Every two weeks, Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students and faculty.
Allied Health Sciences major Sierra Moore is the recipient of a fully funded National Institutes of Health (NIH) summer research fellowship in the Department of Reproductive Health and Developmental Sciences at Michigan State University.
For 10 weeks this summer, the junior from Plymouth, Minnesota, will work in a state-of-the-art lab at Michigan State with Professor Hanne Hoffmann 鈥渙n numerous research projects dealing with various aspects of the female reproductive system and the relationship with circadian rhythm and fertility,鈥� Moore explained.
鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be an incredible experience,鈥� she continued, 鈥渁nd I am so excited about it!
The goal of the NIH T32 training grant fellowship is to invest time and resources into the next generation of groundbreaking researchers, scientists and physicians, Moore explained.
鈥淔emale reproductive biology has always been a fascination of mine,鈥� Moore said, 鈥渁nd I hope to one day work closely with the best researchers and clinicians to continue the betterment of this field to ensure the best care for my future patients and greater public.鈥�
To earn the fellowship, Moore competed with a number of qualified candidates.
鈥淭his is a monumental achievement,鈥� said David Brock, associate professor of health and human performance. 鈥淭his is one of the most prestigious NIH funding mechanisms for undergraduate students in the United States.鈥�
Moore, the captain of Radford鈥檚 women鈥檚 volleyball team, is an aspiring physician-scientist. She said her education at Radford 鈥渉as solidified that dream while pushing me to pursue new opportunities as well. My professors, advisors and mentors at Radford have shown me continuous support and a strong belief in my future capabilities as a medical professional.鈥�
Radford students train to be advocates for higher education
Since December 2024, 福利导在线观看 students and faculty have been participating in the Council of Undergraduate Research鈥檚 (CUR) Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) advocacy program.
The Radford group, made up of six students and two faculty members, trained virtually to improve their skills in discussing scientific policy and presenting their interests and advocacy to representatives of the federal government. On March 2, 2025, the group spent the day in Washington, D.C., getting additional in-person training and meeting with representatives.
鈥淲e had two excellent meetings with members of the offices of U.S. senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine,鈥� explained Jason Davis, associate director of Radford鈥檚 Honors College and professor of biology. Davis and Sandy Liss, assistant professor of physics, were the Radford faculty participating in the STR program.
鈥淭hey listened to our concerns about support for education and science in the current political climate and were responsive, open, frank and engaged,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淥ur students were able to explain both aspects of their work and to go into detail about how changes to government policy impact their future and education in general.鈥�
Undergraduate research teams from around the United States were invited to apply to the program. Radford was the only Virginia university accepted to STR.
Radford students participated in two teams. Honors College students Annie Riffee and Grace Parton, along with Mark Daniel, were part of Davis鈥檚 ecophysiology lab. Quentin Shivnen, Jovanny Machuca Tiznado and Eniko Szabad were members of Liss鈥檚 astrophysics lab.
鈥淏eing presented with the chance to personally speak to our government officials and advocate for our university was an enriching experience,鈥� said Parton, a biomedical sciences major from Christiansburg, Virginia. 鈥淚 not only got to experience the mechanics of our legislation, but I got to listen and learn from other researchers across the country and what they were advocating for as well.鈥�
Opportunities like the STR advocacy program have helped Parton build confidence in herself and her research, she said.
鈥淧resenting data and information can be complicated and feel daunting at times,鈥� she said, 鈥渟o having the support from my professors and being pushed out of my comfort zone has allowed me to grow a lot, and it makes me more excited to participate future events and conferences.鈥�
鈥楢 vibrant celebration鈥� of diverse cultural backgrounds
By Emily Jerves, International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator
福利导在线观看's McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement hosted its annual International Culture Night on Thursday, March 6.
It was a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultural backgrounds of students, faculty, and staff. The sold-out event showcased the global community at 福利导在线观看 through a variety of performances, traditional music, dance, fashion, and cuisine.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore different cultures and participate in international trivia, testing their knowledge of global cultures.
The McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement extended its gratitude to the university鈥檚 Department of Dance, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and Department of Music, as well as 福利导在线观看鈥檚 international students and student volunteers, for their contributions to making the event a success.
International Culture Night fostered inclusivity, promoted cross-cultural understanding and provided a fun, educational experience for everyone involved. It was a highlight of the university's efforts to create a global community on campus.
All performers who participated in the event are a part of the 福利导在线观看 campus community. Performances included:
Musical theatre dance performance
鈥淎ll That Jazz鈥� from 鈥淐hicago鈥� by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Performer: Olivia Nargi
Guitar performance
Brazilian Tango, Odeon by Ernesto Nazareth
Performers: Beatriz Marques, Jo茫o Ramos, Tomas Haushahn
Dance performance
鈥淔eel the Rhythm!鈥�
Performers: Sydney Crump and Aaliyah Muhammad
Singing and guitar performance
鈥淒ooley鈥� by Rodney Dillard and Jayne Mitchell
Performer: Marshall Page
K-Pop dance performance
Dance Covers: 鈥淲annabe鈥� by Itzy, 鈥淪weet Venom鈥� by Enhypen and 鈥淚gloo鈥� by Kiss of Life
Performers: Naomi Manns, Shayla Smith, Elie Lam, Jocelyn Lopez, Melanie Garcia-Sanchez
and Marcayla McWhorter
Singing performance
鈥淐hinese New Year Song鈥�
Performers: Caedmon Coldwell, Will Dozier, Wyatt Taylor, Reid Dunn, Gracie Davis,
Abby Craig, Melanie Garcia, Diego Gaitan, Makayla Goode, Emma Julander and Andy Lin.