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Bredesen Center Leadership

Dr. Philip Rack

UT-ORII Education Director, Interim

prack@utk.edu

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.

rzaretzk@utk.edu

Dr. Yanfei Gao

ESE Program Director, Interim

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.

ygao7@utk.edu

 

Recruitment

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

 

 

Business Office

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.

rchris18@utk.edu

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.

dcoffy@utk.edu

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.

claughl1@utk.edu

 

Academics

Allie Burns

Academic Program Manager

Allie provides leadership and oversight for development and strategic planning for programming and student success. This includes working with stakeholders and university departments to advance the Bredesen Center’s goals for student outcomes. She also oversees program admissions and matriculation, manages academic policy and assessment, and provides guidance to Bredesen Center leadership regarding student affairs. 

aburns@utk.edu

Rachel Roberts

Student Services Coordinator

Rachel advises academic progress of all Bredesen Center students and facilitates student-services. 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.

rroberts1@utk.edu