Undergraduate Research Institute

Student Success Stories

  • Undergraduate Research Leads to International Exchange
  • Student-published research journal focuses on liberal arts and human sciences
  • Virginia Tech student researcher seeks to understand Russia
  • Tim Leaton - “A Closer Look at the Lives of Children at a Ugandan Orphanage,” was a 20-minute film depicting the lives of Ugandan children. When Diana Ridgwell, Director of Student Development, first encouraged Tim to submit his film as research, he was reluctant, unsure if his project could be considered research. After she explained that research is different in various fields and that using the tools of his craft to explore a topic and expand knowledge of that topic was indeed research, he presented his findings at the 4th Annual Virginia Tech Undergraduate Research Conference. After that, his newfound confidence in his work led him to enter and win the national “Film Your Issue” short film contest. He has also presented his film at the United Nations Headquarters, an awards  reception in Hollywood, and during the Sundance Film Festival. Tim has graduated and went on to work with Ben Stiller on his latest movie, Tropic Thunder.
  • Mariah Clarke, a senior majoring in apparel, housing, and resource management in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, is the recipient of the International Textile and Apparel Association's (ITAA) Paris American Academy 2007 Scholarship. Clarke, who is focusing her studies in the apparel design program, received the prestigious award for her gown design, “Victorian Rose.” Clarke’s “Victorian Rose” design was inspired by the late Victorian Bustle period. Her goal was to recreate the elegance and essence of this period, but in a modern silhouette. After the essence of the design was envisioned, the construction process began which included draping construction techniques, extensive hand sewing, and couture tailoring. The finished gown consists of more than fifty yards of material. ITAA is the primary academic association of the textile and apparel field with membership from over 240 colleges and universities in 12 countries. Clarke’s participation at ITAA was funded, in part, by the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management, and a grant from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Undergraduate Research Institute.