This week’s events 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 towards greater success.
Monday, April 14
Bowling and Be Well at Maple Hall
Be Well
April 14, 2025, 4-6 pm
Whether you are a graduate or professional student for the first time or returning after several years of being out of school, it can be intimidating to plan and manage the rigors of graduate and professional studies. Instead of the usual “time management” approach, our presenter will introduce you to a unique process strategy, thinking proactively to help you visually organize and optimize your work productivity. This process, known as the Lean Applied to Business Process, can be applied toward achieving your educational goals as well as your chosen career.
Open to first 35 RSVP’d Guests! RSVP on the website!
Tuesday, April 15
Fostering a Robust Research Environment through Dynamic Mentoring Relationships
Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED)
Tuesday, April 15, 9:30–11am, Register by Monday, April 14
Workshop on nationally recommended research mentoring practices, facilitated by staff from Ombuds Services, ORIED, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Human-centered high-quality research environments are a team effort—lowering stress, reducing errors, improving collaboration, and boosting innovation. Join us to explore concepts, strategies, and resources for building psychologically safe environments through PI, team leader, and peer mentoring. National research practice recommendations emphasize that open communication with diverse perspectives builds understanding and trust—key to better science.
Register for Fostering a Robust Research Environment through Dynamic Mentoring Relationships
Wednesday, April 16
AI Isn’t What You Think—It’s Better. (Virtual)
Office of Innovative Technologies
Wednesday, April 16, 9:30am–11:30am
The one AI talk that will change how you see it—and yourself. Most people think they understand AI—until they discover how deeply human it really is. In this one-of-a-kind session, uncover the hidden truths behind artificial intelligence: how AI processes human inputs based on collective human behavior, the impact of language choices on AI outputs, and common misconceptions about its capabilities and limitations. This isn’t a how-to—it’s a reawakening. Open to faculty, staff, and students at any level of expertise who want a deeper understanding of AI. Continue the conversation with the UT_AI Innovation Lab: Discussions & Resources. Note: This talk is an updated version of “AI: Explanations and Demonstrations” from the AI Innovation Lab series that has evolved throughout the semester.
Vols Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Center for Health Education and Wellness
Wednesday, April 16, noon–2pm
Join the Center for Health Education and Wellness and the Office of Title IX for Vols Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month! After the 20-minute walk, enjoy lunch from CJ’s Tacos, pick up event swag, and participate in educational activities. Check-in begins at 11:45am, with opening remarks at 12:05pm and the walk starting at 12:10pm. The reception follows at 12:30pm, and the event ends at 2:00pm. Participants may walk the full route or a portion of it. Photos will be taken—share yours on Instagram using @utkwellness, #VolsWalkForSAAM, and #SAAMUTK. Parking: Guests without a UT Parking Pass can park in the Volunteer Hall Garage (1545 White Ave) for $1 per half-hour.
Let me know if you’d like it styled differently for your newsletter!
More details about the Vols Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Friday, April 18
Telescope Observing from “The Roof”
Physics & Astronomy
Friday, April 18, 9:00 pm
Observation takes place from the roof of the Alvin Nielsen Physics and Astronomy Building on the first and third Fridays of each month, weather permitting, starting at 9:00 pm. The location is on “The Hill” off Cumberland Avenue between 13th Street and Phillip Fulmer Way. Parking is available in the Vol Hall Parking Garage on White Avenue, with some handicapped parking in front of Nielsen.
Knoxville Smokies vs Chattanooga Lookouts
Knoxville Smokies — Covenant Health Park
Friday, April 18, 7pm
Join the Knoxville Smokies take the field for the first time at Covenant Health Park in their light blue alternate jerseys. To commemorate the occasion, the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a replica alternate jersey of their own. Jersey giveaway is limited to sizes Small through XL on a first come, first served basis. Our first Friday Night Game at home will conclude with a postgame fireworks show. | Presented By Advent Electric
Saturday, April 19
Dogwood Driving Trails
Dogwood Arts Gallery
April 1–April 30, 2025
Knoxville’s Dogwood Trails, dating back to 1955, span over 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods and are open April 1–30 to celebrate East Tennessee’s spring beauty. What began as a response to a harsh 1947 critique of Knoxville has grown into one of the region’s longest-running nonprofit traditions. The Trails & Gardens program honors the dedication of homeowners who prepare their neighborhoods and has expanded to include private gardens and conservation efforts to keep Dogwood blooms thriving across the area.