decisions
  • Conduct prototype testing, interation, and refinement
  • Complete Research Posters detailing their contributions to the final

working prototype

 

Teams

Programming (2 students)

Create the open source code for the web-based dissemination

Apply the visual graphic experience to the web platform

Create digitized map and live QR-Code Scanning

 

Historical Content

Narrative Development – Story-Boarding/Based on Historical

Artifacts (2)

Video Production – Media Management and Editing (2)

Additional Data Collection (all)

 

Asset, Visual, and Graphic Development (2)

Create the visual graphic experience and supporting art

Design the user experience

**Continuing in virtual format

Project Title:

Maternal Behavior and adult neural plasticity

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 6 students

Faculty:

Keerthi Krishnan, Arts and Sciences, Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology

Project Description:

All organisms respond and learn to deal with their surroundings throughout life. Brain plasticity is a process that is essential for this adaptation and learning. Cellular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity, specifically neural plasticity (changes in neurons, a major cell type essential for brain function), are still unknown. We approach this complex, fundamental neurobiological problem by studying a mouse model of a disorder called Rett Syndrome (RTT).

RTT is initially characterized by a short period of typical development, followed by expression of stereotypic sensory, motor and speech impairments. RTT is hypothesized to be the result of altered plasticity caused by abnormal experience-dependent changes to synapses (the communication sites between neurons). These plasticity mechanisms contribute to sensory processing deficits, which then result in further impairments. RTT is caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). However, the pathogenesis of this disorder is unclear. This problem is further compounded by the lack of existing paradigms to study stereotypies in adult female models for RTT. We use behaviors and cellular microscopy approaches to gain insights into how neural plasticity essential for appropriate behavior is affected in female mouse model of RTT.

Position Description:

The Krishnan lab works on understanding plasticity mechanisms in the mouse brain, particularly on a mouse model of a neurodevelopmental disorder called Rett Syndrome. https://krishnanlab.utk.edu

 

We use behavioral experiments and fluorescent microscopy/image analysis as our main techniques for different projects in the lab. Students will learn and perform behavioral experiments and image analysis/quantification on computer monitors. You will work with a postdoctoral scientist or senior graduate student in day-to-day engagements in the lab.

We are looking for students who are reliable/consistent/professional, have good observational skills and exhibit enthusiasm for learning new concepts and techniques. Students who show exceptional engagement and good communication skills will be chosen to learn and perform behavioral experiments, behavioral coding, implementation of computer programming codes, other histology techniques and genotyping. Students will have opportunities to present at lab meetings and participate/learn from others in a collaborative environment.

 

Evaluation procedure

Twice monthly summary and update meetings with Dr. Krishnan

Goals for each week will be set in these meetings.

** Partial in 2020 and 2021

Project Title:

Characterization of Different Pulses as Sources of Food Ingredients for Agricultural and Food Sustainability

Project Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2020

Group Size: 8 students

Faculty:

Vermont Dia, Herbert College of Agriculture, Food Science

Project Description:

This Summer Undergraduate Research Group Experience project will recruit 8 freshman and sophomore UT students with diverse backgrounds to study the potential utilization of pulse (beans, lentils, chickpeas, pigeon peas) components in food product application. Increase utilization of alternative crops such as pulses can lead to sustainability and promotion of over-all human health associated with crop diversification and unique nutritional and chemical components of pulses. The students will isolate different components of pulses, analyze these components in terms of their chemical composition and physicochemical and functional properties for food application. In addition, the students will quantify components responsible for health-promoting properties of pulses and determine their biological activities. The project is open to all students regardless of majors and emphasis will be given to students from underrepresented groups. Students will learn different laboratory techniques, literature search and reading, poster preparation and oral presentation skills. It is expected that at the end of the 8-week research experience, students will obtain preliminary data that they can use for to continue working during the regular semester for credit for food product applications such as bread, cakes and pasta. Moreover, these will serve as data for external funding application of the PI to USDA.

Position Description:

The Department of Food Science thru the Office of Undergraduate Research is looking for up to 8 freshman and sophomore students to undertake a Summer Undergraduate Research Group Experience (SURGE) in the laboratory of Dr. Vermont P. Dia. The project will entail the isolation of novel food ingredients from different pulses. In addition, students will analyze different physicochemical, functional and biological properties of isolated novel ingredients. Students will be trained in different laboratory techniques, literature search, poster preparation and oral presentation skills. The project will run for 8 weeks from June 1 to July 27, 2020. All students are encouraged to apply regardless of major. The only qualification is the willingness to learn and curiosity about novel food ingredients for product application. At the end of the project, students are expected to have a poster to be presented during the Discovery Day in Fall 2020. Questions can be directed to Dr. Dia at vdia@utk.edu or at 865-974-7265.

 

The students will:

  1. isolate components of pulses;
  2. characterize pulse components in terms of their physicochemical and functional properties;
  3. determine the biological properties of pulse components and the level of different health-promoting compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins);
  4. develop laboratory skills and techniques in a food chemistry lab setting;
  5. develop writing and oral presentation skills;
  6. prepare a poster about the project for presentation during UT Discovery Day in Fall 2020

 

Benefits to students

Students selected will be given a $4,000 stipend for the 8-week research experience, $75 weekly meal allowance and will be housed in one of the university’s residence halls.

 

Location

Food Chemistry and Bioactives Lab (Rm 307)

Food Science Bldg

2510 River Dr Knoxville TN 37996

 

Contact

Vermont P Dia, Ph D

Assistant Professor

vdia@utk.edu

865-974-7265