Wood Mentoring Program
The Wood Mentoring Program is an endowed program that supports first-year students in their transition to the UT campus and the Tickle College of Engineering. The program seeks to capture the spirit of Tom Wood, a UT alum who went on to have a distinguished career in industry and a notable impact as a mentor to many. The Wood mentors are selected because of their passion for mentoring and community. They spend the summer and fall semester helping their first year mentee find their home on Rocky Top.
Learn more about our Fall 2024 mentors below:
Mentors
Abby Worth
Junior
- Major: Biosystems Engineering
Biography
Hi, my name is Abby Worth, and I’m from a small town outside of Knoxville! I’m a junior in biosystems engineering with a double minor in climate change and geography! I am involved in a few UT campus organizations: the Society of Women in Engineering (SWE), the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), and I’m the Professional Director of Alpha Omega Epsilon STEM Sorority! I am very passionate about undergraduate research; I have worked as a research assistant for a semester and participated in a Coastal Ecosystems Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Miami, FL! Outside of that, I have also interned at a carbon fiber manufacturing plant and am a Tickle College of Engineering Ambassador! I love the Knoxville area and going to various sporting events here on campus! While being an underclassman, getting advice/networking with upper-level students was an integral part of my success here at UT, so I am super excited about this program!
Aidan Holihan
Junior
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
My name is Aidan Holihan. I enjoy watching movies, going to football games, playing video games, and playing volleyball with friends. Last year, I was an Undergraduate TA for the Engineering Fundamentals program. I also have been active in undergraduate research for the last two years, currently focusing on composites research. I’m also part of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering program, an interdisciplinary cohort of business and engineering students that take classes together. This summer, I’ll be interning at Mastercraft Boats as a Manufacturing Engineering intern.
Alexandra Organ
Junior
- Major: Civil Engineering
Biography
Hello! My name is Alexandra Organ, and I am currently studying civil engineering. Although my hometown is Pittsburgh, PA, I am excited to be spending my undergrad years here in Tennessee. I grew up as a competitive dancer and currently continue to pursue dance with the BOSS Dance Society here on campus. Additionally, I am an active member in Delta Gamma Fraternity, having found some of my best friends through recruitment. Lastly, I am most proud of my internship with Venture Engineering and Construction which has allowed me to gain practical experience and see first hand how an engineer operates in their day-to-day job.
Annabeth Parker
Junior
- Major: Industrial Engineering
Biography
Annabeth Parker is currently a junior majoring in industrial engineering (IE) at the University of Tennessee. She is very involved within the Tickle College of Engineering where she works as a student-worker in the Dean’s office. She is also an ambassador for the IE department as well as the secretary for IISE – the department’s professional organization. She has worked one co-op with a general contractor in Raleigh, NC and will be interning with a glamorous camping – “glamping” – company this summer in Moab, UT. Outside of school, Annabeth enjoys gardening, cooking, exercising, and playing board games! Go Vols!
Ashley Robertson
Junior
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Hi everyone!! My name is Ashley Robertson and I’m originally from Arizona but now live in Seneca, SC! I’m a junior in mechanical engineering with a minor in leadership through the honors leadership program at UT. I am currently involved in SWE (Society of Women Engineers), Alpha Omega Epsilon, intramural sports, and am just finishing up a co-op with Altec Industries exploring the field for this past semester. In my free time I love running, going to country concerts and anything outdoors. I couldn’t be more excited to be a mentor with the Woods Program this year!
Athena Jewell
First-year
- Major: Environmental Engineering
Biography
I am from Sacramento, California and I am a first-year at UT. In my free time I love to go skiing, swimming, and anywhere by the beach. I’m super interested in non-profit environmental work. At UT I’m involved in Greek Life and Society of Women Engineers.
Breanna Larson
Sophomore
- Major: Biosystems Engineering
Biography
My name is Breanna Larson, and I am a rising junior in Biosystems Engineering. I am originally from Cookeville, Tennessee, but I consider Knoxville my second home. I am involved with Alpha Omega Epsilon, ASABE, 1794 Honors Program, and Smokey’s Cleanup. While I had 2 industry internships a while back, this summer I want to try something new so I am participating in an REU with the Center for Digital Agriculture at UIUC, researching machine vision methods to implement sustainable farming.
Chloe Kirk
Sophomore
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Hi, I’m Chloe Kirk and I’m from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I love to get outside, run, bake, and hang out with my friends in my free time. I am a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional and social sorority for female engineers and technical science students. I am also a member of SWE, Society of Women Engineers, and I work in a research lab under Dr. Young and Dr. Penumadu and am researching nanoindentation of materials, mechanical testing, and microscopy.
Christiana Murph
Senior
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
Biography
I am Christiana Murph and I am a 4th year Biomedical Engineering student on a Pre-Med track.The extracurriculars I participate in are the UT chapter National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) where I hold the position of communications chair, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) where I hold the position of secretary, and the National Society of Black Women in Medicine(NSBWM). Additionally, I have been apart of the Cook Grand Challenge Honors program (engineering honors) at UT since freshman year. During my college career, I have worked as a telescribe, been an intern at techstars, and a medical imaging researcher at the University of Rochester. I have also studied abroad in South Korea during the Winter Mini term. Outside of class, I enjoy indulging in fashion, playing ukulele, singing, and K-POP.
Christopher Chapman
Junior
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Hello, my name is Christopher Chapman, and I am a junior in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering. In my free time, I love going to the gym, hanging out with my friends, and reading. As a student, I am involved in the mechanical engineering society, biomedical engineering society, Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity, and I am a Resident Assistant in Volunteer Hall. I am also currently working in two research labs over the summer. The first is in Dr. Dickerson’s FaST lab working on seed aerodynamics and the second is in Dr. Badgujar’s AUTomation and Robotics lab working on small ground robots. I’m so excited to be a mentor so that I can help freshmen adapt to the changes the college brings!
Crayton Higgins
First-Year
- Major: Aerospace Engineering
Biography
My name is Crayton, and I am an Aerospace Engineering Major. My goal in life is to work for a Formula One racing team. To accomplish this I have join a Formula student program that works on their own car to gain experience. I am also an RA at Carrick.
Ella Bevins
Sophomore
- Major: Computer Engineering
Biography
Hello! My name is Ella Bevins and I’m going to be a sophomore computer engineering major at UT in the fall. I’m involved in undergraduate research, RUF, and I’m a member of a Panhellenic sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. This summer I am completing an internship with Bechtel at a nuclear plant in Washington. I’d love to talk to you, please reach out!
Emma Lehman
First-Year
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
My name is Emma Lehman and I am from Denver, Colorado. I love playing volleyball and tennis and just enjoy being outside.In the future, my goal is to be able to design things that could go into space. I am in the sorority Alpha Chi Omega and am apart of the Society of Women Engineers. I am very excited to get to know my mentee and show them how amazing Tennessee is and the engineering program.
Ethan Swift
Junior
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Hey, My name is Ethan Swift and I’m entering my junior year here at the University of Tennessee. I am studying mechanical engineering and want to eventually design hardware in CAD. I love learning how things work and why they do what they do. I am a huge sports guy and play all the intermurals that I can; softball, football, basketball, dodgeball, etc. I also am very outdoorsy and love to hike, bike, and fish. Last summer I worked an internship with Mantech International which is a Navy contracting company and I am continuing my Mantech experience this summer. I am excited to meet some new people and help their transition into college a little bit easier!
Faith Keating
First-Year
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
Biography
Howdy!! My name is Faith and I am a rising sophomore studying biomedical engineering. I hope to find my way into orthotics and prosthetics for the special needs community whether that be design, testing or selling to companies/users. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities at UT that are helping me reach my goals such as: being a chair member in the society of women in engineering, and being apart of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering 2027 cohort! A little more about me is that I am from North Carolina and I live on a farm with lots of animals. I enjoy spending time outside whether it’s kayaking, dirt biking or going on walks with my pets. And lastly, I have furthered my passion for creating since working at the Innovation and Collaboration Studio especially with 3D printing and laser engraving.
Jessie Wilson
Senior
- Major: Industrial Engineering
Biography
Hi! My name is Jessie and I am a senior graduating this December but will be staying at UT for my master’s degree in industrial engineering. I have a minor in applied music and have played oboe in both band and orchestra at UT. I have interned in supply chain with FedEx Logistics and manufacturing with Shaw Industries. I love to be involved on campus with engineering and STEM organizations and have held many leadership positions within groups such as the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the STEM sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon. I love to hang out at coffee shops, go for walks around parks in Knoxville, watch Formula 1 races, and play pickleball, which I am still learning!
Kalin Blinstrub
Sophomore
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
Biography
My name is Kalin Blinstrub and I am an upcoming junior biomedical engineering major! I am from Peachtree City, Georgia which is south of Atlanta. I have a very outgoing personality and love to try new things. I am very involved in my sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, The Society of Women in Engineering, as well as the Native American Student Association. I enjoy spending time with friends, taking walks outside, and trying new coffee shops in Knoxville! I also am a part of the 1794 honors program! Last summer (2023) I completed an internship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo New York. Here I worked on a research study that focused on treating xerostomia (a side effect of radiation treatment in head and neck cancer patients). I look forward to meeting all the new engineers next year! Go Vols!
Katie Bush
Junior
- Major: Chemical Engineering
Biography
Hello! I’m a rising junior in chemical engineering with a concentration in biomolecular engineering and considering adding a nutrition minor! On campus, I’m involved in AICHE and SWE, where I’ve been able to learn from as well as mentor other chemE’s. I’m also in the Chancellor’s Honors College. Most of my time is spent with Alpha Omega Epsilon, the STEM sorority I’m in, where I’m serving as the social events director this upcoming semester! My main hobbies outside of school are line dancing and watching bad reality tv! I’ve been in undergraduate research on campus focused on biotechnology, and I’m currently doing a research internship at ORNL in the mass spectrometry group. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve learned so far but want to explore the medical side of the industry!
Katie Hilner
Junior
- Major: Civil Engineering
Biography
I’m Katie Hilner and I’m a junior in civil engineering with a minor in Spanish. I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers and Women in Construction along with being an undergraduate teaching assistant for the honors engineering fundamental’s courses. I had an internship last summer with a land development company and I am starting an internship with a design-build construction firm in Nashville. Outside of school, I enjoy watching sports, playing games, being outside, and just about anything that involves being with people!
Kendal Wright
Sophomore
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
My name is Kendal Wright, and I am from Montgomery, Alabama. I am an incoming sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering. I am so grateful to attend the University of Tennessee because it has brought me so many great opportunities. I am currently involved in the sorority Alpha Delta Pi as well as the Society of Women Engineers and Engineers without Borders. One of my hobbies is working out, and more specifically, running, which is why I love going to Healthy Celebrations Run Club. I also love attending The Walk at Sevier Heights Church and going to bible study on Wednesday mornings with Eighteen Twenty. I look forward to growing these interests this upcoming year, and I am excited for the opportunity to mentor incoming freshmen.
Lily Fawaz
First-Year
- Major: Chemical Engineering
Biography
My name is Lily Fawaz, and I am an upcoming sophomore at the University of Tennessee studying chemical engineering. I am super enthusiastic about being a Woods Mentor! Campus engagement is very important to me, as I am involved in student government as a senator for the Tickle College of Engineering, and I am a part of Society of Women Engineers. I also loved participating in the SWE mentoring program this past year. I hope to do product development in my future career, either in the food or cosmetics industry. In my free time, I love calligraphy, traveling, and going to Trader Joe’s!
Madie Davis
Junior
- Major: Chemical Engineering
Biography
My name is Madie Davis. I am a sophomore in chemical engineering with a concentration in biomolecular engineering. I am a member of SWE, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and AiCHE. I also work as a peer mentor and am a member of Dr. Abel’s computational biology research group. This summer, I am interning at a civil and environmental engineering firm in Nashville. Outside of school, I love to workout, do yoga, and hike. I am super excited for next year and participating in this program!
Meila Hamm
Sophomore
- Major: Biosystems Engineering
Biography
I am currently a rising junior in Biosystems Engineering here at UT, but I’m originally from Charlotte, NC. I’m incredibly interested in all things sustainability from renewable energy sources to aquaponics. Outside of class, I am involved in American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Smokey’s Cleanup Crew, and Campus Outreach (CO). This summer, I will be participating in an REEU at the University of Florida surrounding Circularity and Digitalization Skills in Agri-Food Systems. Two major things to know about me: I love pickleball and reading is my happy place.
Perry Moore
Junior
- Major: Chemical Engineering
Biography
Hi! My name is Perry Moore. I am a junior studying chemical engineering and looking to graduate spring of 2027. I love all things vol sports and enjoy playing a few in my free time. I love to spend time with my friends especially outdoors. I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers and am interning this summer at Skynano Technologies. I am so happy to call the University of Tennessee my home, and I hope to help you find your home here too!
Ranya Moreland
Junior
- Major: Civil Engineering
Biography
Hi everyone, my name is Ranya Moreland and I’m in my junior year here at UT. This summer I’m doing an internship with Denham Blythe in Nashville. I’m working as a field intern in the construction field and I am so excited for what I’m going to learn. I am a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, which is a professional and social sorority for women in STEM. I’m also involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. I’m so excited to get to know everyone. Go Vols!
Robbie Huber
First-Year
- Major: Civil Engineering
Biography
I just completed my first year at the University of Tennessee. I began my year by attending the engineering expo where I secured an internship with Whiting-Turner that begins this summer. I also joined the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and became the co-captain of the concrete canoe team. Next year, I will be the team’s captain and the chapter’s Symposium Chair. This summer, I will be attending ASCE’s national competition in Provo, Utah where I will get to learn from those competing at the national level. I also joined the club wrestling team and am a leader within the program. I qualified for the NCWA National Tournament, and I was an Academic All-American this season. I look forward to growing the program and continuing this success. I can’t wait to see what my second year has to offer after all these amazing opportunities I discovered in my first year at the University of Tennessee.
Sophia Hickey
Sophomore
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
Biography
Hi! I am Sophia Hickey and I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering. I am someone who is always looking for ways to get involved and find ways in which I can make an impact on the community around me! I am currently a member of Dream on 3, Society of Professional Hispanics in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Society, Society of Women in Engineering, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and many other intramurals and organizations on campus. I am excited to intern this summer at Baxter to learn more about the medical device side of Biomedical Engineering and I can’t wait to see how much I learn and grow! I love spending time outside, going to sporting events, doing some arts and crafts, as well as game nights. I am so excited to be a part of the Woods mentorship program and I can’t wait for all of the amazing memories and people it will bring!
Sudarsini Prasanna
First-Year
- Major: Nuclear Engineering
Biography
Hello! I am Suda Prasanna, an incoming Sophomore in Nuclear Engineering. I will be a Peer Learning Assistant this Fall, helping students with Calculus and Chemistry. My academic extracurricular activities include being a part of SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and WIN (Women in Nuclear) where I will serve as a secretary this upcoming fall. My Social Extracurriculars include being a part of Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc, which I rushed this past spring. I’m really excited to help others navigate finding their place and passions on Rocky Top!
Trinity Frantz
JUnior
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
Biography
I am at the University of Tennessee obtaining my undergraduate degree. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Materials Science and Engineering. I am a part of the Chancellor’s Honors Program as well as the Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program, UT’s engineering honors program. I am an active member of the Society of Women Engineers. I also love taking advantage of the UT’s indoor rock climbing wall.