College of Science

Virginia Tech professor receives cancer-research funding

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Carla Finkielstein recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the annual Avon Walk and receive a check for $150,000 in support of her research.

Suspicion resides in two regions of our brains, with our baseline level of distrust distinct from our inborn lie detector

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists and their colleagues have discovered two distinct sites for suspicion in the brain: the amygdala, which correlates strongly with a baseline distrustfuless, and the parahippocampal gyrus, which acts like a cerebral lie detector.

Summer to be busier than ever thanks to increased enrollment and Virginia Tech Summer Academy

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

As of May 16, more than 8,900 students were enrolled in both summer sessions, up from 8,750 last year. More than 180 students have applied to participate in the first-ever Virginia Tech Summer Academy.

Winners of the Charles W. Steger Design Competition recognized

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger recognized winners of the design competition named in his honor during an award ceremony last week.

Aspire! Awards recognize 25 inspirational Virginia Tech students

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Students were recognized for living out the values of the Division of Student Affairs' five Aspirations for Student Learning -- curiosity, self-understanding and integrity, civility, courageous leadership, and Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Geoscientist Patricia M. Dove receives top scientific honor

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Geoscientist Patricia Dove joins the ranks of scientists such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison as a newly elected member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Student organizations, faculty honored at University Student Leadership Awards

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The University Student Leadership Awards honor students, organizations, and faculty members who display outstanding campus leadership and spirit.

Graduate School names 2012 student honorees in teaching, service

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

One is a plant biologist. The other is a civil engineer. Both have been recognized with distinction by the Graduate School.

Undergraduate honored with New River Valley Leading Lights award

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech student Analise Adams of Blacksburg, Va., a junior majoring in psychology and human development, was honored as the collegiate community service award recipient by New River Valley Leading Lights during this year's celebration.

World-renowned researchers coming to international polymer meeting at Virginia Tech

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Thousands of researchers from around the world are coming to Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus for the World Polymer Congress from June 24-29. One of the main presenters will be Robert H. Grubb, the 2005 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry. The meeting organizers are seeking volunteers to help for a variety of jobs.

Virginia Tech students' pay-it-forward movement travels worldwide

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The "actively caring" green wristband rewards unexpected good deeds, from rescuing accident victims to turning around someone’s bad day.

Two commencement speakers, family celebrations highlight 2012 spring commencement ceremonies May 11

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For the first time, Virginia Tech will offer live streaming video of both the Graduate School Commencement and University Commencement ceremonies.

Student Government Association announces 2012-13 election results

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Student Government Association is the voice of undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, and all undergraduates are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Defining Hokies: Cadet Steven Higgs exemplifies university's motto of service

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For Cadet Maj. Steven Higgs of Luray, Va., a senior studying psychology in the College of Science, service has always been a part of life.

Davidson Hall Hokie Stone prevails

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Approximately 110 tons of Hokie Stone has been saved for reuse in the demolition and reconstruction of Davidson Hall.

Jack Webster receives 2012 William E. Wine Award

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Jack Webster has taught 11 different courses ranging from sophomore-level Principles of Ecology to a graduate-level course in Modeling Stream Ecosystems. In 1978, Webster, along with Professor Fred Benfield, started the Stream Team to train graduate students in the team approach to ecosystem research.

Professor, three students from engineering and mathematics receive 2012 XCaliber Award

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The team wanted to develop a method of displaying a wide range of complicated mathematical objects in a tactile way and chose 3-D printing as the means.

Photos: Davidson Hall renovation

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Click an image to see a larger version

Susan Haymore receives 2012 President's Award for Excellence

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For more than 13 years, Susan Haymore has translated department- and college-level responsibilities into significant improvements in the areas of curriculum and advising that have been implemented campus wide.

Career Services releases 2010-11 post-graduate report

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Of the 57 percent of bachelor's degree graduates who responded to the survey on which the report is based, 53 percent report current employment, up four percentage points from 2009-10. Of that group, 70 percent say their job is very related to their career goals, while 62 percent say they are working in a field very related to their major.

Lee Cooper receives 2012 Diggs Teaching Scholars Award

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Lee Cooper uses a learning enhancement tool based upon principles of expertise development for graduate students seeking to become clinical scientists.

T. Daniel Crawford receives 2012 Alumni Award for Excellence in Research

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

T. Daniel Crawford has since been recognized for his groundbreaking work in theoretical and computational chemistry.

2012-13 McNair Scholars Program cohort announced

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Of the 15 students selected, 10 are from Virginia Tech and five are from Hampton University. The new cohort will be at Virginia Tech this summer to participate in their Summer Research Experience.

First-year students have a new opportunity to jump-start their college experience with Virginia Tech Summer Academy

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Participating students will move to campus in July and take a special track that couples two courses together. Besides getting ahead in class, students will be able to participate in workshops and activities to prepare them for college as they meet friends and become familiar with campus.

Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to march in Change of Command and Welcome Home Veterans Parades

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Come see the Corps of Cadets in the Welcome Home Veterans Parade and the annual Change of Command Parade on Sunday, April 29.

Flex Out Hunger raises funds for local emergency assistance April 24 to 27

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Students can donate portions of their remaining Dining Plan balance outside various dining centers beginning April 24.

Better treatment for tuberculosis possible with biochemist's findings

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The amino acid tyrosine appears to play several key roles in one enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of mycobacteria, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

10th annual Undergraduate Research and Prospective Graduate Student Conference to be held April 19

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to observe the oral and poster presentations on April 19 in Squires Student Center. A diverse set of research topics and creative scholarship will be featured by undergraduate student researchers.

Kayvon Izadpanah and Carly Stephens selected 2012 Undergraduate Man, Woman of the Year

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The awards which recognize two graduating students who have achieved overall excellence during their undergraduate careers at the university, are the most prestigious non-academic undergraduate awards given at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech Union announces 2012-13 student directors

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech Union brings quality educational and social entertainment to the university and the outside community, including concerts, speaking engagements, and festivals.

Craig Ramey to present 'Democracy, employment, and civility: The crisis in early childhood supports' in Community Voices lecture April 19

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Join Community Voices for a conversation on early childhood years in our society and economy. On Thursday, April 19, Craig Ramey will present a talk in a 7 p.m. program at the Lyric Theatre.

Prestigious National Institutes of Health training program answers biomedical research need

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Six veterinarian trainees will be funded by this grant to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research through this National Institutes of Health training program, starting July 1.

Gary L. Long, Katherine R. Allen selected for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Each year the Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research recognizes faculty members who have used innovative ways to enhance the teaching and learning experience at Virginia Tech. This year's honorees have excelled in their respective fields of chemistry and human development.

University Honors student Winston Becker awarded prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Winston Becker is a sophomore honors student majoring in engineering science and mechanics in the College of Engineering. He also is pursuing minors in interdisciplinary engineering and science through the Scieneering program, chemistry, and mathematics.

Bioscience and investor conference expands reach

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

With expectations of more than 1,000 attendees, the Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference is poised for growth.

Martha V. Blakely named 2012 Outstanding Graduating Senior in College of Science

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Blakely has participated in summer research programs at Temple University and Virginia Tech and has received numerous academic and leadership awards.

Virginia Tech to host 2012 ACC Meeting of the Minds undergraduate research conference

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The seventh annual ACC Meeting of the Minds Conference is being hosted for the first time in Blacksburg, Va., at The Inn at Virginia Tech. The university will have 15 undergraduate students participating.

First Lady Michelle Obama to address Virginia Tech graduates

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Mrs. Obama joins U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA, as commencement speaker.

Senior Vice President and Provost Mark G. McNamee to give 2012 Graduate School Commencement address

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Approximately 1,000 Virginia Tech graduate students are expected to complete their degree requirements and participate in the ceremony.

'This I Believe II' reaffirmed as Virginia Tech's 2012-13 Common Book

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"This I Believe II," a collection of 75 short essays of personal philosophies of writers both known and unknown, was reconfirmed as Virginia Tech's 2012-13 Common Book.

From Africa to Europe, Virginia Tech students take their education abroad

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Every year, approximately 1,200 Virginia Tech undergraduates take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to real world situations by studying abroad.

Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to hold annual Leadership Conference

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Over 18 schools will visit campus as part of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Leadership Conference next week.

U.S. News ranks Virginia Tech's engineering, business, public affairs programs among best

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Tech's College of Engineering ranked 24th among the nation's best engineering schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Graduate Schools 2013 survey. The Pamplin College of Business ranked 37th among top part-time masters of business administration programs, as did the College of Architecture and Urban Studies' public affairs program.

Astrophysicist Evalyn Gates to present public lecture on dark matter and dark energy

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Evalyn Gates, astrophysicist, author, and executive director and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will present a public lecture titled, "Einstein's Telescope: The Hunt for Dark Matter and Dark Energy" on Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Graduate Life Center.

A big discovery in the study of neutrinos, tiny particles that have a big role in the universe

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Tech researchers are part of an international collaboration that has discovered new information about a tiny particle called a neutrino that is part of everything from galaxies to tea cups. Neutrinos formed shortly after the big bang. The new knowledge about the will help scientists understand how and why they came to be.

Five named Multicultural Fellows

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Multicultural Fellows are a select group of Virginia Tech faculty and staff members who promote the university's diversity efforts.

Scientists awarded grant for mosquito egg production research

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Tech biochemists are working to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate mosquito egg production, in order to identify target molecules that can be used for mosquito control.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner to give 2012 University Commencement address May 11

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

University Commencement will begin at noon. More than 5,000 graduates will be honored at this ceremony.

Spring graduate and university commencement ceremonies to be broadcast live on Virginia Tech homepage

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Links to the streams for both events will be accessible from the university homepage approximately one hour before each ceremony begins.

Study targets middle schoolers who have excessive worry and who are tough to manage

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Child Study Center at Virginia Tech is seeking middle-school-age children and their families to participate in a new research project.