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 “on numerous research projects dealing with various aspects of the female reproductive system and the relationship with circadian rhythm and fertility,” Moore explained.
“It’s going to be an incredible experience,” she continued, “and 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.
“Female reproductive biology has always been a fascination of mine,” Moore said, “and 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.”
To earn the fellowship, Moore competed with a number of qualified candidates.
“This is a monumental achievement,” said David Brock, associate professor of health and human performance. “This is one of the most prestigious NIH funding mechanisms for undergraduate students in the United States.”
Moore, the captain of Radford’s women’s volleyball team, is an aspiring physician-scientist. She said her education at Radford “has 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.”
Radford students train to be advocates for higher education
Since December 2024, Radford University students and faculty have been participating in the Council of Undergraduate Research’s (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.
“We had two excellent meetings with members of the offices of U.S. senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine,” explained Jason Davis, associate director of Radford’s Honors College and professor of biology. Davis and Sandy Liss, assistant professor of physics, were the Radford faculty participating in the STR program.
“They listened to our concerns about support for education and science in the current political climate and were responsive, open, frank and engaged,” Davis said. “Our 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.”
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’s ecophysiology lab. Quentin Shivnen, Jovanny Machuca Tiznado and Eniko Szabad were members of Liss’s astrophysics lab.
“Being presented with the chance to personally speak to our government officials and advocate for our university was an enriching experience,” said Parton, a biomedical sciences major from Christiansburg, Virginia. “I 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.”
Opportunities like the STR advocacy program have helped Parton build confidence in herself and her research, she said.
“Presenting data and information can be complicated and feel daunting at times,” she said, “so 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.”
‘A vibrant celebration’ of diverse cultural backgrounds
By Emily Jerves, International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator
Radford University'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 Radford University 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’s Department of Dance, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and Department of Music, as well as Radford University’s 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 Radford University campus community. Performances included:
Musical theatre dance performance
“All That Jazz” from “Chicago” by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Performer: Olivia Nargi
Guitar performance
Brazilian Tango, Odeon by Ernesto Nazareth
Performers: Beatriz Marques, João Ramos, Tomas Haushahn
Dance performance
“Feel the Rhythm!”
Performers: Sydney Crump and Aaliyah Muhammad
Singing and guitar performance
“Dooley” by Rodney Dillard and Jayne Mitchell
Performer: Marshall Page
K-Pop dance performance
Dance Covers: “Wannabe” by Itzy, “Sweet Venom” by Enhypen and “Igloo” by Kiss of Life
Performers: Naomi Manns, Shayla Smith, Elie Lam, Jocelyn Lopez, Melanie Garcia-Sanchez
and Marcayla McWhorter
Singing performance
“Chinese New Year Song”
Performers: Caedmon Coldwell, Will Dozier, Wyatt Taylor, Reid Dunn, Gracie Davis,
Abby Craig, Melanie Garcia, Diego Gaitan, Makayla Goode, Emma Julander and Andy Lin.