Division of Research & Innovation
February Events
From guest speakers and workshops to panels and hands-on experiences, our events bring
together students, faculty, industry leaders, and innovators to explore what’s next.
Join us to learn, connect, and be part of conversations that turn curiosity into action
and ideas into impact.
DEFCON901 - Memphis InfoSec Social #28
"Locks keep honest people honest."
But what about the curious ones?
Join us for another evening of exploring the fascinating world of physical security!
Whether you're a seasoned locksmith, a security enthusiast, or just someone who’s
ever wondered how locks actually work, this meetup is for you. We’ll dive into the
mechanics of locks, the ethics of lockpicking, and the creative ways to (legally!)
bypass physical security. Newcomers are especially welcome: no experience needed,
just curiosity!
This meetup is FREE and open to the public with Garibaldi's pizza!
February 6 | 5-7 PM
Innovation Classroom 225 | FedEx Institute of Technology
The Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education (ACRE)
ACRE + AgLaunch Luncheon
The goal of the lunch is to kick-off and set the stage for conversation/collaboration
with AgLaunch and their start-up partners.
11:30-12 PM
Lunch and Mingle
12-12:30 PM
AgLaunch presentations including about AgLaunch, and presentations from startups with
expertise in sensors, biologics, AI, soils, pests with some guests from academia
12:30-1:30 PM
Open networking with ACRE affiliates
February 19 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
The Fishbowl (203/205) | FedEx Institute of Technology
Office of Technology Transfer
Speed-Networking for University Spinouts
This speed-networking event will connect potential executives interested in working
with university spin-out companies, with faculty who have or are thinking about forming
companies commercialize their research.
Five of our current Spinout Bootcamp companies will be presenting!
Feb. 25 | 3-5 PM
The Fishbowl (203/205) | FedEx Institute of Technology
FedEx Institute of Technology
Technology Serving Humanity Series
"Climates and Change in the Mediterranean" with Dr. Brandon McDonald
The Mediterranean region has experienced dramatic climatic shifts throughout history
— from era-defining prehistoric transitions to influential phases of Classical antiquity
through to today’s unprecedented warming. This talk examines the ways in which climate
change and weather events affected diverse Mediterranean societies, with focus on
the Greco-Roman period. It challenges simplistic environmental-determinism narratives,
exploring how ecological change impacted the trajectories of ancient societies and
what their outcomes might teach us about navigating our current climate crisis.
Feb. 26 | 3:00-4:30 PM
Methodist Presentation Theatre (103) | FedEx Institute of Technology
Memphis Data Professionals
Speed Networking for Data & Finance
Join Memphis Data Professionals for a structured, professional speed networking event
designed to build high-quality connections across Memphis’s data and finance ecosystem.
This event brings together data analysts, engineers, AI/ML practitioners, finance
professionals, CPAs, and students for efficient, focused conversations. Through guided
five-minute rotations, participants engage in intentional discussions that prioritize
relevance and mutual value. Ideal for professionals and students in data-driven fields
seeking purposeful connections, insights, and long-term professional relationships.
Feb. 26 | 5:30-7:30 PM
The Fishbowl (203/205) | FedEx Institute of Technology
Division of Research and Innovation
CoRS Pitch Competition
For more details, contact Research Development at researchdev@memphis.edu.
GiveCamp Memphis
GiveCamp Memphis is a weekend-long, volunteer-driven event where technology and creative
professionals donate their skills to support local nonprofits. Web developers, designers,
marketers, social media strategists, and data professionals collaborate to deliver
websites, branding, databases, and digital strategies in just one weekend. Selected
nonprofits receive hands-on support and practical solutions to strengthen their impact.
Volunteers gain meaningful community experience, build connections, and use their
expertise to help organizations do more good, more effectively.
Feb. 27-March 1
The Zone, Lobby, MPT, Fishbowl (203/205), Innovation Classroom (225)
FedEx Institute of Technology