KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For the fifth year, the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute’s Science Alliance is offering undergraduate students hands-on research experience at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its Student Mentoring and Research Training program, or SMaRT.
This summer, the program is hosting 40 undergraduates from 28 universities nationwide, including the University of Texas, Duke University, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Seven students are from five Tennessee institutions.
The participants, ranging from sophomores to seniors, are pursuing degrees in a variety of fields, including biology; chemistry and materials science; computer, information and data sciences; engineering; environmental and marine sciences; life, health and medical sciences; mathematics and statistics; and physics.
Over the 10-week program, students work alongside researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and ORNL, one of the world’s leading research institutions. Interns gain firsthand experience in emerging scientific disciplines and conclude the program by presenting their findings at UT’s Summer Research Scholars Symposium, as well as to UT and ORNL personnel.
Students are grouped into cohorts and paired with UT and ORNL researchers and graduate students who serve as mentors. This year’s research cohorts include the Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Polymer/Materials Chemistry, and the Center for Renewable Carbon. UT graduate students play a key role in guiding interns and offering insights into academic and professional pathways.
The SMaRT program also introduces students to UT’s graduate programs and research opportunities, aiming to encourage them to pursue advanced degrees at UT and, ultimately, to remain in Tennessee for their careers.
In addition to research training, interns develop vital professional skills in communication, presentation, and career development—preparing them for success in graduate school and beyond.
Based on the UT Knoxville campus, the SMaRT program showcases the university’s research excellence and strengthens the strategic partnership between UT and ORNL.
