Tell us how you want to become involved!
If you are interested in:
- Recruiting students you plan to advise
- Applying for funding for a future student
- Informal mentoring opportunities
- Speaking in seminars
- Reviewing new student applications
- Participating on administrative committees
- Hosting students for lab rotations
- Recruiting students
Contact us with questions at Bredesen2@utk.edu or complete our interest survey so we can limit our contact to your interests.
When you complete our Interest Survey we’ll invite you to participate with our unit in events that align with your interests. If you’re 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.
Already have a student and ready to commit?
Become a Faculty Member
UT Joint Faculty
Joint Faculty is an appointment classified by UT HR to designate collaboration between units. The OGA appointment is reserved for UT Faculty who have been approved by the Bredesen Center Credentials committee to serve as primary faculty advisor for a PhD student and have identified and mutually committed to an individual student enrolled in one of the BC programs. The role of the joint faculty is to provide primary support to the development of your student from research technician to independent researcher and innovative contributor to the field of study.
This appointment is for you if:
- You hold a PhD and have department head approval to mentor a Bredesen Center doctoral student
- You and a student admitted or enrolled in one of the BC programs have agreed to work together for their dissertation research
- You have capacity to invest time and guidance to the maturation of a BC student
- You are ready to commit to supporting a BC student financially, academically, and professionally through the duration of their degree program
Advising a student includes:
- Financial support (see details below)
- Consistent one-on-one meetings to discuss academic and research progress
- Communication with BC staff to support your student’s success
- Being informed of Bredesen Center-specific requirements and procedures
- And, supporting your student’s responsibility to excel
Oak Ridge Graduate Advisor (OGA)
Oak Ridge Graduate Advisor is an appointment classified by UT HR as ‘joint faculty’. The OGA appointment is reserved for Oak Ridge Scientists who have been approved by the Bredesen Center Credentials committee to serve as primary faculty advisor for a PhD student and have identified and mutually committed to an individual student enrolled in one of the BC programs. The role of the OGA is to provide primary support to the development of your student from research technician to independent researcher and innovative contributor to the field of study.
Visit Mentor HQ to learn more about the ORNL Processes & Next Steps.
This appointment is for you if:
- You hold a PhD and have supervisor approval to mentor a doctoral student
- You and a student admitted or enrolled in one of the BC programs have agreed to work together for their dissertation research
- You have capacity to invest time and guidance to the maturation of your student
- You are ready to commit to supporting a student financially, academically, and professionally through the duration of their degree program
Advising a student includes:
- Financial support (see details below)
- Consistent one-on-one meetings to discuss academic and research progress
- Communication with Bredesen Center staff to support your student’s success
- Being informed of Bredesen Center requirements and procedures
- And, supporting your student’s responsibility to excel
Don’t have a student yet, or aren’t ready to commit?
Contact our Business Office to let us know how you’d like to get involved in other ways.
Mentor FAQ
How do I recruit a student?
Become a ‘Friend’ of the Bredesen Center 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. Contact Bredesen2@utk.edu, to get started.
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 slight 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 factors differences between programs)
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?
Yes! While the Bredesen Center requires a minimum stipend for our students, we welcome conversation with mentors regarding appropriate compensation for students under their direction.
Contact our Business Manager, Rebecca Christ, for process details.
Contact Program Directors to document justification for the request (i.e. briefly explain the reason for the request.)
Next Steps
Contact us with the type of appointment you’re interested in.
Funding a Student
The Bredesen Center provides students with funding until they identify a research advisor within their first year of enrolling in the program. Once a student begins to contribute to a project, advisor funding will support the work students contribute.
Below is a list of direct costs for a typical Bredesen Center Graduate Research Assistant. In most cases, the Bredesen Center will provide partial coverage during the student’s first two years.
For funding details or to request a budget, contact our Business Office.
ORNL Support Rate at 100% for one calendar year*
Stipend: $30,000
Insurance: $2,880
Tuition: $17,202
Student Fees: $4,713
Total Direct Costs: $54,795
*Amounts reflect 2024 data and are subject to change.