Faculty member Lynne Parker, who has been working with the National ̍Science Foundation in Washington, DC, for the past two years, is moving back to Knoxville to become associate dean for faculty affairs and engagement in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering.
“Dr. Parker brings with her a wealth of experience professionally and a great depth of respect from faculty in our college,” said Dean Wayne Davis. “We look forward to having her in this key role within the college, which includes working closely with faculty-related activities and the engagement of our college with the university and other constituencies.”
Parker begins her new role January 5.
A professor of electrical engineering and computer science at UT, Parker came to UT in 2002.
She founded and served as director of the Distributed Intelligence Laboratory and the Center for Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning. She also served as associate department head.
While remaining a faculty member, Parker moved to Washington two years ago to serve as director of the NSF’s Division of Information and Intelligent Systems.
The first UT faculty member to take such a role with the NSF, she helped lead a White House–commissioned task force on artificial intelligence and the adaptation of smart machines, guiding the formation of the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan.
Parker said she’s delighted to be returning to campus.
“I am honored to be entrusted with this position and am eager to help take part in the college’s continued growth,” said Parker. “We’ve got some fantastic things going on, and I’m happy to help any way I can.”
A fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Parker also has strong ties to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of UT’s key partners. She’s worked at ORNL in various capacities for nearly 30 years.
Parker takes over for Veerle Keppens, who recently was named director of the Joint Institute of Advanced Materials in addition to her role as head of the materials science and engineering department.
—
C O N T A C T :
David Goddard (865-974-0683, david.goddard@utk.edu)