University of Tennessee
Materials Science & Engineering Department


Summer Undergraduate Materials Research Posters
from the Center for Renewable Carbon
Knoxville, TN, July 21, 2026


At the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Exhibition at the University of Tennessee, three students showcased the work that they have been performing as part of the long-standing collaboration between the Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) Department and the Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

Josiah Lange, a rising senior in MSE, presented his work on understanding the processing-structure relationship for electrospinning lignin-derived carbon fibers. Co-authors on the poster include PhD student, Jonah Brown, MSE Prof. David Keffer and CRC Prof. David Harper.


Amelia Northam, rising sophomore in MSE, presented her work on composites formed from recycled paper fiber and polypropylene. Ameila was supported by a summer UG research fellowship from the Eastman Chemical Co. Co-authors on the poster include Jocelyn Hess (UTK MSE BS, 2026), Dr. Cece Grubb (UTK MSE PhD, 2025), Prof. Keffer and Prof. Harper.


Tacy Pollock, a rising freshman at West Virginia University, spent a productive summer in Knoxville, experiencing life as an undergraduate researcher. Her research involved the investigation of ways to make composites that include renewable materials (like recycled paper) less susceptible to mold and more resistant to fire. Co-authors on the poster include CRC researcher Kendhl Seabright, MSE PhD student Chris Webb & Prof. Harper.
Congratulations to all the undergraduate researchers who showcased their work at the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Exhibition at the University of Tennessee. The opportunity for undergraduates to participate in the research process is the calling card of the UTK MSE department. You all have shown the great accomplishments that can be achieved.

More photos on the Keffer research group site.