Dawson Bryant
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Earthquake Resistant Structures | Engineering Explained , videoIs there such a thing as an earthquake-proof house? Why is it actually a good thing when certain parts of a building fail during an earthquake? What should you do to protect yourself if you're inside when the ground starts shaking? Matt Eatherton, a professor in civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, studies how buildings behave during earthquakes and how to design them to be more resilient. Using advanced computational models, lab testing, and real-world assessments, Eatherton's research helps engineering specialists design safer structures and save lives. Want to learn more? Visit: https://go.vt.edu/up1O0
Date: Jun 10, 2026 -
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From concept to can: Inside ID Pro , videoAt Virginia Tech, students in the Interdisciplinary Projects (ID Pro) program are gaining real-world experience by working directly with industry partners. In this project, students collaborated with local company Wilderness Mountain Water, home to a rare flowing artesian water source, to tackle both engineering and branding challenges. From optimizing systems to designing a custom can and packaging for campus, students applied their skills across disciplines to bring ideas to life. This hands-on experience connects students from the College of Engineering, Food Science & Technology, and Creative Technologies with industry early in their academic journey, helping them build professional skills, take creative risks, and prepare for future careers. By working alongside faculty and industry experts, students learn what it takes to move a concept from idea to reality. See how collaboration, innovation, and experiential learning come together to shape the next generation of engineers and creators.
Date: Jun 04, 2026 -
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Shoutouts from the College of Engineering Spring Commencement , videoBefore the graduates walked across the stage at Cassell Coliseum during the 2026 spring commencement ceremonies for Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, we asked Hokies and their families to give shoutouts to each other. Some thanked parents, others thanked peers, but all of them embodied the spirit of Ut Prosim. Here's to the class of 2026!
Date: May 22, 2026 -
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An infusion of nature: Biomimicry and medical devices , videoLiving with diabetes is never easy. Kirubaharan (Kiru) Natarajan, a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, wants to change that. When Kiru’s uncle stopped taking his diabetes medication because it was inconvenient, bulky, and embarrassing, it was heartbreaking to watch his health slow him down. Kiru knew it was time to use his engineering skills to help. Growing up, Kiru learned about the idea of biomimicry—or design inspired by nature—from the countless National Geographic documentaries he watched with his grandfather. Now, alongside Associate Professor Anne Staples, whose lab focuses on biomimicry, he’s taking a cue from insects to develop a self-powered microfluidic device for diabetics that makes insulin infusion as simple as breathing. Driven by Kiru’s love for nature and human-centered design, the device has the potential to provide life-changing impact on a global scale. Want to learn more? Visit: https://www.stapleslab.org/
Date: May 15, 2026 -
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Carter Machinery bolsters collaboration with Virginia Tech Engineering on workforce development , videoThis kickoff event celebrated the growing collaboration between Carter Machinery and Virginia Tech, highlighting a shared commitment to shaping the future of mining and quarrying through innovation, education, and industry collaboration. Faculty, industry leaders, and students from mining and minerals engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, and the Myers‑Lawson School of Construction came together to explore interdisciplinary projects and emerging career pathways. Speakers discussed the industry’s urgent need for talent in data, automation, optimization, and how this support helps prepare the next generation to build safer, more productive, and more fuel‑efficient operations. As technology rapidly transforms aggregate mining and construction, new roles are being created, and opportunities are expanding. This event represents how bridges between industry and academia are helping Virginia Tech students prepare for exciting, future‑focused careers.
Date: May 11, 2026 -
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So, what can you do with an engineering degree? , videoWhat do Virginia Tech engineering students do after graduation? At the Virginia Tech Hokie Launch Party, we interviewed graduating seniors from multiple engineering majors to learn about their engineering career paths, first jobs, and advice for new students. Hear directly from students about: - Why they chose engineering at Virginia Tech - Their first engineering jobs after college - Tips for first-year and prospective engineering students If you're considering a degree in engineering at Virginia Tech or exploring engineering careers, this video gives you real perspectives from Hokies about to graduate. Learn more about Virginia Tech Engineering: https://go.vt.edu/uoJJ6"
Date: May 08, 2026 -
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Tornado resistant structures | Engineering Explained , videoCan you tornado-proof a house? What is a downburst? What can you do to protect yourself during a tornado warning? Monica Arul, assistant professor in the The Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech, studies tornado damage on structures and resistance to wind using wind-tunnel and computational experiments. Using real-world damage assessments and experience on the ground at these sites, Arul's research helps save lives. Want to learn more? Visit: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/03/eng-cee-wind-hazard-mitigation.html
Date: Mar 31, 2026 -
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From Virginia Tech to the eye of the storm , videoHurricane hunter and Hokie Rebecca Keller ’18 recently returned to Virginia Tech to speak with students and alumni about her work with NOAA at the Student Engineers’ Council 2026 Distinguished Lecture, part of Engineers Week. A graduate of Virginia Tech’s aerospace engineering program, Keller shared her passion for her unique job flying into the eye of the storm to gather data that improves weather forecasts. She credits the problem solving skills she learned at Virginia Tech with her career success in engineering. Want to learn more about hurricane hunters? Read more: eng.vt.edu/magazine/stories/fall-2024/hurricane-hokies.html
Date: Mar 13, 2026 -
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Fluid dynamics in sports | Engineering Explained , videoWhat is fluid dynamics? How does it connect to aerodynamics and hydrodynamics? And what does it have to do with sports? Christopher Roy, professor in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech, studies computational fluid dynamics and the accuracy of computer models used to predict how fluids move. With experience in aerodynamics as both a triathlete and a researcher, Roy brings a unique perspective to how fluid dynamics shapes athletic performance. Are elite athletes unknowingly applying the principles of science every time they compete? Watch to find out. Want to learn more? Visit: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/02/eng-aoe-science-speed-olympics-aerodynamics.html
Date: Feb 27, 2026 -
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Computer Science: A day in the life , videoFollow Nakyah Vaughan, a senior in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, through a day in her life. She goes to classes focusing on data analytics and graphing, works on undergraduate research focused on techno-spirituality, puts on an event for her organization, ColorStack, and makes space for creative breaks and yoga in the morning. After graduating, Nakyah will work for ABB doing their two-year rotational sales track. She also is in the process of launching her own nonprofit and hopes to continue to be a leader in her future. Interested in Computer Science? See more here: https://cs.vt.edu/
Date: Feb 24, 2026 -
Video ItemQuantum computing | Engineering Explained , video
Do quantum computers even exist yet? How does quantum computing work? What is the software for quantum computers like? What are the applications of quantum computing? What kinds of companies are investing in this new technology? If you're asking yourself any of these questions, Sumeet Khatri is here to help! Sumeet is an assistant professor in the department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, working on all things quantum. Quantum computers have a variety of uses in a few big industries, ranging from chemistry to finance. In the video, Sumeet discusses the past, present, and future of quantum computing, and debunks popular misconceptions from science fiction. Learn more about Sumeet's work here: https://website.cs.vt.edu/people/faculty/sumeet-khatri.html
Date: Jan 14, 2026 -
Video ItemEngineering Explained: Warning labels and human factors , video
Have you ever wondered what those little drawings on products actually mean? Why do warning labels exist in the first place? Should you be worried about your kid consuming detergent? Deborah Dickerson, an associate professor in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, studies product warning labels to make them more understandable for the general public. From flammable pajamas to laundry pods, her work in the Human Factors Engineering group helps engineers design safer communications for their products. Want to learn more? Visit here: https://www.ise.vt.edu/
Date: Dec 10, 2025 -
Video ItemMining and Minerals Engineering: A day in the life , video
Follow Mitchell Dreffer, a senior in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech, through a day in his life. He goes to classes focusing on safety and sustainability in mining, works on designing a mine from concept to completion in his capstone project, as well as leads the Marching Virginians as a drum major. After graduating, Mitchell will work for Austin Powder as a technical representative and hopes to manage a team of engineers one day. Interested in Mining and Minerals Engineering? See more here: https://www.mining.vt.edu/
Date: Dec 01, 2025 -
Video ItemStudents design prosthetic foot for young swimmer , video
Biomedical engineering made swimming more joyful for an eight-year-old girl from Lynchburg, Virginia. Hadlee needed a long-lasting prosthetic foot that could move freely in the water and on the pool deck. Through in-depth testing, hands-on research, and help from an Olympic swimmer, the students from a senior design team in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics tackled the challenge — and developed a solution that not only advances engineering knowledge but had a powerful real-world impact on a little girl who loves everything about swimming.
Date: Nov 24, 2025 -
Video ItemEngineering Explained: Neural implants , video
Can Alzheimer’s be reversed? What are fiber-based implants and how are they made? How could understanding the brain’s neural engineering shape our future? Xiaoting Jia, a professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, develops fiber-based neural implants that could help scientists better understand the brain’s circuitry. From exploring the potential to restore memory to advancing treatments for Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease, her work pushes the boundaries of engineering and human health through advanced manufacturing and interdisciplinary collaboration. Want to learn more? Visit here: https://ece.vt.edu/people/profile/jiax.html
Date: Nov 17, 2025 -
Video ItemEngineering Explained: Bat-inspired robot drones , video
What is biomimicry? Can technology inspired by nature, or biomimetics, solve modern problems? What if humans could use sonar to mimic how bats fly using echolocation and acoustic sensing? What does it mean to be “blind as a bat”? Are bats really blind? Rolf Mueller, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, believes that bats are advanced animals worth copying. Using robotic ears and dynamic wing technology, Mueller hopes to combine both sonar and drone capabilities into a bat-inspired flying robot that can help farmers with crop management. Want to learn more? Visit here: https://me.vt.edu/people/faculty/mueller-rolf.html
Date: Oct 20, 2025 -
Video ItemGlobal Impact in Virginia Tech's Helmet Lab , video
From Nerf toys to fireworks to helmet testing for equestrian and even youth hockey, a wide variety of research takes place at Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab. Every test raises the bar for safety and the lab’s cutting-edge research is driving industry safety standards.
Date: Oct 20, 2025 -
Video Item3D printed concrete homes: Engineering Explained , video
What is the process of 3D printing homes with concrete? What are the pros and cons of a 3D printed house? How are 3D printed houses different from regular wooden homes? How durable is a 3D printed house? Andrew McCoy, associate director for research and innovation, Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech, and director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research, explains. Want to learn more? Visit here: https://made.vt.edu/
Date: Sep 25, 2025 -
Video ItemCivil and environmental engineering: A day in the life , video
Follow a day in the life of Andrew Donaldson ’25, a Virginia Tech civil engineering student and recent graduate of the Charles E. Via Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. From early-morning classes to band practice and hands-on engineering projects, Andrew balanced campus life with competitive teamwork. He was a key member of Virginia Tech’s concrete canoe team, which earned second place at the 2025 ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition. After graduation, Andrew launched his engineering career at WDP. 🎓 Thinking about majoring in civil engineering or wondering what student life is like at Virginia Tech? Learn more here: https://cee.vt.edu/
Date: Sep 05, 2025 -
Video ItemAre you a distracted driver? , video
How long does it take to be distracted while driving? What contributes the most to distracted driving? How dangerous is it? How are we dealing with distracted drivers? Is it illegal to use your phone while driving? Charlie Klauer, research scientist at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, discusses the best practices for driving less distracted. Curious about Dr. Klauer's research?Learn more below: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/04/vtti-research-zero-fatality-future.html?utm_source=cmpgn_news&u...
Date: Aug 27, 2025 -
Video ItemFireworks to avoid during July 4th , video
How can you stay safe while using fireworks during your Fourth of July celebration? Which fireworks are the most dangerous? How do fireworks cause eye injuries? Stefan Duma, University Distinguished Professor, the Harry C. Wyatt Professor of Engineering at Virginia Tech, demonstrates which fireworks are most likely to cause eye injuries. He explains Virginia’s firework laws and shares best practices for handling them safely. Duma, as founder of the Helmet Lab, studies all kinds of injuries. His research on eye and head injuries began with support from the Department of Defense to help protect military personnel from shrapnel. It has since expanded to include consumer products such as Nerf toys and fireworks. Curious about the Helmet Lab? Learn more below: https://bold.beam.vt.edu/BOLDLabs/HelmetLab.html
Date: Jun 27, 2025 -
Video ItemMicrogrids: What are they and how do they work? , video
On this episode of Engineering Explained: What are microgrids? How are they different from the regular utility grid? What is the future of grid technology? Ali Mehrizi-Sani, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Virginia Tech, shares, along with some history about the utility grid, his expertise on independent energy systems. From hospitals to military bases, these small grids can play a big role in making existing energy systems more reliable. Using sustainable power solutions such as wind and solar, microgrids can go into island mode, making them independent from the utility grid, if needed. Microgrids are often mistaken as a simple form of the larger utility grid, but Mehrizi-Sani explains that they are just as complex. Curious about power and energy systems? Learn more below: https://ece.vt.edu/research/centers/energy.html
Date: Jun 16, 2025 -
Video ItemHokies: What's next? , video
Virginia Tech College of Engineering class of 2025 answer questions about their time during undergrad and share their plans for what's next as they walk across the stage of Cassell Coliseum to receive their degrees. Many already have jobs lined up, industries to work in, and plans to come back home before heading off into the real world.
Date: May 23, 2025 -
Video ItemHokies: Any shoutouts? , video
The College of Engineering's class of 2025 graduates share who helped them get to where they are today.
Date: May 22, 2025 -
Video ItemWrestling complex problems into elegant solutions , video
2025 College of Engineering Outstanding Senior, Mikey Harrigan, is using his lessons from wrestling to help others avoid mental health crises using an app that he helped develop, Hippo Flow. Inspired by the concept of beauty and how to define the word, Mikey continues to seek meaning in the world and, as he says, is trying to "maximize good."
Date: May 09, 2025 -
Video ItemBrotherly bond sparks biomedical impact , video
Thomas Lu, a senior in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, is using his talents in technology to forge a path into biomedical engineering and make the world a better place for people like his brother, Gordon. Together with his research advisor, Eli Vlaisavljevich, and other classmates, Lu has developed advanced, robotically guided histotripsy systems for treating bone cancer. He shares how his family has shaped his outlook on life, how we can see ourselves in technology, and his passion for helping others.
Date: Apr 29, 2025 -
Video ItemWill space junk ever fall back to Earth? , video
On this episode of Engineering Explained… What is space junk or space debris? Is it dangerous? What is the future of space junk? Does space junk or debris eventually come back to earth? Are we collecting, tracking, or removing space junk? Samantha Parry Kenyon shares her expertise on space instrumentation and space debris. With a number of organizations and companies planning on launching large amounts of satellite systems, the amount of real estate inside of low-Earth orbit is called into question. By designing satellites with the intent of burning up in the atmosphere during the end of their life cycle, we can create a safer, cleaner area around Earth's atmosphere. Curious about space? Learn more below: https://www.space.vt.edu/
Date: Apr 28, 2025 -
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What is quantum computing? , videoDo quantum computers even exist yet? How does quantum computing work? What is the software for quantum computers like? What are the applications of quantum computing? What kinds of companies are investing in this new technology? If you're asking yourself any of these questions, Sumeet Khatri is here to help! Sumeet is an assistant professor in the department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, working on all things quantum. Quantum computers have a variety of uses in a few big industries, ranging from chemistry to finance. In the video, Sumeet discusses the past, present, and future of quantum computing, and debunks popular misconceptions from science fiction. Learn more about Sumeet's work here: https://website.cs.vt.edu/people/faculty/sumeet-khatri.html
Date: Apr 11, 2025 -
Video ItemWhat is a Raspberry Pi? , video
On this episode of Engineering Explained… What is a Raspberry Pi? Where are Raspberry Pis used? Why is it called Raspberry Pi? Is pie involved? Christiana Chamon Garcia shares her expertise on these widely used microprocessors. Raspberry Pis are widely available and open source for people to use for educational projects and hobbyist activities to industrial automation and more. Virginia Tech provides current and prospective students with resources and training to learn more about how Raspberry Pis and similar microcontrollers work. See more below: https://lib.vt.edu/create-share/prototyping-studio.html
Date: Mar 13, 2025 -
Video ItemDay in the life: Biological Systems Engineering , video
Spend a day with Maggie Scarborough, a senior in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. Previously, she went to Nepal on a study abroad program to help build irrigation canals for a remote village. Between her hobbies and on-campus job, Maggie spends her time working on group projects in Protein Engineering and Senior Design, as well as getting hands-on, interactive experiences in her Field Methods class.
Date: Feb 14, 2025 -
Video ItemHistotripsy: What is it and how does it work? , video
On this episode of Engineering Explains… What is histotripsy? Where is histotripsy available? What are the side effects? Is it only for the liver? Can it be used in other applications? Eli Vlaisavljevich provides his expertise on the fascinating field of non-invasive cancer therapy! While bubbles, clouds, and funny looking speakers may sound imaginary, histotripsy is the real deal. By using targeted ultrasound frequencies, it provides a friendlier alternative to the traditional radiation or surgical counterparts, creating a safe, highly precise tool for treating more than just cancer. Want to know more about what histotripsy is? See Eli's lab below: https://ultrasound-lab.beam.vt.edu/
Date: Feb 13, 2025 -
Video ItemClass of Fall 2024: 1 Word Q&A , video
Students in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech answer questions about how they're feeling before they walk across the stage at Cassell Coliseum.
Date: Jan 13, 2025 -
Video ItemFrom novice to NASCAR: David Wilson, TRD, and the power of a team , video
David Wilson's journey from Virginia Tech Engineering student to NASCAR wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. After a tough decision to leave the Corps of Cadets, he later abandoned the comfort of corporate America and moved across the country for a job with Toyota Racing Development (TRD). 35 years later, Wilson has grown the once small racing garage for Toyotas into a world-class racing company and will be retiring from his role as president of TRD at the end of 2024. Watch as he reflects on the influences of Virginia Tech, the Army, and his powerful team.
Date: Dec 16, 2024 -
Video ItemHow does GPS work? , video
Why is my GPS signal so weak? When will we get reliable GPS indoors? Why doesn't my GPS watch track my runs accurately? What even is GPS? On this episode of Engineering Explained, Mathieu Joerger, an assistant professor within the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech, discusses what you need to know when it comes to the small little receivers in our devices, and the big transmitters in the sky. Learn more about Mathieu and the labs he's a part of here: https://www.aoe.vt.edu/people/faculty/joerger/personal-page.html
Date: Dec 04, 2024 -
Video ItemVirginia Tech’s Department of Engineering Education celebrates 20 years of impact , video
With cutting-edge research at the doctoral level and experiential learning at the undergraduate level, Virginia Tech’s Department of Engineering Education leads the field preparing students to solve the world’s most complex problems. As an R1 institution and land-grant university, Virginia Tech aims to be a leader in STEM scholarship programs and implementing solutions across the U.S. that will give all students access to an engineering education. Faculty and Ph.D. research in engineering education contributes to, and even creates, such initiatives at the individual, local, national, and global level, often setting the bar for other engineering programs.
Date: Oct 25, 2024 -
Video ItemBuilding Irrigation Canals in Nepal With the Help of Virginia Tech Engineers , video
This past summer, Biological Systems Engineering and Aerospace Engineering Students at Virginia Tech spent time abroad in Nepal building irrigation systems for the village of Dumba. These canals provide important access to nearby water, making them essential for Dumba's local economy, food production, agriculture, and crop yield.
Date: Sep 06, 2024 -
Video ItemLaunching Off at Virginia Tech Drone Camp , video
This year, in Virginia Tech's Imagination 3 Drone Camp, a STEM camp that provides engineering for kids, K-12 students built their own drones and model rockets to launch at the end of the week. The camp, hosted by the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED), equipped students with model rocket kits, along with drone building and flying, providing broader exposure to Aerospace Engineering.
Date: Aug 29, 2024 -
Video ItemEngineering Welcome Week: New Hokies! , video
New Hokies! Welcome to one of the best engineering schools in the country! Virginia Tech's newest Hokies and undergraduate students arrived last weekend to participate in the annual Welcome social event. We asked students some short questions to see how they were feeling.
Date: Aug 29, 2024 -
Video ItemHigh school students compete in Engineering Olympics at Virginia Tech's Pathways Camp , video
This year at the Pathways Camp, hosted by the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, high school students participated in their own "Summer Engineering Olympics" where teams of students worked together to create models that competed against each other in each activity. Competitions included: filtration, paper airplanes, catapults, wind turbines, bridges, rubber duck rafts, and lego chariots. The winners were concluded based upon build quality, performance, and how well they followed the rules. Thumbnail by Peter Means.
Date: Jul 12, 2024 -
Video ItemK-12 students build cameras from scratch at Virginia Tech's Imagination Camp , video
This year at Virginia Tech's Imagination Camp, K-12 students learn to solder and create digital cameras from scratch. During the week-long camp, hosted by the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the students work together to assemble and troubleshoot until they have a finished, functional product to take home with them at the end of camp.
Date: Jul 08, 2024 -
Video ItemVirginia Tech Engineering Class of 2024: 1 word Q&A , video
Students in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech answer questions about how they're feeling before they walk across the stage at Cassell Colosseum to receive their degrees.
Date: May 15, 2024 -
Video ItemCollege of Engineering Outstanding Senior: Julia Riley , video
“My journey at Virginia Tech has been an incredibly fulfilling one, that continues to remind me that the unexpected parts of life can sometimes be the most rewarding” Julia Riley wouldn’t change a thing about her time at Virginia Tech. Her various research opportunities, connecting with women in STEM and her mom’s cancer diagnosis has continued to shape her career plans and fuel her passion for learning.
Date: May 06, 2024 -
Video ItemPlanting the CEED for Community , video
For more than 30 years, the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) has supported college and K-12 students through a community of people-powered academic and summer programs driven by mentorship and guidance. The programs, such as Summer STEP, C-Tech², and more, assist underrepresented engineering students through the pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate curriculum. After creating the center in 1992, Associate Dean of Equity and Engagement and Director of CEED, Bevlee Watford, reflects on the organization’s growth and its impact on the Virginia Tech community past and present.
Date: May 03, 2024