Economics, harmonica, and the winds of change

Sheryl Ball’s Rockonomics course welcomed Thor Hanes of the New River Blues Society, who introduced students to the harmonica and the technological changes that have shaped its sound over time.

What's your Science? - Sarah Qazi

Fourth-year CMDA major Sarah Qazi talks about her passion for data science and what she hopes to do in the future.

What's your Science? - Savaria Parrish

Fourth-year geosciences major Savaria Parrish talks about her curiosity for planetary formation and the mysteries of distant atmospheres.

Studying poison frog evolution

Roberto Márquez Pizano and his lab study how poison frogs in the genus Phyllobates evolved their bright colors and ability to retain powerful toxins.

Preventing avian pink eye in the cold

Feeding birds in winter helps them survive the cold, but did you know dirty feeders can spread disease? Sara Teemer and Dana Hawley studied how bacteria causing pinkeye in birds survives in cold temperatures and found a simple solution—regular cleaning.

A classroom in nature

The outdoors becomes the classroom for Susan Whitehead's unique freshman seminar, Natural History of Stadium Woods. This one-credit Biological Sciences course invites students to explore the wonders of this old-growth forest right on campus. Each week, the class meets in Stadium Woods to immerse themselves in the ecosystem, focusing on a new group of organisms with every visit. From towering trees to the smallest forest inhabitants, students gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

Tina Dura & Austin Gray's Microplastic Summer Research Experience

Professors Austin Gray and Tina Dura created a unique summer research program to train future environmental scientists. Students traveled to a marsh ecosystem, collected samples, and analyzed them for microplastics at Virginia Tech.

Undergraduates Wade into Research

Erin Hotchkiss, Ph.D, and Katherine Pérez Rivera guide undergraduates in a hands-on Ecology Research and Local Waterways course . Students dive into practical learning by collecting samples from the duck pond's inlets and outlet. Through detailed data analysis, they uncover trends and insights into the local ecosystem.

Shuhai Xiao & The Interactions Between Life and Earth

Shuhai Xiao, a professor of geobiology soon to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, delves into his research on the early evolution of life and its environmental context, offering insights into the complex interplay between biology and geology through time.

Bob Bodnar & The Role of Fluids in Earth's Processes

Bob Bodnar, a professor of geochemistry soon to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, explains his study of fluid inclusions in minerals and what they reveal about Earth’s history.

The Massey Herbarium Welcomes 200-Year-Old Plants Back to America

Journey back in time with the Massey Herbarium as we welcome an extraordinary collection of 200-year-old plant specimens back to American soil. Originally collected in the mid 1800s by German pharmacist Friedrich Rugel, these botanical treasures embarked on a voyage to England, only to make a triumphant return to Virginia. This video celebrates their homecoming, exploring Rugel's historic expedition, the cross-continental journey of these specimens, and their enduring scientific value.

Vanessa Diaz and Girls Launch!

Meet Vanessa Diaz, Ph.D., a collegiate assistant professor and the co-director of Girls Launch!. This project isn't just about science; it's a launchpad for change. Here, women graduate students don't just share their scientific passions with children—they're pioneers in a critical experiment. Girls Launch! is at the forefront of understanding how these interactions can reshape young minds, challenging and potentially transforming their gender biases. It's more than education; it's a movement towards a more inclusive future in science.

Tales from the Galapagos: Study Abroad Spring 2023

In this captivating journey, join Professors Ignacio Moore and William Hopkins—experts in Biological Sciences and Fish and Wildlife Conservation, respectively—as they guide a diverse group of Hokies on an extraordinary study abroad adventure to the Galapagos Islands. From students majoring in various academic disciplines to the unique wildlife encounters, this trip offers an unparalleled educational experience you won't want to miss.

From Sparks to Breakthrough: Upcycling plastic waste into usable materials with Greg Liu & his lab

Discover the innovative work of Greg Liu and his lab, where plastic waste finds a new purpose. Through a novel process, discarded plastics are chemically transformed into fatty acids, a versatile component found in everyday products like soap. Join us to learn how this simple yet impactful approach is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Swooping into Science: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds at Kentland Farms

Jared Gladbach, an aspiring biologist, shares his intriguing journey of studying cavity-nesting bird behavior, focusing particularly on tree swallows and bluebirds.

Virginia Tech College of Science Spring Commencement 2023

Experience the joy and excitement of our Hokies in the College of Science as they celebrate their academic achievements at the Spring 2023 Commencement.

Signs of Spring: Ramps and Skunk Cabbage

Jordan Metzgar, curator of the Massey Herbarium, takes us through a Blacksburg trail to teach us about two local plant species.

What's Your Major? - Physics

Tim shares what he studies as a physics major and is desire to learn more about the universe.

What's Your Major? - Economics

Patrick shares about his studies in economics and his interest in math and politics.

What's Your Major? - Nanoscience

Nathan shares about his studies in nanoscience and his interest in materials science.

What's Your Major? - Biological Sciences

Nathan shares his study of biological sciences and psychology and how he learns how the human body interacts with and impacts the world.

What's Your Major? - Microbiology

Natalie shares her studies in microbiology and her interest in studying disease.

What's Your Major? - Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA)

Jack shares his studies of Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA) and how he has diverse pathways to pursue in the future.

What's Your Major? - Geosciences

Holly shares her studies in geoscience and through her focus in geology and geophysics, she learns not just about rocks, but what they do.

What's Your Major? - Mathematics

Ethan shares his studies in the traditional mathematics concentration and its applications to chemistry and other physical and quantitative sciences.

What's Your Major? - Chemistry

Eleanor shares her studies in medicinal chemistry and her desire for an in-depth foundation in chemistry as she prepares to apply to medical school.

What's Your Major? - Psychology

Deanna shares her studies in psychology and her interest in the relationship in human behavior to the environment.

What's Your Major? - Statistics

Christian shares why he chose statistics and his love for data. Part of his research involves finding ways to help new Hokies feel welcome in Blacksburg.

What's Your Major? - Systems Biology

Ben shares why he studies Systems Biology in the Academy of Integrated Science.

What's Your Major? - Neuroscience

Amina studies neuroscience with studies focused in data and behavior and decisions. She loves the interdisciplinary nature of the degree and application to a wide array of future career paths.

What's Your Science? - Alex Moore

Alex shares how he went from English major to data analytics, to become a two-time Hokie.

What's Your Science? - Sera Choi

Sera describes her interest in DNA replication and 3D printing as a biological sciences major.

What's Your Science?- Nikki Keith

Nikki shares her excitement to begin research using ultrasound to break up cancerous cells.

What's Your Science? - Camille Bridgewater

Camille discusses her studies in environmental science and chemistry and her research in artificial photosynthesis.

What's Your Science? - Kameron Cummings

After graduation, Kameron wishes to be a school counselor and help children realize their voice and full potential.

What's Your Science? - Carla Lopez Lloreda

Carla shares her interest in studying aquatic ecosystems and how greenhouse gas emissions affect and interact with them.

What's Your Science? - Whitney Woelmer

Whitney Woelmer, Ph.D candidate in Biological Sciences, shares her interests in water quality.

What's your science? - Antonia Mendrinos

Antonia shares how she came to Virginia Tech to study science and found a passion for the brain and research.

What's your science? - Katie Duffett

Katie Duffett shares how she wants to use her training to become a pediatrician or ER doctor in the future.

What's your science? - Helen Ngov

Helen Ngov talks about wanting to use biology and economics to solve healthcare problems.

What's you science? - Eric Ramos

Eric Ramos talks about why he was attracted to the College of Science and how he feels empowered to apply to medical school in the future.

What's your science? - Patrick Gibson

Patrick Gibson talks about how he became interested in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA). #whatsyourscience

What's your Science? - Shelly Worek

Shelly Worek talks about why she studies geoscience.

What's your science? - Cori Whisman and Rishi Devulapalli

Cori Whisman and Rishi Devulapalli discuss how they decided to major in Neuroscience. #whatsyourscience

What's your science? - Amin Baghbadorani

Amin Abbasi Baghbadorani, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geosciences, talks about his geophysics research.

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