Class of 2025: April Sayers transfers engineering knowledge to inaugural programs

Name: April Sayers

College: College of Engineering

Major: Biological systems engineering

Hometown: Front Royal, Virginia 

Plans after graduation: Continue to attend Virginia Tech to obtain her accelerated master’s degree in biological systems engineering 

Favorite Hokie memory: The American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Florida Rally in 2023. “It was the first time I had gone to something like that and been more involved in ASABE. At the rally, it was the first time I felt like I belonged here, that this was my place, and I was meant to be here. Plus, it was nice to connect with others in the same major.”

Taking advantage of the transfer 

Every college journey is unique, but for transfer students, the path to finding the right fit can be particularly challenging.  

April Sayers, a senior, initially aspired to build a career in genetics. Her college journey began at George Mason University, but she soon realized it wasn't the right fit for her. After a friend invited her for a tour of Virginia Tech, Sayers fell in love with the beauty of the campus and the engineering program.

During that first visit to Virginia Tech, Sayers attended a College of Engineering information fair, where a conversation with Department of Biological Systems Engineering ambassadors persuaded her to join the program. She liked its smaller size, strong networking opportunities, and freedom to tailor her academic journey to her interests.

Once in the department, Sayers became an undergraduate research assistant in Assistant Professor Clay Wright’s lab, where she focused on studying the biosynthetic pathways of oxygen production in fungi genetics. "April's excitement for advancing basic research and engineering is what really sets her apart," said Wright. "She has very enthusiastically worked on many projects in the lab and can be counted on to consistently advance research." 

Path to service

One of the most transformative aspects of Sayers's journey at Virginia Tech has been her participation in the inaugural cohort of the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC), a Department of Defense program that trains university students for civilian careers with the military.  The program’s curriculum is designed for interdisciplinary, project-based learning, and students are matched with career opportunities based on their individual interests. Last summer, April worked at the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center, where she applied her biological systems engineering skills to innovative projects like 3D food printing for personalized nutrition.

The DCTC program not only provided financial support, alleviating the stress of student loans, but also gave Sayers a sense of ease. "It absolutely changed my life because it has allowed me to focus more on finishing my degree and participating in extracurriculars," she shared. "I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted [into the program], but somebody saw potential in me and thought I was worthy."

For Greg Lowe, director of the DCTC at Virginia Tech, Sayers more than lived up to her potential. "I have never met a more curious learner; April has brought that passion to her classmates and helps us all to think through problems from a new angle or a unique perspective. She is consistently a peer leader."

Outside the classroom 

Outside the lab or class, Sayers attended regional rallies and led workshops as the vice president of the student chapter of the American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers (ASABE). She also serves as the vice president for the Virginia Tech ASABE Fountain Wars student design team. Inspired by the impact the BSE ambassadors had on her, she became an ambassador and mentor, hoping to help future students find, join, and become involved in the department. 

Looking ahead

Sayers's journey at Virginia Tech exemplifies the resilience and determination of transfer students. Her story highlights the importance of finding one's passion, embracing opportunities, and experiencing the transformative impact of programs like the Defense Civilian Training Corps. As she continues to forge her path, she serves as an inspiration to others, navigating the complexities of college life and beyond.

After graduation, Sayers will be staying at Virginia Tech to pursue an accelerated master’s in biological systems engineering.