New International Research Experiences Program will send students to Austria
Through a National Science Foundation-funded program, undergraduate students will study ice nucleation research with College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Professor David Schmale.
Researchers take in the view at an alpine lake in Austria before beginning sample collection activities. From left to right: Hamilton Crockett ‘20, Regina Hanlon, Jamie Benson ‘19, Philipp Baloh, and Teresa Seifried. Photo courtesy of David Schmale.
Over the next three summers, undergraduate students will embark on a transformative journey to Austria, where they will conduct cutting-edge research on ice nucleation, the process by which water freezes at higher temperatures.
This International Research Experiences for Students project, funded by a $450,000 National Science Foundation grant, is led by David Schmale, professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Translational Plant Sciences Center.
“These students will be climbing alpine valleys, visiting glaciers, sampling pristine lakes, and flying drones above dense forests,” Schmale said. “They’ll collect data that could transform our understanding of ice nucleation processes in natural and managed ecosystems.”
Jamie Benson ‘19, Regina Hanlon, and Philipp Baloh trek across melting snow to reach a remote sampling site in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. Photo courtesy of David Schmale.
Regina Hanlon and Jamie Benson ‘19 process water samples on location in Obertraun after a day of lake water collections in Styria, Austria. Photo courtesy of David Schmale.
The program’s interdisciplinary nature — merging chemistry and biology — equips students with unique perspectives on climate science. In previous years, students in similar programs led by Schmale gathered samples, collected data, and prepared presentations to summarize their research. For many, such as alumni Hamilton Crockett '20 and Jamie Benson '19, these experiences shaped their career paths.
“I gained not only research skills but also a deep appreciation for international collaboration,” Crockett said. “These skills helped me excel in my role at the USDA, where promoting multicultural and international cooperation is essential.”
“I feel incredibly fortunate that I was offered the opportunity to be part of a research project studying Austrian Alpine lakes as an undergraduate,” Benson said. “The experience traveling to a different continent to work with a team of international collaborators gave me valuable experience implementing my Virginia Tech courses in a real-world setting.”
Funding provided by the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science at Virginia Tech played a pivotal role in establishing the groundwork for the 2018 program in which Benson and Crockett participated.
Broad impact on climate science and industry
The students’ research will have implications far beyond academia, as ice nucleation research has the potential to inform climate prediction, environmental preservation, and commercial sectors worldwide. It is important for precipitation, the preservation of water-containing food products, the freeze protection of infrastructure, and the potential modulation of weather.
“A big part of this program is about helping students see the connection between their work and larger climate issues,” said Regina Hanlon, a research associate at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences who has previously accompanied students on similar journeys. “It’s fulfilling to help students answer real-world questions and see the impact of their contributions to broader climate models and environmental management.”
“It’s rare to gain such comprehensive field experience at an undergraduate level,” said Hinrich Grothe, a professor at the Technical University of Vienna. “The program will provide an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduates to acquire skills typically reserved for advanced researchers.”
Scientist Philipp Baloh (foreground) watches David Schmale pilot a drone to collect a water sample with Regina Hanlon in Obergurgl, Tyrol, Austria. Photo courtesy of David Schmale.
Global scientific partnerships
Inclusivity is a core tenet of the program. By partnering with faculty at Morehouse College, Morgan State University, and Hampden-Sydney College, the program will actively recruit students from underrepresented groups in STEM.
“One of our primary goals is to ensure diversity in STEM and provide research opportunities to underrepresented groups that may not have access to international opportunities as undergraduates,” Schmale said.
Beyond scientific development, the program fosters intercultural understanding by immersing students in Austrian history, culture, and daily life, as they work alongside Technical University of Vienna students and researchers.
“Programs like this shape the future of research by providing students with early exposure to the benefits of global scientific partnerships,” said Keri Swaby, director of undergraduate research at Virginia Tech. “As our world becomes more interconnected, these collaborations are essential to solving some of the most pressing global issues.”
The first cohort will begin its journey in May, launching an initiative that combines rigorous scientific inquiry with cultural exchange. As students contribute to this global research effort, they’ll not only gain technical expertise, but also emerge as global citizens prepared to tackle the world’s most complex climate challenges.
Students can apply for the program online and receive a stipend, funds for travel to Austria, free housing and meals during the trip, and the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Team members approaching Gosaulacke. Hinrich Grothe, Regina Hanlon, and Jamie Benson ‘19 carry samples and equipment to a collection site in Gosau, Austria. Photo courtesy of David Schmale.
Learning in real-world environments
Each summer, students will spend seven weeks in Austria, working closely with Schmale, Grothe, and other mentors to conduct ice nucleation research in unique field and laboratory settings.
With Grothe’s guidance, students will apply advanced techniques in aerosol sampling, microscopy, and spectroscopy, including the use of drones and cryotechnology to track particle formation and measure ice nucleation at a granular level. These insights are critical for refining climate models and exploring commercial applications, such as the production of artificial snow.
Hanlon described how her team has adapted spaces such as Airbnbs into makeshift labs for on-the-ground sample analysis.
“The students work through hands-on processes, such as aerosol sampling and data interpretation,” Hanlon said. “This program turns young students into scientists, helping them to see the real-world value of their contributions.”
