Members of the University of Tennessee’s Material Advantage student chapter visited Washington D.C. on April 12, 2024, for Congressional Visits Day. The group held a total of four congressional meetings in which it advocated for the importance of basic research and developing (R&D) funding in light of upcoming votes in appropriations bills for the 2025 fiscal year.  

The UT students had the opportunity to meet with Congressman John Rose and his legislative staffer from District 6. They also met with two legislative staff members from Senator Hagerty’s office, a legislative assistant from Congressman Tim Burchett’s office from District 2, and legislative aide from Senator Eric Schmitt’s office in Missouri.  

In addition to the meetings on Capitol Hill, the UT students rode the metro, toured the Capitol, saw the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, attended the Material Advantage CVD opening night reception (where they received some advocacy tips), went to the U.S. Botanic Garden, and visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History.  

The trip was supported by the MSE Department and the Center for Materials Processing. 

Tuesday afternoon: UT’s Material Advantage student chapter visits the Washington Monument.

Wednesday morning: The group tours Capitol Hill and meet with TN District 6 Representative John Rose and his legislative staffer for their first congressional meeting of the day.

Wednesday morning: Group tour of the botanical gardens.From left to right: MSE junior Jakob Scroggin, MSE sophomore Jocelyn Hess, MSE junior Maddie Maben & MSE sophomore Megan Gillespie.