In the News

Three biology research students harvest soybean plants at a field farm in Orange, Virginia.

VMI Biology Research Gets Published: Soybean Traits Studied

September 30, 2025

A scholarly article addressing soybean research spanning seven years was published in the September 2025 issue of Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, a joint publication of American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America.

Barrett Callejo  talks about her responsibilities with everything as a cadet and cadet-athlete.

Behind the Balance: Barrett Callejo ’27 — Keydet Women’s Soccer

September 29, 2025

Barrett Callejo ’27 has found her place at Virginia Military Institute — on the soccer field, in the classroom, and as a mentor within cadre. Inspired by the strong women she met years before as a visitor, she now works to set that same example for the next generation of cadets.

Cadee Hegarty talks about her responsibilities with everything as a cadet and cadet-athlete.

Behind the Balance: Cadee Hegarty ’26 — Keydet Women’s Soccer

September 8, 2025

Cadee Hegarty ’26 wanted to compete at a high level but also was drawn to the organization and discipline that Virginia Military Institute offered. Getting a soccer scholarship to the school allowed her to form a future at VMI.

Aidan Carman ’27 shares his grip test results with Colton Shirk ’27.

Can Music Improve Athletic Performance?

June 26, 2025

Music is known to help lower anxiety and stress, slow the heart rate, and create a calming effect, but can certain music enhance an athlete’s performance? Colton Shirk ’27, a biology major, sought to answer the question for his Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) project.

Whitney Tracy ’25

Blending Passion for Medicine and Soccer with Graduate Opportunity: Whitney Tracy ’25

June 18, 2025

Graduate school was always on Whitney Tracy’s ’25 list following undergrad. Although her dream of pursuing medical school has changed, her time at Virginia Military Institute has guided her on a different path.

Natural Bridge, photo by Kelly Nye.

Natural Bridge Visit a Highlight for Introductory Biology Classes

May 12, 2025

A short drive from VMI is the 215-foot-tall wonder, Natural Bridge. While so close, many cadets have never visited the site. Maj. Peter Neofotis, lecturer in the Department of Biology and native of Rockbridge County, saw an opportunity to weave in some of his biology lessons.

Maj. Alison Burke, Ph.D. Department of Biology Bacteriophages and Bivalves: Using Viruses to Combat Oyster-Borne Illness

Bacteriophages and Bivalves: Using Viruses to Combat Oyster-Borne Illness

April 5, 2025

For Maj. Alison Burke, research into naturally occurring viruses called bacteriophages may offer a promising solution to the growing threat of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP), a bacterial pathogen that causes seafood-borne illness.

Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Virginia Military Institute, will discuss a cholera-like bacteria found in warm waters that lives and spreads in oysters, on the public radio program, “With Good Reason,” April 5-11.

Maj. Burke to be on "With Good Reason"

April 2, 2025

Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Virginia Military Institute, will discuss a cholera-like bacteria found in warm waters that lives and spreads in oysters, on the public radio program, “With Good Reason,” April 5-11.

Soccer player Whitney Tracy talks about balancing academics, athletics, and cadet responsibilities.

Behind the Balance: Whitney Tracy ’25 — Women’s Keydet Soccer

November 4, 2024

Whitney Tracy '25 juggles her role as the starting goalkeeper, an S4 lieutenant managing logistics for the Corps, and her biology major — all while preparing for her next chapter after graduation.

Andrew Hart instructs Joshua Addis ’25 and Luke Cockerham ’26 on splint bottom weave caning during their botany class.

Botany Class Learns Practical Uses

October 24, 2024

Seven cadets in a general botany class explored practical plant uses by learning the art of chair caning. Led by Col. Anne Alerding, the hands-on session featured local artisan Andrew Hart, who taught students to weave chair seats using flat reed from rattan palms.