Recent WiSTEM News

Dr. Dannette Gomez Beane, assistant vice provost for enrollment management for strategic initiatives at Virginia Tech speaks to cadets at VMI, a military college in Lexington, Virginia.

VMI Launches Accelerated Grad Program with VT

Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech have partnered to launch a new accelerated master’s degree program for a Master of Science (MS) and Master of Engineering (Meng) in computer science and applications/computer engineering for VMI cadets.

Abaigeal Doody ’23 adjusts 65-pound rucksack on the back of a male subject in the hypoxic chamber to test for stress at VMI. -VMI Photo by Marianne Hause.

VMI Cadets Research Heavy Loads

Hiking up a mountain can be a lot of fun, but add a heavy rucksack to a hiker’s back, and the hike can become a strenuous workout for the heart and lungs. Two cadets majoring in biology at Virginia Military Institute, are exploring the subject in their Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI)

Anne Townsend ’24 studies young lettuce plants growing in horizontal hydroponics systems in the VMI greenhouse.—VMI Photo by Marianne Hause.

Cadet Aims to Grow Produce for VMI

Anne C. Townsend ’24 conducts research in hydroponic systems to discover an environmentally and economically feasible way to provide a permanent supply of fresh produce for Crozet Hall.

Gabby Handford '24 and Maj. Molly Kent prepare sections of a rat brain for study under a microscope.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Rat Brains and Betta Fish Support Lab Learning

Maj. Molly Kent’s neuroscience lab is a busy place this summer, with multiple cadets working on multiple projects split over the two summer sessions. But despite their wide-ranging projects, the cadets share a common bond: a desire to learn lab skills and grow as scientists.

Maj. Paul Ackerman ’93 explains the watering system on the CPTF green roof to Maria Vargas ’22 and Dr. Tanjina Afrin.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

SURI Project Evaluates CPTF Green Roof

Is the green roof on the Corps Physical Training Facility saving VMI money? A cadet investigates.

Rob Soluri ’22 talks with Lt. Col. Brent Hierman, associate professor of international studies, about his research on gun control and violent crime rates.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Math That Matters Deepens Cadet Engagement

As the 2018-19 academic year draws toward a close, so does the first year of VMI’s Math That Matters: Math for the Modern World, which was implemented this year as part of the Institute’s quality enhancement plan (QEP).

Capt. Katie Gorman and Bethany King '18 perform a VO2 max test on a study participant.

What is the Caloric Cost of the Rat Line?

For her senior capstone project, Bethany King ’18 is studying the caloric cost of the Rat Line under the guidance of Capt. Katherine Gorman of the physical education department.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders