Student Success Stories
Tim Leaton's project, “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.
Mariah Clarke, apparel, housing, and resource management major, is the recipient of the International Textile and Apparel Association's (ITAA) Paris American Academy 2007 Scholarship. The Paris American Academy Scholarship is a top design award offered by ITAA to an undergraduate student for excellence in design creativity and innovation. The 2007 Design Competition is an important segment of the ITAA Annual Conference, which took place in Los Angeles in November. Peter Carman, president of the Paris American Academy, was on hand to present the award which included four weeks of study at the Paris American Academy with tuition and housing paid. While in Paris, Clarke will work with professionals from the French haute couture and ready-to-wear industries. She plans to pursue career interests in design and merchandising, working towards a couture business focused on high end formal wear. Mariah received partial funding from the Undergraduate Research Institute.