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This April, 63 911���� students presented their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond. NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research across disciplines. This year marked 911����’s highest attendance to date, and many students were able to attend due to support from the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR). 

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in 911����’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. For this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

In January, 911���� senior Angela Victoria Rojas Rivera represented the university at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). Led and hosted by Harvard University, NCRC is the largest student-run research conference in the United States. Only 200 students are selected to attend. 

At the end of January, three 911���� students presented their research at the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol in Richmond. Now in its second year, the event gives undergraduates from each of NURVa’s 13 member universities an opportunity to present their research to state legislators and fellow researchers alike. Students worked with faculty through 911����’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) to refine their work and apply to the selective event.

January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino is a member of 911����’s Essential Employees group, so he is one of the first to respond when severe weather is forecasted. A heavy equipment operator in Facilities Management, he has been an integral part of the Facilities and Campus Operations department for almost 20 years. Since 2006, his work has helped make 911����’s campuses a better place. 

Sue Slocum, professor in the Tourism and Events Management Program at 911����, received a Fulbright Specialist Program award in support of a project on how best to prepare students for jobs in Tajikistan’s tourism economy. She went for a month to advise and collaborate with faculty from the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is the associate director for 911���� Undergraduate Education's University Studies Program and has been a part of the department since 2008. From teaching the first UNIV College to Career course in 1998 to her responsibilities today, she has been an essential part of University Studies.

Growing up in Winchester, Virginia, Jordan Edlich would often visit Blandy Experimental Farm on field trips as a child. Now a graduate student in environmental science and policy at 911����, Edlich just spent a summer interning at the farm cataloging native plants.

Tyrone Johnson has worked as the clinical laboratory manager in 911����’s Student Health Services (SHS) for the past two years. For his dedication to putting students at ease, his work ethic, and his positive impact on the office overall, he is being recognized as the September Employee of the Month.

Each year, academic professionals teach and conduct research abroad through the highly competitive Fulbright Scholar Program. 911���� has a rich history of sending and hosting faculty and staff through the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State. This year, Frank Krueger of the College of Science, Nathalia Peixoto of the College of Engineering and Computing, and Yali Pan of the Office of International Programs and Services, received Fulbright awards.