Cadet Research News

Maj. Jochen Arndt and Mitchell Masterson ’22 compare notes regarding Masterson’s independent research project on the media coverage out of South Africa in the early 1990’s.--VMI Photo by Mary Price.

Cadet Project Focuses on South Africa and the Media

August 11, 2021

This summer, working under the auspices of the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute, Masterson completed an independent research project on media coverage of South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democratic rule, which took place between 1990 and 1994.

Gabby Handford '24 and Maj. Molly Kent prepare sections of a rat brain for study under a microscope.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Rat Brains and Betta Fish Support Lab Learning

August 11, 2021

Maj. Molly Kent’s neuroscience lab is a busy place this summer, with multiple cadets working on multiple projects split over the two summer sessions. But despite their wide-ranging projects, the cadets share a common bond: a desire to learn lab skills and grow as scientists.

Dr. Vera Heuer and Allie Sassaman '22 discuss Sassaman's research on women in terrorism.—VMI Photo by Eric Moore.

Cadet Researches Women in Terrorism

August 2, 2021

This summer, Alexandra “Allie” Sassaman ’22 is delving into research for her national security minor thesis, which will focus on the roles of women in terrorism and counter-terrorism and their reasons for involvement.

Thomas Muldowney '21 is shown in front of his laptop computer.

Determining What Helps Migrants Integrate

July 22, 2020

This summer, Thomas Muldowney ’21 is working on a research project that involves a lot of number crunching— finding out which policies benefit people.

Josie Freeman '23 works on her laptop computer

SURI Project Seeks Motivation for Memes

July 22, 2020

“Memes are just an interesting concept.” That’s what Josie Freeman ’23 has to say about her Summer Undergraduate Research Institute project, “Motivation for Memes.”

Maj. Steve Knepper and Maddy Moger '20 discuss her research on fairy tales.—VMI Photo by Mary Price.

What Wicked Stepmother?

July 24, 2019

Maddy Moger '20's summer research project has involved a deeper look at the "whys" of classic fairy tales, using a psychoanalytic approach.

Andrew Broecker, VMI Class of 2022, prepares to fly a drone while Dr. Hongbo Zhang looks on.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

Soybean Research Goes Airborne

July 10, 2019

An interdisciplinary project involving the biology and computer science departments could help a local soybean farmer produce higher yields.

Maj. Paul Ackerman ’93 explains the watering system on the CPTF green roof to Maria Vargas ’22 and Dr. Tanjina Afrin.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.

SURI Project Evaluates CPTF Green Roof

July 2, 2019

Is the green roof on the Corps Physical Training Facility saving VMI money? A cadet investigates.

Maj. Steven Knepper and Krystal Graves discuss her summer research project on the Iliad.—VMI Photo by Mary Price.

SURI Project Explores Ancient and Modern Perspectives on War

June 19, 2019

Krystal Graves '20 is delving into the ancient past to learn about ancient and modern views of war.

Tristan Howard ’20 and Col. Barry Cobb discuss Howard’s research on staffing needs for healthcare.—VMI Photo by Mary Price.

Healthcare SURIs Explore Cost Savings, Security

June 13, 2019

Two cadets are working on summer research projects that could save money for healthcare systems.