Work with experts from University of Tennessee at Knoxville

I worked on various projects including the characterization of fluorescent proteins as gene expression reporters for Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius, development of fast, marker-less genome editing techniques for Bacillus subtilis, and characterization and immobilization of a thermostable laccase on the surface of B. subtilis spores. I also acted as laboratory manager and assisted undergraduate students with their projects.

University of New Hampshire

Teaching Assistant / September, 2013 — May, 2017

I assisted professors in the chemical engineering department with grading homework assignments and laboratory reports. I also held office hours where I helped students with homework and studying for tests. Finally, I helped set up laboratory experiments and oversaw students as they completed experiments.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Postdoctoral Research Associate / January, 2019 — March, 2022

I investigated the impact of host selection on the heterologous expression of polyketide synthases. I also acted as laboratory manager. Finally, I assisted undergraduate and graduate students with various projects involving ketoreductase expression/engineering and nonribosomal peptide synthetase expression/engineering.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Biochemical Engineer / April, 2022 — October, 2024

I characterized a panel of enzymes for nylon hydrolase activity and worked on engineering one of these enzymes. I also developed a transformation protocol for a non-model bacterium, Bacillus velezensis.

Research Expertise

Biochemical Engineering

About

Erin Drufva is a highly educated and experienced individual in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from a reputable institution in 2013 and continued her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, which she completed in 2018. During her time as a graduate student, Erin gained valuable research experience as a Graduate Research Assistant, conducting experiments and analyzing data related to her field of study. She also served as a Teaching Assistant, helping students understand complex concepts and conducting laboratory sessions. After completing her Ph.D., Erin continued her research career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. There, she worked on various projects related to enzyme engineering and published several papers in reputable journals. Erin also worked as a Biochemical Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In this role, she utilized her knowledge and skills to assist in various environmentally relevant projects. Overall, Erin is a dedicated and skilled professional with a strong background in chemical engineering and microbiology. She is passionate about research and continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise in her field.

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Senjuti Dutta

PhD in Computer Science specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Applied AI.

Education

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

PhD, Computer Science / July, 2024

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

University of Memphis

Masters, Computer Science / August, 2020

Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America

Experience

AImpower

Reserach and Engineering fellow / August, 2024 — Present

Developing communication tools impacting over 80 million users and working on front-end solutions for personalized communication tools

Keywords Studios

Human Data Project Manager Intern / May, 2024 — July, 2024

Led the curation and processing of large datasets for AI models, enhancing their real-world appli- cability as well as designed and implemented data quality methodologies to improve the accuracy and consistency of human-generated data, resulting in more efficient and effective labeling workflows for AI models

University of Tennessee

Graduate Reserach Assistant / December, 2020 — July, 2024

Pioneered user research to enhance crowdworkers’ flexibility across multiple devices and applied machine learning solutions to develop personalized guidelines based on device usage pat- terns and crowdworkers’ feedback.

Google

Student Researcher / August, 2022 — May, 2023

Led efforts to investigate and model subjectivity in AI using generative techniques, optimizing LLMs through soft tuning to better handle nuanced and context-sensitive content. Leveraged generative AI models to innovate in creative domains, such as story writing and humor generation, expanding their applications and advancing product development by enabling more effective content generation and testing methodologies.

University of Tennessee

Graduate Teaching Assistant / August, 2020 — July, 2022

Directed Python lab sessions for over 50 students, providing hands-on guidance and support to enhance their understanding of Python programming and data science concepts. • Graded homework, projects, and exams for multiple advanced courses, ensuring fair and consistent assessment across subjects for around 80 students, including: DATA 201: Data Knowledge and Discovery, COSC 522: Machine Learning, and ECE 462: Cyber-Physical Systems Security.

University of Memphis

Graduate Research Assistant / August, 2017 — May, 2020

Designed and implemented advanced algorithms for keyword matching in crowdsourcing systems, ensuring the protection of both keyword and user privacy. • Created and executed algorithms to efficiently convert between morphed and standard images of passports, optimizing performance and accuracy in image processing tasks. • Developed and delivered instructional courses on multi-factor authentication and authorization, increasing user security awareness and compliance.

University of Memphis

Graduate Teaching Assistant / August, 2017 — May, 2020

Led over 10 classes across undergraduate and graduate levels, providing office hours to explain the concepts of key computer science subjects: Python Programming (COMP 4030/6030), Graduate Database Course (COMP 7115), and Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (COMP 2150). • Guided undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in developing and refining their final course projects, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Jadavpur University

App Developer Intern / November, 2016 — July, 2017

Created an Android app that accurately determines user location and orientation, leveraging GPS and sensor data to provide reliable real-time navigation. • Designed and implemented an audio instruction system tailored for individuals with visual impair- ments, enhancing app accessibility and usability by providing clear, spoken directions for naviga- tion.

Research Expertise

Human Computer Interaction

Crowdsourcing

Applied AI

About

My research focuses on leveraging Human-Computer Interaction and Applied AI to advance flexibility and inclusivity in digital environments and product development processes. I have integrated generative AI techniques to streamline the design of experiments, enabling innovative approaches to prototype testing, evaluation, and user interaction studies. My work includes developing design guidelines that support crowdworkers' flexibility by incorporating the use of various devices beyond traditional desktops and laptops. Additionally, I have modeled diverse perspectives in AI and refined Large Language Models (LLMs) to address nuanced content, ensuring that generative AI contributes to robust decision-making frameworks. I have also created accessible communication tools for marginalized communities and optimized data processes for various AI applications, consistently bridging user research with software development to promote equity, inclusion, and flexibility in AI-driven systems. Outside of research, I am a nature enthusiast and enjoy baking.

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Shaozhi Li

Ph. D in theoretical condensed matter physics

Education

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Ph. D, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

Shandong University

M. S., Department of Physics / June, 2013

Jinan

Zhejiang Normal University

Bachelor, Physics and Information Engineering / June, 2010

Jinhua

Research Expertise

condensed matter physics

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Biomaterials

Materials Chemistry

About

I am interested in developing numerical methods to study many-body interactions in superconductors and correlated topological materials. My Ph. D. research focused on studying the interplay between electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions using *determinant quantum Monte Carlo* (DQMC) and *dynamic mean field theory* (DMFT). At the University of Michigan, I studied spin fluctuations in triangular systems. Many of my investigations focus on the dynamical magnetic and charge responses, which can be measured in optical experiments, including inelastic neutron scattering and Resonant x-ray experiments. I am also interested in the Majorana fermions in the Kitaev system and topological superconductors. In addition to quantum materials, I combined machine-learning technique with many-body physics and developed machine-learning assisted quantum Monte Carlo method. Currently, I am interested in quantum computing and quantum artificial intelligence.

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Tammy D. Allen, Ph.D.

Distinguished University Professor at University of South Florida with expertise on work-family issues, remote work, occupational health, and career development

Education

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Ph.D., Industrial-Organizational Psychology / August, 1996

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

Research Expertise

About

Tammy D. Allen, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist and academic who specializes in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1996, and has since become a leading expert in the field. Her work focuses on topics related to work and family, organizational practices such as remote work, and employee career development across the lifespan. She has published 159 peer-reviewed journal articles, 41 book chapters, and four 4 books. Her work has been cited over 56,000 times, has received multiple awards, and has been featured by a variety of media outlets. She has shared her research and teaching as a visiting scholar and guest speaker at universities and organizations across the world. Her work has been funded by the *National Science Foundation*, among others. Dr. Allen served as President of the *Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology* (SIOP) (2013-2014) and as *President of the Society for Occupational Health Psychology* (2018-2019). She is an elected Fellow of the *American Association for the Advancement of Science*, the *American Psychological Association*, the *Association for Psychological Science*, the *Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology*, and the *Academy of Management*. She has served on the APA *Board of Scientific Affairs* and is currently serving on the APA *Council of Representatives* and the SIOP Executive Board. Dr. Allen is the 2021 recipient of the *Herbert Heneman Jr. Award for Career Achievement* from the Human Resources Division of the *Academy of Management* and the 2022 recipient of Ellen Galinsky Regenerative Researcher Award from the Work Family Research Network. In addition to her research contributions, Dr. Allen is also a highly respected educator. She is currently a Distinguished University Professor at the University of South Florida, where she also serves as Director of the Occupational Health Psychology training concentration. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Mentor Award, which recognizes USF Graduate Faculty who demonstrate highest level of quality in the mentoring of graduate students. Dr. Tammy D. Allen is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Through her research, teaching, and advocacy, she has made significant contributions to the understanding and improvement of the modern workplace.

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Rosalind Hackett

Distinguished Professor in the Humanities

Experience

Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, University of the Western Cape

Extraordinary Professor

University of Tennessee

Professor, Religious Studies

Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University

Visiting Professor

University of Calabar, Nigeria

Lecturer

Research Expertise

Cultural Studies

History

Sociology and Political Science

Religious studies

About

Rosalind I. J. Hackett is an Extraordinary Professor at University of the Western Cape, South Africa (Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice). She was professor and head of religious studies and adjunct in anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. From 2003-08 she was a Distinguished Professor in the Humanities. She received her PhD in religious studies from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1986, and prior to that taught at Nigerian universities for eight years. In 2000-01 she spent a year at Harvard University as a Liberal Arts Fellow in Law and Religion, Harvard Law School, and was a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of World Religions at HDS. She was a Rockefeller Research Fellow at the Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in 2003-04. She was appointed a Mellon Fellow at the University of Cape Town in Religious Studies in May 2014. Dr. Hackett has published widely on religion in Africa, notably on new religious movements, religious media, gender and religion, regulation of religious diversity, and religion and conflict. She has been very active in the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) and was reelected President from 2010-15). She is the cofounder of the IAHR Women Scholars Network. She was a founding member of the African Association for the Study of Religions and has also served as President of the North American Association for the Study of Religions. She is part of the founding steering committee of the African Consortium on Law and Religion Studies, founder/coordinator of the Jazz for Justice Project and the UT Gulu Study and Service Abroad Program in Northern Uganda.

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Amber Threlkeld

Huntsville, Alabama, United States of America

PhD Candidate in Physics

Education

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Bachelors, Physics / May, 2021

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

University of Alabama in Huntsville

PhD, Physics / May, 2030 (anticipated)

Huntsville, Alabama, United States of America

Experience

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Undergraduate Research Assistant / January, 2018 — January, 2019

Wrote Python programs to create two dimensional histograms to map the locations of neutrons after they were accelerated and collided with the sensor during a computer simulation.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Undergraduate Research Assistant / January, 2019 — January, 2020

Wrote Python programs that created plots that showed the radii per second of computer simulated supernovae.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Undergraduate Research Assistant / June, 2020 — August, 2020

Simulated the performance of the segmented scintillator detectors used in nuclear physics research. The segmented scintillator detectors are able to localize the interaction of interactions in the detector material. This is necessary for e.g. decay measurements in radioactive beam facilities where spatial and time correlations are required to associate ion implantation signals with its radioactive decay induced signal. Recently a model for the detector using Geant 4 simulations code was developed allowing to optimize the performance of the detector. The simulations were important to find the optimal diffuser length for a detector that can be used in rare isotope beam experiments. A diffuser is a device that diffuses photons created by the scintillator, thus allowing for less photons to impact the Photomultiplier Tube, also known as PMT.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Undergraduate Research Assistant / August, 2020 — December, 2020

Data were collected from a scientific paper of Gold-Gold and Deuteron-Gold nuclear collisions that produced Quark-Gluon-Plasma and dijets. The data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Then the data were copied into a specially formatted file and uploaded into HEPData. The data were then downloaded into a yoda file and ACF was used to write code in C++ for the data. Rivet was used to run an analysis on the code of the data. The code was run the create plots of the data.

QTEC Aerospace

Software Engineer / September, 2021 — May, 2022

Created a program from scratch in Python. This program was an API that ran an existing simulation software program multiple times. After it ran the simulations it collected the data and saved the data in files. Wrote object oriented programs in Python. Tested a simulation software program for missile defense. Created order of battle. Worked on GMD. Worked with MDA.

T & W Operations

Software Engineer / May, 2022 — August, 2022

Wrote software changes to a database program in C#. Accomplished Full Stack Web Development using C#, HTML, and SQL.

Boeing

Software Engineer / October, 2022 — October, 2023

Created a Python program from scratch. The program compares two files and shows detailed similarities and differences between the files. Reverse Engineered some of a C++ program. Writing Object Oriented programs in Python. Making software changes to programs in Ada and proprietary scripting languages.

ITS LLC

Software Engineer / October, 2023 — Present

Making software changes and bug fixes to software in C++, Perl, Java, and Python. Supporting the MDA.

About

I am a PhD Physics student at UAH and have work experience in Software Engineering in the aerospace industry. I have a passion for space exploration, aerospace, astronomy, and physics. I specifically have an interest in gravitational physics.

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Jeremy Millar, PhD

Multi-faceted IT and cyber professional with experience across the breadth of IT: software engineering, security, network operations, strategy, and executive leadership. Accomplished researcher in high-performance parallel & distributed systems, modeling & simulation, and artificial intelligence.

Education

Air Force Institute of Technology

PhD, Computer Science / 2017

Dayton, Ohio, United States of America

Air Force Institute of Technology

MS, Computer Science / 2007

Dayton, Ohio, United States of America

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

BS, Computer Science / 2000

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

Research Expertise

Information Systems

Information Systems and Management

Software

Modeling and Simulation

Computational Theory and Mathematics

And 4 more

About

Jeremy Millar is a highly experienced cyber security professional with a strong background in computer science and military operations. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology and has over 20 years of experience in the field. He has recently retired from military service. In his most recent role, he served as the Deputy CIO and Chief of Defensive Cyber Operations for the Strategic Warning & Surveillance Systems Acquisition Delta, Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force where he was responsible for developing and implementing cyber security policies and procedures to protect critical infrastructure and networks. Prior to this role, he held various leadership positions at the U.S. Strategic Command, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education. In addition to his military experience, Dr. Millar is also an accomplished academic. He has served as an assistant professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology, teaching fundamental graduate computer science courses in data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems. He has also held adjunct professor positions at both the Air Force Institute of Technology and Bellevue University where he taught a variety of cybersecurity courses. Dr. Millar's research interests include distributed systems, modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence. He has published numerous articles in academic journals and has presented at various conferences on these topics. In his free time, Dr. Millar enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

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Dr. Eleanor Lopez

Adjunct Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee

Experience

University of Tennessee

Plant Pest Diagnostician / August, 2020 — January, 2023

Diagnosed plant pathogens, identified insect pests of plants, and identified weedy plants for stakeholders across Tennessee. Participated in the National Plant Diagnostic Network Database Committee. Mentored five undergraduate students as workers in the laboratory. Set up a molecular laboratory space. Did field visits for growers to give pest management recommendations. Provided recommendations for plant pest management to many levels of stakeholders and growers.

University of Tennessee

Adjunct Professor / June, 2021 — Present

I serve as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I have served on one MS graduate student's committee and contributed to strategic planning initiatives and Extension publications to communicate science to the general public.