The Undergraduate Researcher of the Year award honors a junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research through independent inquiry, classes, and student employment.
Joesph Duane Beller
Joesph Beller is a fifth-year student currently finishing degrees in Physics and Applied Music. He is interested in employing computational techniques to quantify Quark Gluon Plasma, which is formed when heavy atomic nuclei collide near the speed of light. He previously interned at Oak Ridge National Laboratory where he studied interactions between molecules in synovial fluid. In the fall, he will pursue a PhD in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences at Baylor College of Medicine.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“When first arriving to UT, I wanted to be a scientist but pursued other studies because I believed that I did not have what it takes to pursue science. When I met with an advisor, Kat Powell, in 2020, Kat believed in me so much that, at that point, it didn’t even feel like I had a choice not to pursue science. Since then, I have found many mentors at UT that have offered me invaluable support. Thus, being a Volunteer is giving your all to empower others.”
Kennedy S. Hill
Kennedy Hill, a first-generation student from Maynardville, Tennessee is a senior in animal science double minoring in food and agriculture business and agriculture and natural resource communications. Her research consisted of the exploration of post partum factors affecting beef and dairy cattle fertility across body condition. During her time here at UT, she has developed a strong passion for cattle reproductive physiology and will begin working on a master’s in animal science in the fall.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“I knew that UT was home since the first day I stepped onto campus, and every day since has only been a testament to the tradition of the volunteer spirit. Being a Volunteer means using your knowledge, skills, and dedication to pave the path for others to come. I am forever grateful for my time on Rocky Top and aspire to be half of the mentor and spearhead for research and education that I have had thus far.”
Lauren H. Malone
Lauren Malone is a major in Anthropology with a minor in Classical Archaeology. Her research explores our shared human past through the lens of human-animal interactions in historic St. Kitts and prehistoric Kenya. In the fall, Lauren will be pursuing her PhD in Anthropology, where she will be applying proteomics-based methods to research animal management practices and the ways in which ancient peoples in Eastern Africa engaged with the production and distribution of animal byproducts.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“To me, being a Volunteer means to be an altruistic community member – on and off campus. UT has provided numerous opportunities for me to explore my academic interests, gain experience in the field and labs, as well as engage in public outreach. Through this, they have empowered me to be a guiding voice for others who seek to be more engaged in their undergraduate journeys and beyond.”