Biology Stories
Kent Represents ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪin Africa
Lt. Col. Molly Kent, associate professor in the Department of Biology and director of the Center for Undergraduate Research, spoke at the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS) 35th Annual Meeting held recently in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cadet Uses 3D Printer to Make Prosthetic Bones
Xavier Zarza β28, a biology major at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ, envisions a substantially less expensive alternative in his Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) project, βElectroplating 3D Prints for Antiseptic and Inert Properties in Prosthetics.β
Burke Named Health Professions Advisor
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ has named Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, as the Instituteβs health professions advisor, assuming the role vacated by Col. Wade Bell upon his retirement last year.
BCSI Credentialing Offered at VMI
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ now offers industry-recognized certifications through Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI) for cadets enrolled in the cell and molecular biology course.
Cadet Uses Disability to Motivate
Lou Ferrigno, bodybuilder and actor known best for his role in βThe Incredible Hulk,β has been profoundly deaf most of his life. He once remarked, βI think my hearing loss helped create a determination within me to be all I can be, and gave me a certain strength of character too.β Determined and strong of character are two descriptors of a successful cadet at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ, so when Andrew Kiddie β29, who was diagnosed with deafness just before his second birthday, chose to come to arguably the hardest senior military college in the country, he, like Ferrigno, used his […]
Cadets Present Research at NCUR
Eighteen ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ cadets joined approximately 5,000 participants at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond April 13-15.
I Am VMI: Maximus Ankrah β26Β
“This place is difficult, but if you justify the space you occupy, prove why you belong here, and buy into the system, you’ll get so much more out of ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪthan you expect.β
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪAlums Return for Medical Rotation
Two ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ alumni, Allen Xu β21 and Thaddeus Wegrzyn β22, returned to the Institute in late March for two weeks as part of their medical education with a family medicine rotation at the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪInfirmary.
Behind the Balance: Anthony Wilkerson β28 β Keydet Track and Field
Anthony Wilkerson β28 was looking for connection when he came to ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ. Initially, it was a mix of track and field and a scholarship through the U.S. Army that got him through the door, but it was the bonds he formed with his brother rats that made him want to stay.
Behind the Balance: Sydney Smith β26 β Keydet Water Polo
From long hours in the pool to the demands of the Corps, Sydney Smith β26 has built a second family, taken on leadership roles, and pushed herself to grow in every arena.
Biology Professor Publishes Article
Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor and health professions advisor in the Department of Biology at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ, recently had a research article published in PLOS One, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪBiology Research Gets Published: Soybean Traits Studied
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. The research was completed by Col. Anne Alerding, professor in the Department of Biology at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ; alumni Angela Mullins β19, Sarah Davis β21, Rachael Dickenson β22, Christopher Kushner β24; Kristen Hoffman, a James Madison University alumna; and Dr. Aryeh Weiss, professor at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. According to Alerding, who had wanted to begin a research project in her area of expertise, plant […]
Behind the Balance: Barrett Callejo β27 β Keydet Womenβs Soccer
Barrett Callejo β27 has found her place at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ β 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.
Behind the Balance: Cadee Hegarty β26 β Keydet Womenβs Soccer
Cadee Hegarty β26 wanted to compete at a high level but also was drawn to the organization and discipline that ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ offered. Getting a soccer scholarship to the school allowed her to form a future at VMI.
Blending Passion for Medicine and Soccer with Graduate Opportunity: Whitney Tracy β25
Graduate school was always on Whitney Tracyβs β25 list following undergrad. Although her dream of pursuing medical school has changed, her time at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΘλΏΪ has guided her on a different path.