LEXINGTON, Va. Nov. 14, 2025 — Five Virginia Military Institute cadets, with Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid, assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences and outreach liaison officer for VMI’s Cyber Defense Laboratory, traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to present research projects at the SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), at Wofford College Oct. 24-25.

SURF brings together students from across the Southern Conference league’s member institutions to showcase their academic excellence.

Cadets who attended include Benjamin Davis ’26, who is double majoring in applied mathematics and computer science; Jackson Pelt ’26, a mechanical engineering major; Shahryar Shah ’26, a computer science major; Gracie Harlow ’27, who is double majoring in history and English; and Jeremiah Woods ’27, a history major.

Woods said SURF was a great opportunity to share his first research experience. His project titled, “African Americans at VMI: 1951-1865,” explores the contributions of the enslaved and free Black men and women who lived and worked in connection with the Institute during the years leading up to and throughout the Civil War.

“It highlights their lives, labor, and legacies, while reflecting on how their presence shaped the foundation of VMI and how their stories can be more fully recognized today,” he explained.

In her project titled, “Commemorating Service: Preserving Memory Through Archival Research at the American Battle Monuments Commission,” Harlow focuses on U.S. military personnel who died during the Normandy campaign in World War II, and the importance of preserving their stories. Last summer, she presented her research at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

“I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to also present my research at SURF. The feedback from graders who evaluated the presentations, allowed me to move forward and broaden my views,” she said.

According to Abdelhamid, attending SURF was an invaluable experience for the cadets. “They not only showcased their research with confidence and professionalism, but also engaged deeply with peers and faculty from across the Southern Conference. SURF provided them with a meaningful platform to exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and see firsthand how their academic work connects to larger conversations in their disciplines.” 

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE