Program Description
SCALE-IT will provide tools and motivation to transcend the traditional barriers between the disciplines, overcome communication challenges faced by individuals with fundamentally different backgrounds, and enable students to become truly interdisciplinary and proficient in the diverse subjects of this project. Students will choose a discipline to focus on for a doctoral degree, and SCALE-IT help students make a smooth transition into this demanding, yet rewarding program.
The SCALE-IT program provides training and education that offers an integrative curriculum, provides strong motivation for participating students, emphasizes teamwork, and includes broadening activities. SCALE-IT will provide advanced technical coursework, and broaden student knowledge through science communication and ethics courses. Activities such as “Challenges of the Month,” “Exploring the Scales” colloquia, and team projects will create a sense of community and encourage collaboration.
SCALE-IT also offers students many opportunities for professional development through summer workshops, internships outside of the UT/ORNL campuses, international student exchange opportunities, and “Hyper-Links” to the World, a senior seminar covering career transition issues. Graduate students will be involved as mentors for undergraduate fellows, instructors and participants in summer workshops, and speakers at professional meetings or local interest groups. Students will participate in and organize research teams as a part of their graduate dissertation work.