Two members of the Brain Autonomy and Resiliency (BAR) Lab proudly represented the University of Tennessee at Martin during the Posters at the Capitol 2025 event, held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, TN. This prestigious annual event showcases the breadth and impact of undergraduate research in STEM disciplines across Tennessee’s public universities, and we are thrilled that BAR Lab was part of it.
Representing UTM with Cutting-Edge Research
Sara Batts and Seth Hatchett, both undergraduate researchers in the BAR Lab, presented original projects tackling important questions in neuroscience and cybersecurity, respectively.
Mental Imagery and Selective Attentional Control: An EEG Study
Presenter: Sara Batts
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Ann Gathers and Dr. Saman Sargolzaei
Sara’s research investigates the fascinating link between mental imagery and selective attentional control using electroencephalography (EEG). With roots in psychological theory dating back to the 19th century, this study aims to bridge historical curiosity and modern neuroscience. Sara hypothesizes that individuals capable of generating vivid mental imagery will demonstrate enhanced attentional control and distinct beta and theta wave activity patterns on EEG scans. Her work not only deepens our understanding of cognitive function but may also have practical applications in education and workforce performance enhancement.
The Frequently Overlooked Importance of Cybersecurity in Agricultural Operations
Presenter: Seth Hatchett
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Saman Sargolzaei
Seth’s project draws attention to the critical yet often neglected issue of cybersecurity in the agricultural sector. As farming operations become increasingly reliant on automated technologies and data-driven systems, they also become vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt food supply chains and cause widespread economic damage. Through case study analysis and expert-backed recommendations, Seth’s research outlines practical steps for enhancing cybersecurity measures on farms—from password hygiene and access control to software updates and employee training. His work advocates for urgent attention to digital infrastructure in agriculture, an industry central to global food security.
