Division of Research & Innovation
Research and Innovation Events
October 2025
October 2 | 3-4:30 PM | FIT Fishbowl (203/205)
901 AI Series: From Vision to Impact with Dr. Vasileios Maroulas Join us for an important discussion on AI Tennessee, a powerful statewide initiative dedicated to establishing Tennessee as a global leader in the data economy through research, education, and workforce development. Dr. Vasileios Maroulas, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of AI Tennessee at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, will highlight the initiative's core mission: connecting universities, industry, and communities to foster innovation across key sectors like manufacturing, health, agriculture, and transportation. This talk will specifically focus on how Tennessee’s assets, strategic partnerships, and talent pipelines are being leveraged to accelerate AI adoption, effectively address societal challenges, and ensure shared economic growth in an AI-powered future. To secure your spot for this in-person event, register here »
October 3 | NOON-2 PM | FIT Fishbowl (203/205)
New Faculty Lunch: Deep Dive on the Division of Research & Innovation (DRI) Join us for the New Faculty Lunch where we will take a "deep dive" into the functions and resources provided by the Division of Research & Innovation (DRI). This session is designed to connect new faculty with key personnel and provide essential information to support your research endeavors at the University of Memphis. Agenda:- 12:00 - Lunch
- 12:15 - Welcome and Division Overview
- 12:40 - Research Development
- 1:00 - Research Enterprise Services
- 1:30 - Research Compliance
- 1:40 - Tech Transfer/FIT
- 1:50 - Questions and Discussion
- 2:00 - Conclude
October 3 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | FIT Room 225
MEMSEC - DEFCON901 Memphis InfoSec Social #24 Come join us for the Memphis InfoSec Social for an exciting dive into cryptography! This session will trace the evolution of secrecy from ancient art to cutting-edge science, covering Caesar’s ciphers, the Enigma machine, and the looming quantum revolution. Whether you're here to learn, experiment, or simply socialize, bring your curiosity and a taste for challenge. What to Expect:- Cipher Breaking: We'll break Pigpen ciphers and craft our own codes.
- Forensics: Dissect the tools used by governments, hackers, and criminals worldwide.
- Networking: Connect with fellow security enthusiasts.
- Food: Enjoy Garibaldi's pizza!
October 16 | 3-4:30 PM | FIT Methodist Presentation Theatre (MPT)
901 AI Series: AI-Based Research Tools in Academia with Tomar du Sautoy Join us for an insightful talk exploring the evolving and critical role of AI in research, with a special focus on the rapid rise of generative AI tools. Dr. Tomar du Sautoy, Co-Founder & CEO of Atom Grants, will discuss how platforms like Atom are actively helping researchers find funding opportunities and accelerate the discovery process. The session will also thoroughly address crucial topics, including:- Ethical Concerns and the Risks of Misinformation.
- The changing expectations around Authorship and Originality in academic work.
October 17 | 12:30-2:30 PM | Maxine A. Smith University Center – Beale Room (363)
Research Development “Speed Networking” Event Building interdisciplinary teams requires connecting with researchers from other disciplines. Join us for a fun and informal conversation with faculty from across campus, discover potential collaborators, and learn more about the exciting research happening at the university. Register here »
October 23 | 3-4:30 PM | FIT Methodist Presentation Theatre (MPT)
Technology Serving Humanity Speaker Series Join us for the next interdisciplinary workshop featuring Dr. Celeste Ray from The University of the South (Sewanee). Dr. Ray will discuss the university’s established Environmental Arts & Humanities major and related comprehensive programming, including the major in Environment & Sustainability, minor in Environmental Studies, and majors/minors in Forestry, Geology, and Natural Resources & the Environment. This session is designed to continue comparing successful external programs with our own structures, faculty, and students. The discussion will focus specifically on experiential learning, including best practices for internships, assistantships, and community partnerships, to help inform the design of our future undergraduate interdisciplinary environmental humanities program. Title: Biocultural Diversity, Ritual Landscapes and Citizen Science at Ireland’s Holy Wells Around the globe, springs, ponds, and lakes have attracted veneration from prehistory to the present. In Ireland, sacred watery sites known as holy wells are nodes of Biocultural Diversity where culture and biology are interrelated and even co-evolved; that is, where particular ecosystems influence spiritual beliefs and practices, and these traditions help protect and maintain ecosystems, habitats, and also particular flora and fauna employed for curative purposes. This talk examines the sacred topographies of holy wells, biomedical applications of "well cures," and the value of ethnography and citizen science in monitoring environmental change. To register for this event, please follow the link: /fedex/events/techhumanity.phpOctober 23 | 6-8 PM | FIT Room 225
Memphis Data Professionals: Level Up Your Money Game
From your first big paycheck to your first big purchase—join us for smart strategies for lasting wealth that you won't learn in school. This event is designed for everyone, from college students about to graduate to young professionals and those who simply want to take control of their financial future. What You'll Learn: This isn't a lecture—it's a roadmap for financial control. We’ll cover the real-life money moves:- Big Purchases: Buying a home and navigating car choices (lease vs. purchase).
- Wealth Building: Creating saving and giving habits and building investing strategies.
- Debt & Credit: What really drives your credit score and managing debt.
- Benefits: Making sense of HSA vs. FSA benefits and understanding life insurance.
- Money Traps: How to avoid lifestyle creep and balance student loans with saving.
October 24 | 1:30-4 PM | FIT Room 225
Environmental Humanities Workshop- 1:30–2:00: University of the South program presentation + Q&A on environmental humanities program
- 2:00–2:45: Small group discussions comparing Jenkins’ and Ray’s models — which elements best fit UofM?
- 2:45–3:00: Break
- 3:00–3:45: Discussion of program improvements from the previous workshop + consideration of experiential learning (internships, assistantships, community partnerships)
- 3:45–4:15: Full group discussion and next steps