Wednesday, May 14

Scholarship Student Research Presentations – 9:30-11 a.m.

The invited Student Scholarship finalists will present their research, with time for Q&A, and will be moderated by Scott Anderson, Haley & Aldrich, TENSOS Scholarship Committee Chair. Each finalist will also share their research throughout the conference near the main stage in the Exhibit Hall, and will be available for your rapid-fire questions as you give your assessment and cast your vote for winners.

Student Scholarship Finalists:

Martine Bowmbe Toko, Tennessee Tech, Environmental Sciences-Agriculture (Doctoral) – Assessment of Ovipositional Preferences of Periodical Cicada (Brood X 2021) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada spp.)  Among Commercial Nursery Tree Species

Fatemah Ghiasvand, Tennessee State University, Environmental Engineering (Master’s) – Evaluating the Use of C&D Waste Fines as Soil Amendments for pH Improvement and Airspace Reduction in Landfills

Jessee Griffith, Tennessee Tech, Environmental Informatics (Master’s) – The Impact of Extreme Weather Patterns on Flood Risk and Mitigation in Rural Communities: A Case Study of the Calfkiller Watershed

Carolyne Mbogo, Tennessee State University, Environmental Engineering (Master’s) – Optimizing the Mechanochemical Destruction of PFOA and PFOS in Clay Minerals With Reactive Additives

Mohaanavarshini Samanthavada Chandrasekar, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Electrical Engineering (Bachelor’s) – Development of Biosensors for Detecting PFAS Contamination in Water

Khirujjaman Sumon, Tennessee Tech, Environmental Science-Chemistry (Doctoral) – Transcription Levels of Neuro-endocrine/behavioral Target Genes in Glass Eels Exposed to Diazepam and Mechanical Stress Conditions


NWRA Tennessee Chapter meeting – 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Navigating the Lithium Battery Crisis: Impacts on the Waste and Recycling Industry – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Speaker: Michael E. Hoffman, President and CEO of NWRA

Lithium batteries power our modern world, but they’re also powering a growing crisis in the waste and recycling industry. From fires at facilities to environmental hazards and regulatory challenges, the improper disposal of lithium batteries presents significant risks. Join us at the Show of the South as NWRA dives into the pressing issues surrounding lithium battery management.

Don’t miss this essential session to stay informed and protect your operations from the dangers of lithium battery mismanagement.