Tell us how you want to become involved!
If you are interested in:
- Recruiting Students To Advise
- Speaking In Seminars
- Reviewing New Student Applications
- Participating on an Admission Committee
- Hosting Students For Lab Rotations
- Recruiting Students
Contact us with questions at Bredesen2@utk.edu or complete our interest survey so we can tailor our communication to your interests.
When you complete our Interest Survey we’ll invite you to participate in events that align with your interests. If your interests include advising a student’s dissertation research in ESE, DSE or GST, we’ll provide information on formalizing your position as OGA/Joint Faculty when a commitment is made to a particular student.
Advising a student includes:
- Financial support
- Regular meetings to discuss academic and research progress
- Communication with BC staff to support your student’s success
- Being informed of Bredesen Center requirements and University policy
- Supporting your student’s excellence
Advising BC students as a UT Faculty
The Bredesen Center is an interdisciplinary unit that welcomes participation from faculty across the UT System. To participate by advising a Bredesen Center student, a joint faculty position is required. Joint Faculty is an appointment designed for intercampus collaboration, as described in the UT Faculty Handbook.
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Advising BC students as an ORNL Staff
Oak Ridge staff scientists can gain the privilege to serve as advisor for UT graduate students by obtaining an appointment as an Oak Ridge Graduate Advisor. Oak Ridge Graduate Advisor (OGA) is a faculty appointment granted by the Office of the Provost which allows you to mentor a graduate student as committee chair and primary advisor.
Visit Mentor HQ to learn more about the ORNL Processes & Next Steps.
Already have a student and ready to commit?
Let us know which student you are working with, and we’ll help you begin the process.
Mentor FAQ
How do I recruit a student?
Complete the interest survey above to get added to our contact list. Based on your preferences, we will keep you updated on opportunities to connect with current and future students, as well as network with other BC faculty. .
Do you have an immediate need for a student?
Contact our recruiter, Timothy Guthrie tguthrie@utk.edu, to advertise the opportunity right away.
What academic milestones does the student need to meet?
While there are minimal differences among the three programs. All Bredesen Center students should be targeting the following milestones:
- Confirm doctoral committee by end of year 2
- Complete Comprehensive Exam no later than end of year 3
- Dissertation Defense between year 4-6 (range may differ by research)
Program-specific details can be found in the Student Handbook, or by contacting the Program Director.
What do I do if I face challenges as a mentor?
We understand that no two mentoring relationships look the same and challenges are expected.
The Program Directors and Bredesen Center Staff stand ready to help you by:
- Listening, processing, and problem-solving
- Answering BC and UT policy and procedure questions
- Directing you to resources both internally and externally
Reach out early! We would rather be aware of something that gets resolved on its own than have you and the student experience frustration.
What if I recruit a student who is not in a Bredesen Center program?
If the student wishes to enroll in one of the BC programs, contact our recruiter! They will work with you and the student to make sure we can properly review them for admission. NOTE: Deadlines for applications occur in Fall/Winter before the enrollment year.
If the student is already in another program or wishes to enroll in one, we can help you identify the appropriate point of contact. However, we are not involved in the admissions process of non-Bredesen Center programs.
What if I leave my primary appointment (at ORNL or UTK)?
If you leave your primary appointment at either ORNL or UTK, please notify Bredesen Center Staff so we can:
- Ensure a smooth transition for any students you are currently mentoring
- Update committees or other roles you may participate in
- Update our records and remove you from unnecessary communications
This includes if you leave one institution to join the other — appointments at ORNL and UT are managed slightly differently, and we appreciate your help to ensure accurate record-keeping.
Can I give my student a raise?
Our processes are changing. Contact our business team, bredesen2@utk.edu, for details.
Next Steps
Contact us with the type of appointment you’re interested in UT Joint Faculty or Oak Ridge Graduate Advisor.
Funding a Student
The Bredesen Center provides students with funding for the first 12 months they are enrolled in the program. After this, the advisor funding will support the work students contribute.
Below is a list of direct costs for a typical Bredesen Center Graduate Research Assistant. For funding details or to request a budget, contact our Business Office.
ORNL Support Rate at 100% for one calendar year*
Stipend: $34,000
Insurance: $2,928
Tuition: $17,202
Student Fees: $4,881
Total Direct Costs: $59,011
*Amounts reflect 2024 data and are subject to change.