Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence
931-372-3394
Monday-Friday | 8-4:30 PM
Research and Sponsored Programs Workshop Series
Join us for an exciting series on research and sponsored programs. Workshop session descriptions and information are below. Please contact cafe@tntech.edu with questions.
September 25, 2026
Getting Started with Research Grants
RUC 101 | 9 AM-12 PM
Discover the research infrastructure at Tennessee Tech that can assist you in applying for and securing external research funding. Learn about the proposal process at Tennessee Tech and how to find funding, as well as have an opportunity to meet with fellow faculty and Office of Research and Economic Development staff during a networking luncheon.
- » Session 1: Research & Grants at Tennessee Tech
Research & Grants at Tennessee Tech
Dr. Michael Aikens, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development
9:00-9:45 AM
Learn about research goals, support, and infrastructure available at Tennessee Tech to help you apply for and secure external and internal research funding.
- » Session 2: Introduction to the Proposal Process
Introduction to the Proposal Process
Neal Hunt, Associate Vice President for Research Administration
10:00-10:45 AM
This session will summarize the grant cycle, introduce proposal terminology, and describe the pre-award grant process. Learn about research infrastructure available at Tennessee Tech to help you apply for and secure external research funding.
- » Session 3: Identifying Funding
Identifying Funding
Mark Lynam, Director of Research Development and Proposal Services
11:00-11:45 AM
How do researchers find funding? Master the tools available at Tennessee Tech to monitor and identify sponsored programs that match your area of expertise.
- » Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch
12:00-1:00 PM
Join us for a networking lunch following the morning sessions to connect with fellow faculty and the Office of Research and Economic team.
October 23, 2026
Faculty Research Mix & Mingle
Eagles Nest in the Hooper Eblen Center | 2-4 PM
Research Mix & Mingle is a networking event for Tennessee Tech faculty to learn about campus research support, connect with colleagues, and share research interests. Through both structured and unstructured networking, attendees will collaborate across disciplines, discover campus resources, and build relationships that can support future research pursuits.
November 13, 2026
Best Practices for Grant Management
Library 112 | 9 AM-12 PM
This workshop will provide an overview of effective strategies for managing grant-funded projects from start to finish. Through presentations and discussion, participants will explore grant management fundamentals, project management techniques, and practical lessons learned from experienced colleagues to support successful grant outcomes.
- » Session 1: Foundations
Foundations
Neal Hunt, Associate Vice President for Research Administration
9:00-9:45 AM
Build a strong foundation for successful grant management. This session will introduce key considerations and best practices for navigating a grant from award through completion, with an emphasis on staying organized, meeting requirements, and supporting successful outcomes.
- » Session 2: Introduction to Project Management
Introduction to Project Management
Mark Lynam, Director of Research Development and Proposal Services
10:00-10:45 AM
Explore practical project management strategies that can help keep grant-funded work organized and on track. This session will introduce approaches for managing timelines, responsibilities, communication, and project goals throughout the life of a grant.
- » Session 3: Panel Discussion: Lessons Learned in Management
Panel Discussion: Lessons Learned in Management
Panel Host: Dr. Michael Aikens, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development
11:00-11:45 AM
Hear directly from colleagues with experience managing grant-funded projects. Panelists will share lessons learned, practical strategies, and insights from their experiences, with opportunities for participants to ask questions and learn from real-world perspectives.
- » Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch
12:00-1:00 PM
Join us for a networking lunch following the morning sessions to connect with fellow faculty and the Office of Research and Economic team.
