Student News

Empowering Students with Cutting-Edge Technology to Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders

With strategic initiative funds received from the College of Communication and Information, the School of Information Sciences (SIS) created a new facility and introduced new technology to the college in its iLab in 2024. The iLab is equipped with high-performance workstations, robots, digitization equipment, and virtual reality headsets, making it a space where teams of…
MSIS Student’s Work Showcased at ALA: First Step Towards Becoming a Published Graphic Novelist

Brandi Payne, a master’s student in the School of Information Sciences, had their work on display at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference this summer in San Diego. Payne is from Sevier County and is working at the Pigeon Forge Public Library while completing their MSIS. Payne loves comics and graphic novels. They received their…
Non-Traditional BSIS Student Finds Her Passion After Pursuing Second Degree

Catlin Rehders (’23) works as a financial intelligence analyst at Navy Federal. She completed her bachelor’s in information sciences in 2023 and now loves what she does for work, but that wasn’t always the case. Rehders describes herself as a non-traditional student as she did not find her true passion until seeking her second bachelor’s…
School of Information Sciences Faculty and Incoming Student Present at the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Diego

Many School of Information Sciences faculty members, current students, and alumni traveled across the country from Tennessee to San Diego to attend the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition. ALA prioritizes learning and ensuring access to information for all by providing resources to library systems across the country and by advocating for…
MSIS Student Travels to Norway to Present Research on Mammoth Ivory Hunting in Siberia

It’s not very common for undergraduate students to travel across the world to present their research at international conferences, but one School of Information Sciences student recently had the unique opportunity to do so. Chris Hastings is a master’s student and a teaching assistant for Assistant Professor Brian Dobreski. Hastings has been researching mammoth ivory…
SIS Student Awarded Scholarship Enabling Her to Receive US Passport and to Study Abroad

Incoming School of Information Sciences senior Sinit Eyob was recently gifted the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, thanks to multiple scholarship opportunities provided by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Eyob is originally from Eritrea, Africa, but moved to Ethiopia when she was three and to the United States when she was six. She’s…
Graduating PhD Candidate Jessica Barfield to Teach at iSchool

As technology advances, new problems will always arise, both technical and societal. It is the latter that drew Jessica Barfield into the world of human-computer interaction (HCI). She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation this spring that delved into how humans are biased towards social robots depending on their perceived gender or ethnic identity, and she…
SIS Senior Honored for Academic Achievements After Finding Interest in UX Design

As a graduate of Bearden High School, Sarah Yeow knew she wanted to go to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, but she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to study. Now, as a graduating senior from the School of Information Sciences, Yeow has a better understanding of what she wants to do in the career…
PhD Grad and Data Engineer Katie Knight Wins CCI Dissertation Award

Oak Ridge National Laboratory data engineer Katie Knight can now add another title to her name: doctor. She’s been a full-time student earning her PhD at the College of Communication Information all while working as a full-time employee at the lab, often applying her knowledge and research from school to work, and vice-versa. “I’m part…
CCI Recognizes 2024 Retirees, Students, and Award Winners

Every spring, the College of Communication and Information recognizes and honors those who have made significant achievements in their work, whether it be excellence in teaching, research, or volunteering, or the time that they have contributed before retiring. In 2023, CCI has had much to celebrate from its graduate students, faculty, and staff. The following…