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CENI Newsletter — November 2023

November 13, 2023

At the Center for Educational Networks and Impacts (CENI), the Virginia Tech Science Festival was this past Saturday. We were so pleased by the turnout of the Virginia Tech community, kids and parents from our surrounding area, and folks who traveled from further regions to join us for our annual festival. We had a successful day in Moss Arts Center and were excited to see the fantastic turnout.

Virginia Tech Science Festival

Every year, the Virginia Tech Science Festival immerses attendees in the world of arts and sciences. As a celebration of science as a way of thinking, the festival included the social sciences, the art of science, the science of arts, humanities-based on data, business based on data, and much more. Whether you are a faculty member, a student, part of a student organization, or a community member, we thank you for your spirited attendance and our exceptional exhibitors for bringing the high-energy, fun characteristic of the day. Thank you for showcasing the remarkable breadth and depth of the work being done at Virginia Tech. 

ICAT and CENI would like to thank everyone who supported the event. As this is an annual festival, we look forward to seeing you all back next year!

CENI Spotlight

This month, we feature Hannah Glisson, Post-Doc, Engineering Education.

Hannah Glisson holds three degrees from Virginia Tech: a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering, an MENG in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education. She earned a fourth degree from Baylor University, an MSEd in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Her dissertation research focused on the sense of belonging among women in undergraduate engineering programs, and she is passionate about creating inclusive cultures where everyone can find support and a sense of belonging.

Recently, Hannah has rediscovered her love for reading, devouring four books since defending her dissertation in September. She enjoys various outdoor activities, such as reading on a porch, running, brewery hopping, and playing disc golf. She also shares her home with a cat named Heidi, who got her name after hiding from Hannah for three months after adoption. Now, Heidi has become an affectionate and cuddly companion. A fun fact about Hannah is that she did gymnastics for ten years and can still do back flips and walk on my hands - "two skills that somehow don't come in handy super often anymore but are fun!"

Hannah Glisson
Hannah Glisson

CENI and CENI Partners in the News

Congratulations to Belvee A. Watford! This past month, the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) held its grand 130th Gala Conference to honor outstanding engineering educators who shape the next generations. We are proud to announce that one of our members, Bevlee A. Watford, has been inducted into the 2023 ASEE Hall of Fame among the distinguished attendees.

Bevlee A. Watford
Bevlee A. Watford

Campus Engagement Network Updates

  • Experience Hokie for a Day Field Trips with Us! Hokie for a Day field trips for fifth graders are held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Applications are open until filled for Virginia Tech affiliates only. We are looking for more exhibitors on November 29th and December 6th to make the experience unforgettable. Join us in sharing your passions and inspiring the next generation.
  • Roanoke STEAM Day Success: This year’s STEAM Day was a resounding success, drawing in 1,300 students from the Roanoke area and Giles County. This event, dedicated to celebrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), brought together various museums and organizations on October 28. Students were able to immerse themselves in an interactive and enjoyable day filled with exhibitors, experts, and the latest emerging technologies.

Liaisons Corner

Floyd County Public Schools

This fall, collaborations between Floyd County Public Schools (FCPS) and Virginia Tech have brought enriching experiences to Floyd County High School students. Members of the Teachers for Tomorrow Class engaged in VTeach sessions on the VT campus, delving into diverse career paths within education. Applied Ag Concepts students explored the Meat Science Center, while Agriscience and Landscaping students collaborated with the School of Design Landscape Architecture faculty to revamp Burchard Plaza. Their journey continued with tours of Hahn Horticulture Garden, VT Greenhouses, and Lane Stadium, fostering discussions on turfgrass management.

FCHS students participating in the design challenge developed by the Landscape Architecture faculty and touring the greenhouses and Hahn Horticulture Garden.
FCHS students participating in the design challenge developed by the Landscape Architecture faculty and touring the greenhouses and Hahn Horticulture Garden.

Opportunities are in the works for November and December! Interested in partnering with Floyd County Public Schools? Contact Kim Keith.

Giles County Public Schools

Giles County had two elementary schools attend Hokie for a Day this past month. Eastern Elementary Middle School and Macy Elementary Middle School students participated in a fun day of learning what it is like to be a college student and shared great feedback! Interested in partnering with Giles County Public Schools? Contact Caitlin Thorn.

Pulaski County Public Schools

Fifth-grade students from Critzer Elementary enjoyed being a Hokie for a Day on Wednesday, October 18th. Students experienced activities from the Science of Slime to  Wildlife Education.

fifth-grade students engaging in hands-on activities with exhibitors at Hokie for a Day.
Fifth-grade students engaged in hands-on activities with exhibitors at Hokie for a Day.

Pulaski Middle School 8th graders learned about pathways to careers in Advanced Manufacturing on Friday, October 27th.  Students from the American Foundry Society at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech’s chapter of Materials Engineering Professional Society provided interactive demonstrations to help students learn more about programs and majors in the field of Manufacturing. See what our students and employers said about the event.

Pulaski Middle School 8th graders interacting with Students from the American Foundry Society at Virginia Tech.
Pulaski Middle School 8th graders interacted with students from the American Foundry Society at Virginia Tech.

Five students from Pulaski County High School were accepted into the Jump Start Pathway Program with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. These students will experience hands-on, minds-on opportunities, healthcare career preparation, problem-based learning, teamwork, conflict resolution, and utilizing their strengths.

Radford City Public Schools

Radford High School is proud to announce that two 11th-grade students have been selected to participate in the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine JumpStart Pathway Program. The program is for students who are passionate and committed to pursuing science and healthcare professions at a college level and beyond. 

Dr. Jyotishka Datta and Radford High School students in his data science class.
Dr. Jyotishka Datta and Radford High School students in his data science class.

Radford High School students welcomed the expertise of Dr. Jyotishka Datta, assistant professor of Statistics at Virginia Tech, in providing a workshop to teach “R,” a powerful statistical programming language, to data science, cybersecurity, computer science, and information technology students.

Interested in partnering with Radford City Public Schools? Contact Jamie Little.

Daniel Taminger and members of VT’s Baja Racing Team talk to Radford High School students about careers in mechanical engineering at the school’s Bobcat Career Chat.
Daniel Taminger and members of VT’s Baja Racing Team talk to Radford High School students about careers in mechanical engineering at the school’s Bobcat Career Chat.
Robin Hansen, VT Biomedical Engineering PhD student, meets with Radford High School students at an October Bobcat Career Chat.
Robin Hansen, VT Biomedical Engineering PhD student, meets with Radford High School students at an October Bobcat Career Chat.

Science Museum of Western Virginia

Interested in partnering with the Science Museum of Western Virginia? Contact Phyllis Newbill. 

Virginia Tech Roanoke Center

Interested in partnering with the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center? Contact Don Pizzullo.

Upcoming Events

  • 11/22/23-11/26/23 - Thanksgiving Break/University Offices Close