Dr. Philip Rack
UT-ORII Education Director, Interim
Dr. Philip D. Rack is the Education Director for the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) and also holds an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee. As Education Director, Dr. Rack is responsible for overseeing the mission and vision of the educational programs of UT-ORII including but not limited to the Energy Science & Engineering PhD and Data Science & Engineering PhD.
Dr. Russell Zaretzki
DSE Program Director
Dr. Russell Zaretzki is the DSE Program Director and also holds an appointment as Associate Professor with the Haslam College of Business. As DSE Program Director, Dr. Zaretzki manages the DSE curriculum and supports DSE student progress through instruction of DSE seminar, administration, and faculty relations.
Dr. Yanfei Gao
ESE Program Director
Dr. Yanfei Gao is the ESE Program Director and also holds an appointment as Professor with the Materials Science & Engineering Department. As ESE Program Director, Dr. Gao manages the ESE curriculum and supports ESE student progress through instruction of ESE seminar, administration, and faculty relations.
Timothy Guthrie
Recruiter, UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
Timothy manages recruiting efforts and engagement with prospective students for all UT-ORII affiliated Graduate Programs including the Bredesen Center and Genome Science & Technology.
tguthrie@utk.edu
865-974-1088
Administrative Staff
Rebecca Christ
Business Manager
Rebecca manages day-to-day business and administration of the Bredesen Center. She facilitates the departmental budget proposal, oversees all financial and HR processes, and coordinates with other administrative units across campus. She serves as a point of contact for all UT HR and fiscal related policy.
Allie Burns
Academic Engagement Coordinator
Allie advises academic progress of all Bredesen Center students and facilitates student-services within the unit. This includes orienting new students, supporting matriculation, and providing guidance on issues concerning student success. She also collaborates on recruiting efforts and admissions. She serves as a point of contact for all UT Graduate School and Academic policy.
Darcy Coffy
Accounting Specialist
Darcy works closely with our Business Manager to update and maintain our financial records. This includes drafting budgets for our faculty, renewing student contracts, reconciling ledgers, and managing appropriate documentation for travel reimbursements.
Callie Laughlin
HR Coordinator
Callie works closely with our Business Manager to update and maintain human resource records. This includes facilitating completion of all new-hire paperwork (students and faculty), providing documentation for I-20 verification, and submitting payroll. She serves as a point of contact for HR-related questions and resources, such as benefits and employment start/end details.