Winners
2019 ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch Competition Winners
Undergraduate Lightning Round
1st Place - Dakila Ledesma
1st place winner for Undergraduate Lightning Round ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Prize: $100 gift card + $1,000 Student SEARCH Award (for continuing UTC students)
Title: VIGOR, A Virtual, Individualized and Generative Orchestrator for Rehabilitation
Abstract: VIGOR, A Virtual, Individualized and Generative Orchestrator for Rehabilitation
2nd Place - Steven Sawyer & Patrick Craig
2nd place winner for Undergraduate Lightning Round ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: College of Engineering and Computer Science
Prize: $75 gift card
Title: Nanomaterial Characterization and Treatment in Urban Stormwater Runoff
Abstract: The presence of nanomaterials in surface water is a growing threat. We aim to characterize how large a threat and also find possible ways to remediate this problem.
3rd Place - William Stuart
3rd place winner for Undergraduate Lightning Round ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
Prize: $50 gift card
Title: Creating a Detailed Site Map of a Unique Closed Depression on the Cumberland Plateau
Abstract: Collecting ground-truth data and creating a detailed site map of one of the unique closed depressions on the Cumberland Plateau to inform remote sensing and geophysical surveys and to further understand its formation.
Graduate 3 Minute Thesis
1st Place: Sarah Kelehear
1st place winner for Graduate 3 Minute Thesis ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
Prize: $200 gift card + $1,000 Student SEARCH Award (for continuing UTC students).
Title: All the things we don't know about the four-toed: modeling the distribution of a cryptic, habitat-specific, salamander
Abstract: The range of the four-toed salamander in Tennessee is not well understood. Distribution records from the literature show it as wide-ranging, however, seems range-limited in the state when examining known records; perhaps due to habitat requirements.
2nd Place: Tyler Perry
2nd place winner for Graduate 3 Minute Thesis ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: College of Health, Education and Professional Studies
Prize: $100 gift card
Title: Crossed and Uncrossed Visuomotor Reaction Time Training
Abstract: Using Trazer systems and a visual acuity reaction time tablet, we will measure Olympic Athletes' right and left handed reaction time in conjunction with training their left and right whole body movements.
3rd Place: Nisarg Hansaliya
3rd place winner for Graduate 3 Minute Thesis ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Prize: $50 gift card
Title: Effects of Optically-Transparent Thermally Insulated Silica Based Aerogel in a Solar Thermal Receiver
Abstract: Solar energy in recent years has become a very promising sustainable energy source. We are using the miracle material Aerogel to increase the solar thermal receiver efficiency. Ultimately supplying cost effective energy with lower carbon footprint.
Faculty Elevator Pitch
Social Sciences (Grand Prize Winner) Christopher Cunningham, PhD
1st place winner for Faculty Elevator ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Psychology
Prize: $1,500 mini-grant and funding to support a part-time graduate assistantship for the 2019-20 academic year
Title: Finding and sustaining motivation and a sense of meaning in medicine
Abstract: Building an archive of shareable stories from hospital workers at all levels (administrators, physicians, nurses, staff) to illustrate how healthcare professionals experience find and sustain motivation and a sense of meaning in their work.
Biology & Environmental Sciences - Azah Hossain, PhD
2nd place winner for Faculty Elevator ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
Prize: $1,500 mini-grant
Title: Developing a Model to Map the Potential Areas for Landslide Hazards in Hamilton County, TN using GIS and Remote Sensing
Abstract: Many hillsides and steep slopes in Hamilton County, TN present areas potentially susceptible to landslide and erosion. This study aims to develop a GIS based model to identify areas that have higher potentials for landslide occurrence.
Arts & Humanities - Andrew O'Brien, MFA
3rd place winner for the Faculty Elevator ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Art
Prize: $1,500 mini-grant
Title: Drift Alignment: Artist Book Proposal
Abstract: This project aims to find new ways of addressing the complex and contested history of the US-Mexico border through astrophotography and celestial navigation. I seek support for an experimental artist book featuring work from the series.
Math & Computer Sciences - Sungwoo Yang, PhD
4th place winner for Faculty Elevator ReSEARCH Dialogues Pitch.
Department: Civil and Chemical Engineering
Prize: $1,500 mini-grant
Title: Air Glass for Solar Energy Harvesting and Smart Building
Abstract: We will present aerogel called an air-glass or artificial solid vacuum. We will demonstrate its great potentials for solar energy harvesting and energy efficient smart building.