There are numerous events this week that may be of interest to postdoctoral scholars at UT. Should you take part in these events, please share your thoughts on your experience with us at postdocs@utk.edu. Your input is valuable as it helps focus these communications to better serve postdocs and support their success.
Monday, March 10
Writing Your Research Statement for the Academic Job Market
Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)
Monday, March 10, 11am–noon (Virtual)
Job postings in higher education often require a research statement as part of the application process. This session will focus on assembling a research statement for academic jobs. We’ll consider the intended audience and analyze examples from recent applicants. This is the sixth event in our eight-part series “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.”
Tuesday, March 11
Monty’s Craft Circle
Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Tuesday, March 11, 1–2pm, Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Join the McClung Museum for an hour of crafting! Drop in with any fiber art or craft-related project and join us for an hour of creativity on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month! Bring your work in progress, or learn to crochet, knit, or embroider with materials that we have on hand. All skill levels welcome.
Wednesday, March 12
Monthly Postdoc Orientation
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Wednesday, March 12, 9–10am
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs conducts a Postdoc Orientation every second Wednesday of the month, from 9–10am. This event will introduce postdocs, both new and old, to resources available to them at UT.
Monthly Postdoc Coffee
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Wednesday, March 12, 10–11:30am, Communication and Information Building, Room 298C
Connect with fellow postdocs in person at our monthly Postdoc Welcome & Networking Meetup! We gather every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:30am to welcome new postdocs to the UT Postdoctoral Scholar Community. Whether you’re new or have been here a while, this is a great chance to meet peers, exchange experiences, and build your network.
OPA mugs are available to the first five attendees.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Explanations and Demonstrations
Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT)
Wednesday, March 12, 2–4pm
Join this interactive, in-person series to explore AI’s capabilities, challenges, and ethical questions. No matter your perspective, bring your curiosity, questions, or projects and engage in hands-on experimentation and discussion. Learn how AI works, tackle real-world applications, and navigate its impact—no lectures, just open conversation. Drop in anytime!
Unlocking Potential: Discovering and Developing Your CliftonStrengths
Human Resources’ Learning & Organizational Development
Wednesday, March 12, 2–3:30pm
In this program we will be exploring your unique CliftonStrengths and digging into how to apply them in your role here at the University of Tennessee. This monthly virtual program provides a deep dive into understanding your CliftonStrengths report and leveraging your innate abilities. Elevate your performance and unlock your full potential by registering for Unlocking Potential: Discovering and Developing your CliftonStrengths. Registration for this event closed on Wednesday, February 26.
Webinar on U.S. Immigration
National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
Wednesday, March 12, 9pm
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is an organizational member of the National Postdoctoral Association, which grants graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff free affiliate membership.
Activate your free affiliate membership in the NPA to register for this workshop on US immigration.
Thursday, March 13
Receiving Feedback: Crafting a Constructive Response
Human Resources
Thursday, March 13, noon–1:30pm
Join HR Career Development and the Office of Ombuds Services for a staff-focused session on receiving feedback and responding constructively. Explore your reactions to feedback, learn strategies for productive dialogue, and create a plan to advocate for your career goals. Topics include growth mindset, managing emotions, and setting SMART goals. This interactive workshop features self-reflection, discussions, and action planning. For virtual sessions, camera and microphone use is recommended. Must login to register for this event.
Radiation Safety: Open Source
Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED)
Thursday, March 13, 1pm
The open-source general radiation safety training is generally scheduled once a month. This training is for everyone working in a lab setting with open/loose sources of radioactive materials (powders and liquids). If you need training and cannot make one of the scheduled times listed, contact our office. The training usually takes 3 hours to complete. It covers radiation hazard information, exposure monitoring, safe use practices, instrumentation, and basic procedures for radiation workers on campus.
How to Develop a Daily Writing Practice
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
Thursday, March 13, 2–3pm
UT has an institutional membership to the NCFDD, an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty, postdocs, & graduate students. To activate your membership, visit www.FacultyDiversity.org/Join and then selecting “The University of Tennessee, Knoxville” from the drop-down list of member institutions.
Friday, March 14
Reflections & Planning for Success
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
Friday, March 14, 1–2pm & Friday, April 11, 1–2pm
UT has an institutional membership to the NCFDD, an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty, postdocs, & graduate students. To activate your membership, visit www.FacultyDiversity.org/Join and then selecting “The University of Tennessee, Knoxville” from the drop-down list of member institutions.
Spring Forward 2025 14–Day Writing Challenge
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
Starts Monday, March 24
UT has an institutional membership to the NCFDD, an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community of faculty, postdocs, & graduate students. To activate your membership, visit www.FacultyDiversity.org/Join and then selecting “The University of Tennessee, Knoxville” from the drop-down list of member institutions.
Register by Friday, March 14
UT Verse: An Introduction to UT’s Artificial Intelligence
Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT)
Friday, March 14, 9:30–10:30am
Join this workshop to navigate UT Verse with confidence! Learn the interface, key features, chat functions, and customization options. Develop prompt-writing skills, explore advanced settings, and even create your own AI assistant. Perfect for beginners and experienced users alike!
Saturday, March 15
Gardening Basics Workshop
UT Garden, Knoxville
Saturday, March 15, 10am–noon, South Greenhouse, Room 124
Cost: $30 Members | $40 Non-members
Excited about spring gardening but aren’t sure where to start? This one’s for you! We’ll cover proper planting and watering, basic botany, and a bit of scientific naming, too. By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with knowing a couple ways to propagate your plants, care for them, and how to make selections for your home and garden.