Success Stories

Sam Williams

Radford University Cybersecurity Researcher wins Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge

Sam Williams, in collaboration with Chiwoo Chang (University of Virginia’s College at Wise), was recognized as the first-place winner of the Student Entrepreneurial Ideation Challenge by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and CivilianCyber. Teams from across Southwest Virginia were tasked with designing strategies for common small business cybersecurity challenges. The approaches developed by the teams were then presented before a panel of judges that included IT professionals. Sam was quoted at the event explaining that “Trying to put a sticker price on peace of mind was very difficult, but I feel like I have a better understanding of how hard it is to balance talent, time, and business operations with security….This challenge showed me that I’ve come a long way, but there are still many skills to master.” Radford university students Adam Flowers, Sandie Hill, and John Ramsoodar were recognized with Third place for their project on “How to Counter Cyberattacks in Small Business.”

Lauren Griffin

Taking Action to Promote Digital Literacy

College students experience countless barriers to academic success, but none have excelled like this Sophomore Cybersecurity student and researcher, Lauren Griffin. Lauren was attracted to Radford University due to the location and quality of the cybersecurity program. She has found support at Radford University as a woman in cybersecurity with a learning disability, and she has not let these barriers prevent her from success in the classroom and with research accomplishments.

In late September 2022, Lauren received an invitation from her research mentor, Dr. ‘Shawn Smith, to the 1^st Cybersecurity, Education, and Research Conference of the Commonwealth and Coastal VA, held at the College of William and Mary. Lauren received an opportunity to present her research on digital literacy for persons under 18. Through Research Rookies Lauren is the first undergraduate mentee, of Dr. Smith, who typically mentors graduate students in the Department of Criminal Justice. Lauren and Dr. Smith used resources like the SMART Lab, run by Dr. John Brummette, to investigate the Twitterverse relating to the mass shootings of Robb Elementary School and the Buffalo shooting of 2022.

Lauren stated, “This conference gave [her] the ability to see a need and want for the digital literacy of people under age 18.” Lauren hopes to teach young people how to use the internet and social media with safety measures in place, in addition to how to recognize and combat red flags when interacting with other users.

At this conference, Lauren was the only invited undergraduate student funded to travel to present. Lauren had her first research presentation in April 2022, at Radford’s 31^st annual Student Engagement Forum. This experience “prepared [her] to explain the technical language of cybersecurity to a variety of audiences.”

Lauren was drawn to undergraduate research because it gave her the opportunity to “to see professionals in her field at work, opportunity to collaborate with them, and to jump start her career.” Lauren has taken advantage of every opportunity that she has been offered in her time as a student researcher, and plans to continue her work in this field. Who knows maybe she’ll even become the Professor she was continuously mistaken for while presenting.

Ashley Glover

Rookie Researcher Selected for Undergraduate Research Advocacy Program

Music Therapy major Ashley Glover, alongside her faculty mentor, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy Sekyung Hang, was one of two student-faculty groups selected from Radford University to participate in the Council on Undergraduate Research and Scholarship's Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Advocacy Program. Participants in this prestigious program focus on developing communication skills and have the rare opportunity to present their work to an audience that includes elected officials and stakeholders. We are so proud of her!

Ashley's research project, titled "Scoping Review on Music Therapy and the Mental Health of African Americans," delves into the analysis of methods utilized to address the mental health needs of African Americans within existing literature, identifying both the approaches employed and any existing gaps. She has showcased her findings not only at events on campus, such as the Student Engagement Forum, but also at the "Experiential Learning Display Program," where she engaged with Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D., and members of the university’s Board of Visitors. Additionally, Ashley is a recipient of the OURS Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant in recognition of her outstanding work!

Julia Buccola

From Capitol Hill to Campus: Julia's Dynamic Summer in Science

"Being a part of the Research Rookies has impacted me in ways that can’t be described with words. I have found new things to be passionate about, new people to look up to, and I have gained incredibly important skills, both personal and professional. I am so lucky to have been a part of this program, and it is an experience that I will carry with me as I go into my graduate school career and beyond."

Julia Buccola, a rising senior from Roanoke, Virginia, made waves this summer during her internship with the American Institute of Physics (AIP) as a Society of Physics Students intern. Located in Washington, D.C., Buccola's multifaceted role showcased her commitment to both science policy and groundbreaking research.

As a member of the FYI Science Policy News team, Buccola played a pivotal role in writing the team's weekly newsletter. Her contributions ranged from creating articles to working on an innovative interactive map that pinpoints the locations of National Labs across the United States and the congressional districts they fall within. Her role also included summarizing bills that had been introduced within Congress.

Beyond her work in Washington, Julia had the unique opportunity to attend one of the most significant gatherings of scientists globally—the American Geophysical Union (AGU) fall meeting. Described by AGU as "the most influential event in the world" dedicated to Earth and space sciences, the event brought together some of the brightest minds in the field. Julia, accompanied by a small group of Radford University students, presented her research project titled "Analyzing the Presence and Concentration of Airborne Microplastics Using Python and Photo Analysis Techniques." Her work showcased a deep dive into environmental issues using cutting-edge technology and analytical methods.

Julia's commitment to research extended beyond the AGU meeting. She also conducted a project on Radford University's campus using Arduino sensors to analyze different surfaces and their thermal properties.

Adding to her list of achievements, Julia was recognized as a recipient of the OURS Summer Research Fellowship Grant. Under this grant, she conducted a project focusing on the "Analyzing the Presence and Concentration of Airborne Microplastics Using Python and Photo Analysis Techniques."

From her impactful role in the FYI Science Policy News team to her groundbreaking research projects, Julia's experiences serve as an inspiring example for aspiring scientists and veterens alike. Her journey demonstrates the boundless possibilities when passion, dedication, and curiosity converge in the world of science.

Meridythe Witt

Radford Unversity Researcher Places in International Competition

"My mentor is incredibly kind and suppportive, and has introduced me to a world of creative research. His support of my interdisiplinary aspirations has motivated me to continue exploring connections between music and movement."

Meridythe Witt, a junior pursuing a double major in Dance and Music at Radford University, is a versatile artist skilled in percussion, dance, singing, and acting. Since 2021, she has collaborated with fellow junior student Ian Epperly at Radford, and together, they form the Meridian Percussion Duo, a name title created from their combined names. Their musical focus is on playing the marimbas.

In 2023, Witt and Epperly showcased their talents at the Great Plains International Marimba Competition, competing against students from renowned music schools and professionals worldwide. The duo secured an impressive 3rd place in the Open Duo Category, marking a historic achievement for Radford University as the first time its students participated in this prestigious competition. The university takes great pride in their accomplishment!

Beyond her musical achievements, Meridythe Witt has demonstrated her commitment to academic research as a Research Rookie. Over a two-year period, she conducted a project titled "Music and Movement - How and Where do they Meet?" under the mentorship of James Robey. The project involved movement analysis research and choreography set to live jazz music.

Jeremy Armentrout

Exploring the Great Outdoors: Jeremy Armentrout contributes to Virginia Social Science Journal

"Being a Research Rookie has helped me to discover my career path through greater exposer to professional outdoor recreation industry through my research, conferences presentations, and interaction with faculty of the RCPT department. The opportunity to work with my mentor so closely as an undergraduate student is a very rewarding experience."

Radford University Recreation, Parks, and Tourism major, Jeremy Armentrout, has achieved the milestone of becoming a published researcher! Collaborating with Professor Anja Whittington, their work titled "Outdoor Participation and Spending Trends in Virginia: How Much Is Too Much?" was featured in the spring 2023 edition of the Virginia Social Science Journal. The research delves into Virginia's outdoor participation rates and the growing economy within the outdoor retail industry, drawing from two years of dedicated study. Notably, Jay E. Raymond from West Virginia University Institute of Technology also contributed to this publication.

Armentrout played a pivotal role in the research, undertaking the collection, recording, and analysis of survey data under the guidance of Professor Whittington. His involvement reflects a dedicated commitment to scholarly pursuits and showcases the practical application of his studies in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism.

Throughout his academic journey at Radford, Armentrout has been a Research Rookie and an active member of RU Outdoors since his sophomore year. As a Recreation, Parks, and Tourism major, he has dual concentrations in Outdoor Leadership and Tourism/Special Events.

This publication marks a significant achievement for Jeremy Armentrout, reinforcing the integration of academic research and real-world application in the realm of outdoor studies.

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