Brittany Zepernick, a PhD student in the Department of Microbiology, is the latest Graduate Student Spotlight for the Office of Research and Engagement. Her research focuses on harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are masses of phytoplankton, or microscopic algae, that experience unregulated growth. These blooms negatively impact freshwater habitat, with detrimental effects on the ecology and economy of the surrounding areas. Read more about Zepernick and her work at research.utk.edu.

On Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom, the UT Humanities Center is partnering with Union Ave Books to present the author DaMaris B. Hill in a discussion with UT professor Katy Chiles about Professor Hill’s book, A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland.

For more details about the event and how to participate visit the UT Calendar.

The Graduate School is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all Vols and we are committed to eliminating institutional racism. Learning to be effective allies is an important step in combating racism. A reading list is available, inspired by last week’s RockyTopics session on allyship and anti-racism.

Note: This position is no longer accepting applications. The Division of Diversity and Engagement (DDE) is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to serve as the graduate research assistant for the Education and Training Consultant. This position begins August 2020 and provides an monthly stipend in addition to a tuition waiver for fall and spring semesters. This is a 12-month contract position with possibilities for renewal pending satisfactory performance. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to: Beth Huemmer at ehuemmer@utk.edu. Learn more about this position.

Seventeen current students and recent graduates from UT were offered Fulbright awards for the 2020–2021 academic year. There were four UT graduate students included in the list of awardees. Read more about these students and all seventeen UT Fulbright awardees.

Your residency classification has an impact on your tuition and fees. Your initial classification is determined by the information you have provided on your application for admission to the Graduate School. If you believe that your initial residency classification is incorrect, you may appeal the classification. Learn about upcoming deadlines for appeals for summer 2020.

Note: This position is no longer accepting applications. The Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies is seeking a graduate assistant for the 2020–2021 academic year. This position for the 2020–2021 academic year (8–1–20 through 7–31–21) is a half-time position with an expectation of 10 hours per week dedicated to position assignments, which include grading, assisting with research projects, and aiding with programs and projects for the Fern and Manfred Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies. The stipend for this position will be $8100 payable in twelve monthly installments, beginning August 31, 2020. The award also carries a tuition waiver, and health insurance is provided. Students are responsible for some fees each semester which includes programs and services fees, a campus facilities fee, a technology fee, and a transportation fee. There is a Judaic Studies office in McClung Tower which the position is welcome to use as an office during the academic year. Any graduate students interested in this position should send Helene Sinnreich (hsinnreich@utk.edu) an email with a CV and she will write back to set up a Zoom interview.

Please note that The Office of Academic Inclusive Initiatives is no longer accepting applications for this position. The Office of Academic Inclusive Initiatives is seeking a Graduate Assistant to serve as an assistant program coordinator. The central focus of this position is assisting the Office of Academic Inclusive Initiatives staff with the planning, implementation, and assessment of programs and initiatives supporting first-generation college students, students of color, and other underrepresented and marginalized student populations. This position begins early June 2020 (start date is negotiable) and provides an annual stipend of $1,300 per month in addition to a tuition waiver for fall and spring semesters. This is a 12-month contract position with possibilities for renewal pending satisfactory performance. Contact Talisha Adams (tlawso11@utk.edu) with questions and download the details about the position.

We may not be able to celebrate in person this May, but UT is working to celebrate our graduating students virtually. Chancellor Plowman announced plans this week. Graduate students, be sure to check your email to learn how to participate, and we have some information at our site to help.