Diversity Scholar improves lactation room access at Virginia Tech

Ainul Huda knew lactation room users like her could feel more comfortable on campus. Through the Diversity Scholars program, Huda, a Ph.D. student studying neuroscience, has improved the quality of the data for Hokie Wellness’ lactation room database and Virginia Tech’s interactive campus map.

Her work makes information about designated lactation rooms, including their precise location and available amenities, easily accessible for users.

Huda was a new mother when she started her graduate degree at Virginia Tech. As a former lab technician in the Ni Lab in the School of Neuroscience, she was already familiar with the university’s lactation rooms, available through Hokie Wellness, and had relied on one in her building to pump during her breaks. As a student, however, her experience changed.

Her class schedule required her to commute across the Blacksburg campus, and while Hokie Wellness offered a database of Virginia Tech lactation rooms, most listings didn’t have location details beyond a building name. Listings also lacked information about which amenities were available and whether a room required a physical key or a keycode for entry.

When Huda couldn't find a room, she would inquire at the front desk, where she was often met with surprise and a remark about how no one had asked to use the room in a long time. Sometimes, the person at the front desk would have to ask a co-worker where the room was. 

“These rooms had been allocated for use, but it seemed like no one needed them,” said Huda. “But what if people needed them, they just didn't know about them or had trouble accessing them?”

Huda discussed the problem with Ana Agud, manager of the Work/Life program at Hokie Wellness. Agud said Hokie Wellness has a long-term goal of making lactation rooms as user-friendly as possible, but due to its small size, making changes is a lengthy process. Huda offered to help.

“I asked, ‘Are you OK with me doing this?’” she said, “because I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes — but they were so excited.”

She applied to become a Diversity Scholar to get the funding and support she needed for the project. Diversity Scholars are graduate students who propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech in terms of diversity and inclusion.  

“Through Diversity Scholars, a student can identify a need and spark change in their community,” said Catherine Cotrupi, assistant dean for student services, inclusion, and strategic partnerships, who manages the program. “It’s wonderful to have students’ voices, perspectives, and fingerprints in a project so deeply, and for them to be the ones championing efforts with support from the institution.”

As soon as Huda's proposal was approved, she got to work. She had two primary goals: to make lactation room information clear and accessible on the interactive campus map and in Hokie Wellness’ database and to ensure the listings showcased the layout and amenities provided by each room.

In addition to support from the Diversity Scholars program, Huda collaborated with Agud, who strategized room entry and any necessary amenity updates. Huda visited about 30 designated lactation rooms in the database. She recorded exact location and access information and wrote out walking directions. When documenting a room’s utilities, she paid close attention to details that could improve a user’s experience, such as chair placement.

“Oftentimes, insurance only covers plug-in pumps,” Huda said. “A lot of people may not be able to afford a pump with a battery, so having an outlet within reach of the seating area is extremely important.”

Lastly, she photographed the inside and outside of each room so that people would know what to expect.

Huda was referred to Michael Ryba, geospatial technician for the Division of Facilities, for help updating the interactive map. All updated listings include a room number, location details, access type, amenities, and photos.

Listing updates will be available in Hokie Wellness’ database soon.

“Our goal at Hokie Wellness is to make sure all Hokies are thriving every day,” said Agud. “Nursing moms returning to work have so much on their plate, and Ainul's work to simplify access to lactation rooms will help them thrive.” 

Dean of the Graduate School Aimée Surprenant said the lactation room project supports the university’s larger mission of creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all. 

“The Diversity Scholar initiative allows students to determine for themselves what they need to thrive at Virginia Tech, and Ainul’s project is a perfect example that,” said Surprenant. “It will have a lasting positive impact on our community, and I am delighted to see it come to fruition.”

Huda hopes the project will continue to expand as awareness grows. Hokie Wellness has already implemented a simplified registration process to provide lactation room codes immediately upon registration, along with shared support resources and an online calendar where each room can be scheduled for use.  

“It would be awesome to get a lactation room in each building,” she said. “I think by supply and demand, if people start using them, more will open. Hopefully, everyone will be aware of this resource. Even if it just helps one person, it was worth it.”

Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff can register for lactation room access for themselves or a guest through Hokie Wellness. 

To view lactation rooms on the interactive campus map, select the "Lactation Spaces" layer on the left-hand side of the page.

For students using Virginia Tech’s Roanoke, Arlington, or Northern Virginia Center campuses, lactation room information can be found on Hokie Wellness’ website. 

Additional resources

Interactive Campus Map
Hokie Wellness
Expectant, New Parent, and Nursing Support
Diversity Scholars
Little Hokie Hangout Early Education Center
Resources for Parents