Dr. Fran Li, the Director of CURENT and a Professor in EECS, has organized a field trip to Norris Dam hydro power plant for the ECE 325 students on October 30th, 2025. A UT alumnus, Mr. Michael McAmis from TVA, coordinated this field trip with the plant management. The plant manager, Mr. Erik Bodiscomassink, gave an enthusiastic guide to the field-trip students in two groups from 9–11am and 12:30–2:30pm.
Norris Dam Hydro Power Plant, located on the Clinch River in Anderson County, Tennessee, is the first hydroelectric project built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Completed in 1936, the dam features a concrete gravity-type structure and plays a key role in flood control, navigation, and renewable power generation for the region. The hydro plant provides clean, reliable energy and serves as an early and iconic example of TVA’s mission to support economic development and improve quality of life across the Tennessee Valley. During the visit, students had the opportunity to learn about hydroelectric generation systems, grid integration, and the historical significance of the facility.
This successful field trip provided students with valuable real-world experience in electric power engineering practices and hydro power plant operations. CURENT and the EECS department sincerely thank Mr. Erik Bodiscomassink for his time, insightful guidance, and hospitality, and extend special appreciation to Mr. Michael McAmis for coordinating this educational visit. Their contributions made this hands-on learning experience possible and greatly enriched our students’ understanding of energy conversion and utility operations.
