University of Tennessee at Martin Kicks Off First Annual Technology Against Tornado Competiton

MARTIN, Tenn. - After tornadoes and severe storms hit west Tennessee only a few weeks ago, the University of Tennessee at Martin decided that now more than ever, students need to have a way to put their innovative ideas into functional weather technology.

The university kicked off its Technology Against Tornado student competition and exposition for the first time ever.

“There were different types of projects that would be eligible to be submitted; they could do virtual reality, or something computer based, there are some that are just posters and informational, there are some that are more mechanical, and engineering based… there’s just a lot of variety in the types of submissions that we had.”

Executive director of research outreach and economic development Alisha Melton is excited to be a part of the university’s first annual event.

When a tornado hit Dresden in December 2021, just ten miles southeast from Martin, UT Martin STEM professors and faculty were inspired to begin working on a way to engage their students in storm and severe weather preparation innovations.

“So, the goal of this competition is to inspire teams to develop technology that will help us predict and prepare for tornadoes in our area and across the nation.”

UT Martin believes in giving its students hands-on learning to not only benefit its students, but the people the students will serve in their careers.