As the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Class of 2023 prepares for graduation this month, the Center for Global Engagement is grateful for all the contributions each international student has made to the university and is excited to celebrate the paths ahead for each graduate.
UT welcomes students from all over the world and we thank them for creating the rich, diverse tapestry of cultures right here on Rocky Top.
Read on to learn more about several Class of 2023 international students’ accomplishments and where they plan to go next.
Damilola Akamo is earning his PhD in Energy Science and Engineering from the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education. He will be moving on to a postdoctoral position at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Akamo’s hometown is Lagos, Nigeria.
Guilherme Barquete Zuccolotto is earning his PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Tickle College of Engineering. He will be moving on to a postdoctoral position at UT’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Zuccolotto’s hometown is Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Nelia Geiger is earning her Master of Science in Social Work from the College of Social Work. She plans to pursue research opportunities after graduation. Geiger’s hometown is Cape Town, South Africa.
Yangsong Gu is earning his PhD in Transportation Engineering from the Tickle College of Engineering. He will be moving on to a postdoctoral position at UT after graduation. Gu’s hometown is Nantong, China.
Michael Houlie is earning his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Haslam College of Business. He plans to pursue a master’s in public relations at UT’s Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. However, before he pursues a graduate degree, he may take a year off to train for South Africa’s Olympic swim team. Houlie’s hometown is Cape Town, South Africa.
Zoya Kamil is earning her Master of Science in Public Health from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Kamil spent time working with the International House as a graduate assistant for much of her time at UT. She plans to begin her job search after graduation. Her hometown is Gujranwala, Pakistan.
Rafaela Marzagao is earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Haslam College of Business. After graduation, she plans to participate in a trainee program in Brazil. Marzagao’s hometown is Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Tafadzwa Negonde is earning his Master of Science in College Student Personnel from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. He is moving on to a position as Residential Life Coordinator at the Colorado School of Mines. Negonde’s hometown is Harare, Zimbabwe.
Achim Schmid is earning his Master of Science in German Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. After graduation, he plans to go back to Germany to pursue a graduate degree in German education and political science and work in academia. Schmid’s hometown is Stuttgart, Germany.
CONTACT:
Jason Moody (865-974-5752, jmoody9@utk.edu)