Erec R. Koch, head of modern foreign languages and literatures, and Gilya Schmidt, professor in religious studies, have received support for adding elementary and intermediate Arabic language courses, the infusion and enhancement of Arabic cultural information in appropriate courses, and the development of a gateway course for a possible Arab studies minor or major, as well as exchange programs with the Arab world.

Yanfei Gao, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, was part of an ORNL research team recognized by R&D Magazine’s annual R&D 100 Awards. The team’s invention — High-performance, high-Tc superconducting wires enabled via self-assembly of non-superconducting columnar defects — was honored as one of the 100 most technologically significant new products of 2010.

T.K. Davis, associate professor in the College of Architecture and Design, has been named to the board of directors of the Nashville Civic Design Center. He is also a former design director for the organization.

Carol Costello, professor in the retail, hospitality and tourism management department, has been named the 2010 Tennessee Hospitality Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Hospitality Association.

J.A.M. “Toby” Boulet, associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to one of the faculty seats on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.