In the News

Josh Cheung presents his senior thesis during VMI's honors week.

Honors Thesis Questions, 'Is God a Vegetarian?'

What does the Bible say about what we should eat? That is the question Josh Cheung ’24, a Virginia Military Institute cadet double majoring in English and biology, sought to answer in his honors thesis, “Is God a Vegetarian?”

Gabriella Handford ’24, an honors student at VMI, stands in front of a screen showing her research thesis.

Handford Researches Psychedelic Drugs on Betta Fish

Gabriella Handford ’24, a biology major, recently presented her honors research thesis focused on her work and study of the effect of psychedelic drug therapy on male betta spendens as compared to traditional pharmaceuticals.

Water polo co-captain talks about balancing student life, academics, cadet responsibilities, and being a D-1 athlete.

Behind the Balance: Courtney Novotny ’25 — Keydet Women's Water Polo

Courtney Novotny ’25 starts out each week with a plan. Every Sunday she goes over what needs to be done for the coming week. It’s the only way she can stay organized and on target for all her goals, especially since she’s one of the co-captains of the water polo team, handling her classes and more.

Student performing research at Virginia Military Institute, a military college in Virginia

SURI: Heavy Loads and Harsh Environments – The Effects on the Human Body

Caroline Lassalle ’25 has always had a strong desire to learn about exercise science and work in the medical field. The biology major spent five weeks last summer becoming a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) at Virginia Military Institute.

A student conducting research over the summer at VMI, a military college in Virginia.

SURI: Exploring the Effects of Nicotine on Antidepressants in Betta Fish

Ellie Pickford '24 stood before a small glass tank, peering intently at the colorful Betta fish swimming within. Her summer research project was well underway, and she was determined to unlock the mysteries behind the interactions between nicotine and antidepressants. 

Students during the 2023 commencement ceremony at VMI, a military college in Virginia

VMI Holds Commencement for Class of 2023

Pride, honor, and dignity filled Cameron Hall as Virginia Military Institute held its commencement ceremony and conferred degrees on the Class of 2023 Tuesday, May 16.

3D model of a COX-2 protein molecule using ChimeraX

Computer Software Brings Wonderment and Support to Chemistry

Visualizing three-dimensional (3D) molecules on a two-dimensional piece of paper can be a struggle for any chemistry student. Lt. Col. Dan Harrison ’05, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, used his experience with research software to find a tool to address this challenge.

Student conducting research in Israel with the Department of Biology at VMI, a military college in Virginia

Soybean Research Project Taken Abroad During Spring Furlough

Entering Virginia Military Institute, Chris Kushner ’24 signed up for a Biology 111 class with Col. Anne Alerding. Little did he know that when he was asked to join a research project, it would be something he would continue throughout his time at VMI. 

Student presenting during Honors Week at VMI, a military college in Virginia

Dyslexic Cadet Focuses Research on ADHD and Dyslexia for Honors Week Presentation

Claire Curtis focused her Honors Week discussion on two fairly common learning differences: ADHD, which is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness; and dyslexia, a disorder personal to Curtis, and characterized by issues in reading, writing, and understanding written language.

Air Force helicopter landing on the parade ground to take cadets in Air Force ROTC for a ride.

Andrews Air Force Base Brings Helicopters to VMI

Air Force ROTC cadets took to the air on Dec. 1, thanks to the 1st Helicopter Squadron out of Andrews Air Force Base.. The squadron provided quick incentive flights over VMI and Lexington for nearly 175 cadets.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders