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Projects

During the two-week research experience, students conduct short-term group research projects with master teachers, university researchers, and other STEM professionals. The culmination of this two-week experience is a final ceremony where groups present their research to federal and state ARC dignitaries, UTK and ORAU dignitaries, family, and friends.

 

2024 Projects

  • Innovative Aptasensor Development for Rapid Detection of S. aureu

    Our research aims to advance the detection of S. aureus, a significant cause of foodborne illnesses, by creating a state-of-the-art aptasensor targeted at the IsdA protein. This protein is crucial for the bacterium's ability to collect iron, making it an ideal marker for detection. Our innovative approach leverages aptamer-modified platforms, introducing a method that is both novel and effective in pathogen detection, enhancing accuracy and reproducibility.

    The project explores three distinct methodologies. One approach utilizes a carbon electrode enhanced with gold nanoparticles for electrochemical detection of the IsdA protein. Another method combines computational modeling with Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for real-time, label-free analysis of the aptamer-protein interaction, aiming to optimize detection efficiency. The third strategy employs a label-free biosensor using mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which releases a signaling molecule upon detection of the target protein, acting as a molecular gatekeeper.

    Together, these methods aim to improve food safety by offering quicker, more reliable ways to detect S. aureus, demonstrating the potential of aptasensor technology in addressing foodborne diseases

    UTK Department: Biomedical Engineering

    Mentor: Dr. Michael Danquah, Dr. Najeeb Ullah, Tracy Bruce Tageo, and Shokoufeh Soleimani

    Master Teacher: Bridget Kennedy

    Student Participants: Keira Bauman, Clair Cheng, Emma Comer, Ainsley Good, Michael Louis, Nonye Okoro, Aneesh Pingali

  • Nanoelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuits

    The Nanoelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuits (NorDIC) Lab is part of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In our lab, we focus on creating new and innovative electronic devices and circuits that can be used in future technologies. Our goal is to design these devices and circuits in a way that addresses current and future challenges in the electronics industry.

    As technology becomes more advanced, designing electronic systems becomes more complex. Instead of working on devices, circuits, or system architectures separately, we take a holistic approach. This means we consider how all parts of an electronic system—devices, circuits, and overall architecture—work together to solve complex problems and take full advantage of new technologies.

    In simple terms, we are working to make the next generation of electronics more efficient, powerful, and capable by looking at the bigger picture and integrating all the different parts of the design process.

    UTK Department: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

    Mentor: Dr. Ahmedullah Aziz

    Master Teacher: Nathan Kenner

    Student Participants: Briton Bedwell, Shawn De Pedro, Dream Kang, Malik Louis, Ananya Madduri, Caleb Scheffey, Mac Shuster

Past Bridge Projects

    • Water Quality and Environmental Impacts

      Students spend two weeks in advanced learning about water quality conditions encompassing testing, human and natural influences, standards, treatment, and regulations. Students will scientifically collect and perform tests on Appalachian region water samples, including a visit to the University of Tennessee Water Quality department. Field trips also include EPA testing and cleanup sites, sand and membrane city water filtration facilities, a waste treatment facility, the UT Wetlands project under Dr. Andrea Ludwig, and TVA ecological surveying.

      Using their knowledge of water quality and factors affecting it, students will work together to come up with creative ideas for mitigation measures that can be deployed in their community. The program will culminate with final presentations based on small group ideas, which look to help mitigate environmental concerns.

      Master Teacher: Marcela St. Onge

      Assistant Teacher: Adam Wilburn

      Mentors: Dr. Kane Barker

      Students:
      Ethan All, Madelyn Conner, Randall Dunkin, Isabel   Kao, James Ludwig, Charles Martin, Isaiah Massengale, Stephanie Meredith, Shania Middleton, Brandon Ogunwumi, Ava Robinson, James Robinson, Audrey Sears, Carter Sherman, Emma Stevens, Jeffrey Yu

    • Water Quality and Environmental Impacts

      Students spend two weeks in advanced learning about water quality conditions encompassing testing, human and natural influences, standards, treatment, and regulations. Students will scientifically collect and perform tests on Appalachian region water samples, including a visit to the University of Tennessee Water Quality department. Field trips also include EPA testing and cleanup sites, sand and membrane city water filtration facilities, a waste treatment facility, the UT Wetlands project under Dr. Andrea Ludwig, and TVA ecological surveying.

      Using their knowledge of water quality and factors affecting it, students will work together to come up with creative ideas for mitigation measures that can be deployed in their community.  The program will culminate with final presentations based on small group ideas, which look to help mitigate environmental concerns.

      Master Teacher: Marcela St. Onge

      Assistant Teacher: Tommy Tatum

      Mentors: Dr. Kane Barker and Cristina Carbajo

      Students:
      Braden Bass
      Bryce Carroll
      Isabelle Gladson
      Kourtni Jackson
      Ava McCollum-Beaves
      Mackenzie McNeil
      Benjamin Mumpower
      Jonah Neal
      Trevor Shevalier
      Dylan Williams
      Dayna Zeiders
      Naomi Vargas