Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The March 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
“I love that IALR moves at the speed of business. Things happen here fast.” – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This year was defined by strategic collaboration that drove collective innovation, growth and success across Southern Virginia.
“At IALR, our success is not achieved in isolation but through meaningful collaborations across sectors.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
Below are some of our valued partners:
Here are the key highlights that showcase how our work and partnerships are making a difference.
One of the most significant achievements last year was the expansion of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program. Through a network of partnerships involving public schools, higher education and industry leaders, over 6,000 Virginia students received hands-on career introductions. GO TEC continues to inspire students and build dependable talent pipelines for strategic sectors, ensuring our youth are prepared for tomorrow’s careers.
GO TEC curriculum will be taught in 52 middle schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia during the 2024-2025 academic year.
“GO TEC is awesome because it allows students to explore careers and equipment that they would not have access to otherwise.” – Amy Maloskey, GO TEC Teacher, Rural Retreat Middle School, Wythe County
The Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program saw remarkable progress, supporting the creation of apprenticeship programs across nontraditional sectors. This year marked the launch of Virginia’s first Registered Apprenticeship programs for EMTs and paramedics. The program’s success demonstrates the importance of partnerships between employers, training providers and community organizations to meet our region’s workforce needs.
In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.
ExTRA Impact in Numbers:
IALR was also selected to lead the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Region 3 Regional Work-Based Learning Collaborative. This initiative develops opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning – and prepares both students and employers for those opportunities.
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continues to grow in partnership with the U.S. Navy, rapidly training talent for the defense industry. Approximately 328 students graduated across four cohorts in the 2024 fiscal year.
By 2025, the ATDM program aims to graduate 800 to 1,000 students annually, solidifying the region’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing training.
“ATDM’s ability to refine and scale to meet our urgent workforce needs is crucial to building America’s submarine fleet. Together, we’re not just training workers, we’re securing America’s maritime future.” – Erica Logan, Maritime Industrial Base Director for Workforce Development
Additionally, the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program, a legacy initiative of IALR and Danville Community College (DCC), remains a cornerstone of our manufacturing training efforts.
In collaboration with local governments, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, our Economic Development team contributed to significant economic progress in the region. Over $212 million in new capital investments and the creation of 253 new jobs were key outcomes this year, providing a solid foundation for future economic growth. IALR also hosted essential events such as the 2023 Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit and the 2024 Workforce Solutions Summit to support long-term development.
“The efforts of the SVRA and the many regional partners should be considered best practices for other communities and regions to follow.” – Edward D. Ober, Grant Management Associates
Through a series of strategic initiatives, IALR is advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technology, equipping end users with the skills needed to leverage these capabilities, and driving the growth of additive manufacturing across Southern Virginia. Much of this work is in partnership with the U.S. Navy through the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
 |
 |
Initiatives in Additive Manufacturing:
By combining training, technology development and partnerships, IALR is making significant strides in establishing Southern Virginia as a leading hub for additive manufacturing.
As Virginia’s hub for high-performance manufacturing optimization and advancement, the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) equips manufacturers to be globally competitive. The CMA at IALR is the destination for innovative manufacturers ready to optimize their operations and scale. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology—including a CNC Machining Innovation Lab, Industry 4.0 Integration Lab and Precision Metrology Lab – the CMA is helping clients and partners optimize operations and scale.
IALR’s Applied Research division offers various services in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), analytical chemistry, biotechnology and life sciences. These include conducting contract research, providing chemistry testing services and supporting biotechnology development—all aimed at meeting the needs of industry partners and advancing the scientific community.
“IALR has provided Canon the environment and expertise to grow plants under various stress conditions in an effort to understand how these stresses present themselves in the plants. IALR is unique in this capability.” – Benjamin Welch, Principal Engineer, Canon
Equipped with state-of-the-art and flexible facilities, the IALR Conference Center experienced impressive growth, hosting over 30,000 guests last year. This increase is a testament to its role as a vital space for collaboration across business, education and community sectors.
“The IALR Conference Center offers a turnkey experience and state-of-the-art technology to deliver a high level of professionalism and engagement. Their staff are accommodating, easy to work with and attentive to the details.” – Stephanie Mann, Center for Early Success
IALR’s Advanced Learning team collaborates with numerous partners to increase STEM capacity, promote lifelong learning, and provide regional service-learning opportunities. These initiatives contribute to a better Southern Virginia where all can thrive.
“IALR is an exceptional and long-standing partner to Serve Virginia. The services they provide through their AmeriCorps program, Dan River Year, are impactful and make a real difference in the communities they serve.” – Samantha Lukasiewicz, AmeriCorps Manager
FY 2024 was notable for the growth of IALR’s campus and support services. The number of team members nearly doubled to meet increasing demands, reflecting the strength of the partnerships and the impact IALR has cultivated in Southern Virginia. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center opening in early 2025, IALR is poised to continue driving regional growth and innovation.
“The near doubling of our team and the expansion of our campus highlight the incredible momentum we’ve gained through strategic internal and external collaboration. With new facilities like the Navy’s National Training Center on the horizon, IALR’s IT, Facilities and other support services ensure seamless operations for efficient growth and regional success for years to come.” – John H. Hughes, IV, Ed.D, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR
A political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, IALR is governed by a Board of Trustees.
“As we review another year of strong financial performance, it’s clear that our partnerships and strategic initiatives deliver real value to the region. Our board remains dedicated to guiding IALR toward continued success, ensuring that every dollar invested helps drive meaningful economic transformation in Southern Virginia.” – Donald W. Merricks, Chairman, IALR Board of Trustees
Alan Pearce, the CEO of Danville-based metal additive manufacturing company FasTech, wanted fresh perspectives on improving the company’s standing as a great place to work.
Who did he turn to for those insights?
A bunch of high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET).
Through the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program, three teams of high school juniors collaborated with coaches and Pearce to get to the root of the issue and identify possible solutions. As part of the 2024 cohort of the NOW teamship program, 17 students worked with two organizations—FasTech and the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP).
Pearce was amazed by the professionalism, data and knowledge these students shared. His company is trying to recruit two of them to work as interns over the summer, allowing them to execute some of their ideas.
Alan Pearce, CEO of FasTech LLC, listens to a presentation from high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology as part of the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program.
“When they made their presentation, my biggest regret was that I didn’t bring my management team with me. It was a great professional presentation with some strong data.” – Alan Pearce, CEO, FasTech LLC
This is the fourth year AET students have participated in the teamship model, which is spreading across other Southern Virginia localities. IALR also supported a teamship program for college students in the Hampton Roads region.
“This is an excellent thing to connect schools and business, for both sides,” Pearce said. “The businesses get to start younger, and maybe we can help steer these students.”
The teamship model is straightforward: a business presents an open-ended problem to a group of students who, with guidance from a coach, work together to provide solutions.
Past problems have focused on issues such as new product adoption, staffing difficulties and environmental regulations.
“The NOW teamship program provides our AET students with a memorable, impactful work-based learning experience. They learn critical thinking and collaboration skills while providing valuable insights to a business.” – Dana Silicki, IALR, Advanced Learning Program Manager
The primary objective of the teamship experience is to provide the student participants with two essential skills: effective collaboration and problem-solving. Through interview sessions with the businesses, research and data analysis, students figure out the problem and its full context—a critical step in offering potential solutions.
District C, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, developed this framework and is spreading the model throughout the United States.
The model, which was designed to provide value to businesses and benefit the student participants, is part of IALR’s work-based learning system that connects students to careers. With just a five-hour time commitment, companies can gain fresh perspectives on complex problems at no cost, all while helping develop future talent. Students learn to utilize four critical career mindsets—analytical, design, collective and self-aware—not just to solve the problem but to understand it in full.
Gavin Shields (middle), a junior in the AET program who participated in the teamship program, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.
The framework can be customized. For instance, the AET students typically complete the experience in about a month while other organizations may facilitate a more intensive process in just a week.
The other organization that offered a problem for AET students to solve was the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, which aims to improve the internship readiness of Virginia students, institutions and employers. (IALR leads the V-TOP innovative internship effort in GO Virginia Region 3, serving 15 localities across Southern Virginia.)
The main question these students tackled was: How can V-TOP increase student engagement and awareness? V-TOP needs secondary and postsecondary students to place in internships.
Two student teams took two approaches. One focused on improving digital marketing, while the other looked at grassroots efforts. Their recommendations were simple and actionable.
“I was very impressed with the level of detail they went into, trying to make sure they knew exactly what the problem was and understanding what we are already doing. I thought their insights were very, very valuable.” – Kiana Dillard, IALR Work-Based Learning Coordinator, V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator
Kiana Dillard (right), Work-Based Learning Coordinator and V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator, discusses the next steps offered by a group of high school juniors through the NOW teamship program.
Gavin Shields, a junior in the AET program who focused on the digital marketing side, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.
“We got to solve a real-world business problem, and it felt cool because we were doing something that meant something in school. And we found the root of the problem like we were supposed to. We contributed a lot of new knowledge and ideas.” – Gavin Shields, AET Junior
Dillard will soon join three other IALR staffers – Advanced Learning Program Managers Jessie Vernon and Dana Silicki and John Hatchett, AET Coordinator who is employed by Danville Community College – as a certified coach with District C.,
“I’m seeing this model from all ends,” Dillard said. “It’s just great, and I look forward to coaching students through this process in the future.”
IALR and AET were the first Virginia-adopters and piloted the District C teamship program with students from AET, which has led to the model spreading across Southern Virginia. Chatham High School Teacher Tara Stafford has run cohorts in the past two years, focusing on problems from the Danville Otterbots and The Bee and Holbrook Hotels.
Teachers from Halifax and Brunswick have been certified, with Lunenburg planning to implement teamship soon.
On the eastern side of the state, Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Project Manager for Region 5 covering the Hampton Roads area, worked directly with District C to get certified as a teamship coach. Simmons and the Teamship Committee decided to implement a week-long intensive experience for college students with both a virtual and in-person option.
“VTOP regional leadership wanted to provide a unique, internship opportunity to students in the region. We hope that sharing our experience with implementing this program will encourage school districts, institutions, and employers to adopt Teamship in their respective spaces.” – Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Region 5 Project Manager
Simmons wanted someone experienced in facilitating teamship programs to provide support, which led her to IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager Jessie Vernon, who led the virtual option for seven students.
“I was so excited when Michelle said they were implementing the teamship model this summer! One of the beautiful things about teamship is its versatility. We utilize the model as a part of the AET junior seminar class over a one-month period. The Hampton Roads program was a one-week intensive, completely outside a class. We haven’t run a virtual teamship program since 2020; the Hampton Roads program had both an in-person and virtual option. As secondary and postsecondary schools try to connect more students with high quality work-based learning experiences, teamship is a great option.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR
A rising junior at Norfolk State University with a major in Business Marketing and a minor in Mass Communications, McKensi Rice was one of the virtual participants in the teamship opportunity.
“When I saw that we would be working with a real company, this is the experience I need for my future career. And it fit well with my schedule.” – McKensi Rice, Norfolk State University
Rice and the other students worked with the 757 Collab, an innovation network serving the greater Hampton Roads area, on discovering key metrics to measure success and ways to incentivize innovation and improve the company’s culture.
“This experience was eye-opening and very positive,” Rice said. “It was only five days, but I learned a lot about myself and how to work with others.”
IALR is looking for businesses as well as educators that would be interested in participating in the NOW teamship program. Those who are interested should contact Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager at IALR.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is a catalyst for regional economic transformation. Our Advanced Learning division works toward this mission with three main focus areas:
Join us for a free group tour of the many programs supported by IALR’s Advanced Learning division to learn about our impact and see our innovative and collaborative approach.
This one-hour tour will include an overview of what IALR does before taking a closer look into some of our initiatives, including:
The March 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The “Inside IALR” team sits down with three former interns, Mitchell Doss (Applied Research), Cassidy Pruitt (Communications) and Lleyton Barber (Economic Development), to discuss what led them to their internship with IALR, what the process was like and their experience (3:15). They realize that they have come full circle from being an intern to being employed: Mitchell is now a Virginia Tech researcher based at IALR and Cassidy is a full-time IALR employee (9:13). They also talk about how their internships helped form their career choices and what interests to pursue afterward (14:01). Mitchell, Cassidy and Lleyton all recommend an internship because of the experience and relationships that are hard to get elsewhere (17:09). For more information on this year’s summer internship opportunities, visit ialr.org/internships.
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are partnering to provide Chamber members an opportunity to learn about the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) and EmPOWER work-based learning framework. Both initiatives are designed to assist employers in recruiting talent and strengthening regional talent pipelines. V-TOP is funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program. The purpose of the program is to expand paid and credit-bearing student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers and facilitate the readiness of students, employers, and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning.
“This webinar is a direct result from requests of Chamber members in our annual membership survey,” said Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. “Listening to the needs of business and responding with high quality, in-demand programming is a top priority. We are excited to partner with the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce and are fortunate to have IALR as a partner because of their experience and reputation in facilitating work-based learning opportunities.”
 |
 |
 |
There are several resources available through V-TOP to support businesses’ internship and work-based learning efforts, including modules to assist employers with developing an internship program, free mentor training, staffing agency services and internship stipend matching funds (for employers of certain sizes).
“Many of our chamber members are looking for ways to bring awareness to the talent pipeline. Our members are willing to utilize work-based learning opportunities as a valuable tool for introducing the workforce to their organizations,” said Brenell Thomas, president of the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “Partnering on this event made sense because it provides an efficient and convenient way for the members of both chambers to gain insight about the valuable resources available through V-TOP.”
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is the regional V-TOP facilitator for the Danville Pittsylvania County (and greater GO Virginia Region 3) region. EmPOWER is IALR’s employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers and provides employers with a variety of opportunities and formats to connect with their future talent.
“Work-based learning is an amazing way to connect with young talent and develop employees with the skills employers need. Work-based learning is incredibly diverse — it’s not just internships. IALR’s EmPOWER team is passionate about connecting employers to programs and resources that work for their organization.” – Jessie Vernon, Program Manager for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
The one-hour webinar will be facilitated by both Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, and Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. While this webinar is designed for Chamber members only, non-Chamber businesses who are interested in additional information should contact Jessie Vernon at Jessie.Vernon@ialr.org or 434.766.6722.
There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its 560+ member organizations and 22,000 employee members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.
The Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization comprised of businesses serving our community. With over 600 members, the Chamber acts as a voice for businesses in the region while also providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and increased community exposure.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Danville and Martinsville.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking employers and businesses across Southern Virginia to partner and participate in work-based learning programs.
“We encourage employers across Southern Virginia to participate in our programs, which help employers grow the regional workforce and allow students to connect and learn about quality career opportunities in the region.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR
Each of the programs below is part of IALR’s EmPOWER framework, an employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers. Through career awareness, engagement and experience IALR builds pipelines of students whose skillsets align with current employer needs and economic development interests.
IALR is looking for volunteers to participate as mock interviewers or session presenters at AspHIRE mock interview days across Southern Virginia. The mock interview days allow high school seniors – as well as some juniors – to hone their interview skills with a local professional. Students take part in a formal business lunch and several work-readiness sessions.
The AspHIRE Mock Interview Days will take place at the following locations and times:
The minimum volunteer commitment is 1.5 hours, but business professionals and employers who would like to invest more time are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
IALR is looking for businesses that can host a high school or college intern this summer. Companies will receive assistance in navigating the logistics of creating an internship program and finding talent. IALR also connects employers with available resources – including matching funds and mentor training – from partners like the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (Virginia TOP).
More than 25,000 students across Southern Virginia have access to MajorClarity, a work-based learning platform where all internships will be posted. This gives businesses access to the best and brightest students across the region. Internship duration and hours are customizable and companies may be eligible for matching funds for the cost of the intern.
IALR is looking for businesses interested in having teams of students tackle a pressing business problem – a process that provides benefits for students and benefits for employers. The time commitment for businesses participating in NOW is just five hours; students are supported by a District C-certified coach.
Past business participants have posed problems such as staffing difficulties, EPA regulations, and the adoption of new technology.
Businesses meet with the students three times during the Teamship process and receive real solutions to their problems. The next cohort of NOW-Teamshp will begin April 8. Businesses that are interested in participating should contact Jessie Vernon no later than March 11.
IALR is looking for businesses to host teachers or school counselors through Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE), a professional development program for educators across 15 counties in Virginia. This teacher externship program connects the classroom to the workplace. Teachers can use their experiences to design and implement classroom activities, projects and work-based learning opportunities that will add relevance and meaning to students’ classroom learning.
Participating businesses commit between one and three days during the summer to host educators. There is no financial commitment associated with this program.
Businesses interested in hosting an educator this summer can contact Kiana Dillard. The deadline to sign up to host an educator is May 3.
In addition to summer STEM camps hosted at IALR, IALR works with local employers to develop and implement sector-focused camps. These camps, which can range from a single day to a whole week, provide an opportunity to introduce students to targeted industries – and help them discover career paths to enter these fields.
Past sector-focused camps have focused on industries like local government, healthcare and construction.
Businesses that are interested in hosting student tours, serving as guest speakers/instructors, or sponsoring a sector-focused camp should contact Jessie Vernon.
In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.
IALR also supports the development and implementation of successful registered apprenticeship programs for employers across Southern Virginia through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program. Registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven workforce training strategy that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction to develop highly skilled employees in a particular occupation
State Registered Apprenticeship is ideal for various sectors like construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology.
Through ExTRA, IALR provides technical assistance in the creation of apprenticeship programs, grant funding, connections to employers and talent, and more.
Employers that are interested in apprenticeships should contact Natori Neal.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2023 annual report, which highlights the growing impact IALR and partners are making in Southern Virginia and beyond. In FY 23, IALR expanded its impact with the scaling of programs and the growth of the campus, technology and team.
“The last fiscal year was one of tremendous growth and expansion for our region. All the while, each of our five divisions upheld our mission of economic transformation in critical ways.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 2023:
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will lead the new Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Innovative Internship effort serving Southern Virginia. Involving higher education institutions, K-12, economic development organizations and employers, this collaborative will promote and develop opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning. It will also help prepare both students and employers for those opportunities.
“Working with excellent partners, IALR has a proven track record in developing and growing work-based learning programs and activities that make a tangible impact on the regional economy. We are excited to lead this collaborative, which will improve the work-based learning landscape across 15 localities in Southern Virginia.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning
This collaboration will have a positive and measurable impact on:
A $250,000 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) funds this initiative. IALR is the ninth and final regional collaborative grant, which is part of a larger effort by SCHEV to expand work-based learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. Similar efforts are being led by Northern Virginia Community College, James Madison University, UVA-Wise, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University (in partnership with ChamberRVA), Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia (in collaboration with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont).
These grant funds will empower employers to improve their work-based learning initiatives and connect with students. The primary goal of the collaborative will be to inventory, promote and improve work-based learning and internship opportunities across Southern Virginia. Through surveys and joint meetings, IALR and partners will explore how to expand work-based learning opportunities and better connect businesses and talent. The collaborative will seek to identify and share work-based learning best practices and support options.
Organizations, businesses, economic development organizations and educational institutions in V-TOP Region 3 should contact Jessie Vernon about participating in this collaborative.
“The grant was awarded to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research to help coordinate efforts with other partners and employers to expand quality paid and credit-bearing student internships and work-based learning opportunities in Southern Virginia. This marks a milestone for the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), which is pleased to have all nine regions represented.” — Alisha Bazemore, Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives with SCHEV
Over the last decade, IALR has served as Southern Virginia’s lead intermediary for many career exposure and engagement opportunities for K12 and postsecondary students, convening partners and securing extramural funds to support various career development initiatives. Current work-based learning opportunities IALR supports include apprenticeships, internships, mock interview days, teacher externships and high school teamships. This collaborative will extend the impact of IALR’s existing work-based learning framework to better support students at the postsecondary level, resulting in two net new offerings:
V-TOP seeks to better connect students, higher education and employers to facilitate more and improved work-based learning opportunities. Funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program, Virginia TOP is supported by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Some of the world’s most unique and innovative plant imaging technology has been developed here at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
The Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table (SMART) Platform, allows researchers to automatically take thousands of photographs over a plant’s life cycle, collecting data from beginning to end. With a mix of computer and human analysis of these photos, researchers can examine plant growth at every stage of development, allowing for a better understanding of the impact of different variables on plants.
The SMART Platforms consist of an aluminum frame with a tray holding up to 86 individually potted plants. A color-sensitive webcam mounted to a mechanical arm, called a gantry, then takes a picture of each plant, providing a measurement of plant canopy size as well as other morphological traits of the plant, including leaf shape, discoloration and more. These functions are all controlled using Python code, which tells the gantry and camera when to move across the table and take photos.
IALR Vice President of Applied Research Scott Lowman (left) and Virginia Tech Research Specialist Mitchell Doss (right) look at the potted plants inside the SMART Platform.
“It’s like having a fixed camera above every plant on the table.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR
In most cases, the gantry and camera are programmed to photograph each plant every 15-30 minutes. By capturing images of plants during their life cycle, researchers can visually fill in the blanks that traditional measurement techniques leave behind.
Initially conceptualized by Jerzy Nowak and Alfred Wicks of Virginia Tech, and based on off-the-shelf equipment used in traditional manufacturing, the SMART Platform concept was later picked up by IALR’s Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Scott Lowman, during his post-doctoral research in imaging. Dr. Lowman revitalized the idea, custom designing and building new functional tables, control systems and software that are now fully operational. Five SMART Platforms are currently in use, four hosted on IALR’s campus and another at Hargrave Military Academy.
These tables are accurate to within a thousandth of an inch. This means that wherever the camera is programmed to go, it will return to that exact spot every single time. This accuracy allows researchers to capture timelapse photography of plant life, visualizing plant growth and death as if a stationary camera had been placed above each plant.
Researchers can utilize this technology to analyze the growth curves of plants during an experiment. Using the fully automatic system to take measurements every 15 minutes, they can see the impact of different variables over time.
“I can start an experiment, and as long as I can take care of the plants, it can run continuously until it’s completed or the plants die.” – Mitchell Doss, Virginia Tech Research Specialist
A color-sensitive webcam mounted to a mechanical arm, called a gantry, takes a picture of each plant, providing a measurement of plant canopy size as well as other morphological traits of the plant, including leaf shape, discoloration and more. These functions are all controlled using Python code, which tells the gantry and camera when to move across the table and take photos.
These tables are unique because they turn each plant into its own experimental unit. In traditional plant research, scientists take the fresh and dry weight of the harvested plant as a data point. However, this method leaves a gap within the plant’s early development and growth stages. Researchers can gain hyper-detailed data on plant growth by taking measurements of a plant throughout its life cycle.
Analyzing the data gathered from the SMART Platform is a complicated process. After conducting an experiment, researchers have folders on the computer containing thousands of images of each plant. From here, complex lines of code conduct image analysis that detects the amount of greenness (which equals the size of the plant) within an image. By calculating the difference between the number of green pixels from one image to another, researchers gain data on how much and how quickly a plant has grown.
Summer interns Kendall Moore (left) and Hunter Pruitt (right) both spent time improving niche aspects of the SMART Platform. Moore designed a hydroponics system to implement into the tables while Pruitt developed a program that automates the tables’ coordinate-finding system.
To continue the development of the SMART Platform, the Applied Research division utilizes IALR’s Summer Internship program to provide young researchers with the opportunity to work with – and improve – this technology. This summer, the team of interns helped build two brand-new SMART Platforms.
“We need people with diverse skills and backgrounds to move these tables forward.” – Dr. Scott Lowman
The interns also carry out individual projects to improve niche aspects of the SMART Platforms. Hunter Pruitt, a rising senior at North Carolina State University, spent his summer working to automate the tables’ coordinate-finding system. Eliminating the need to manually input the coordinates for a plant on the table makes the technology more efficient and easier to use.
Another intern this summer, Kendall Moore, a rising senior at the University of Virginia, designed a hydroponics system to implement into the tables. This will allow for new research on hydroponic growth techniques in addition to potted plants.
The current coding system and graphic user interface used to run the tables was developed by Samuel Hedrick, an intern during the summer of 2021. This allows the table to be user-friendly to those who don’t have a specific background in computer science.
Mitchell Doss, a Virginia Tech Research Specialist currently earning a master’s degree in horticulture, has worked with the SMART Platforms since 2014, when he was a part of the original team of interns who helped with image analysis. Now, the roles have reversed, as Doss has taken on supervising the Coding and Robotics interns.
“IALR is the place for opportunities.” – Mitchell Doss
A jack of all trades in terms of research, Doss has been a part of IALR’s Applied Research Division since 2021. He has conducted various experiments via the SMART Platforms and is carrying out research for his master’s program on potassium levels in fertilizers.
Lowman, Doss and Virginia Tech faculty member Dr. Kaylee South are drafting a research paper introducing the SMART Platform into the present literature. Once this is published, it will allow future research done via the tables to reference it, as opposed to including tedious details within the methods and materials sections of the paper.
Plants shake as they grow. That fact is common knowledge in the scientific community, but it is unclear why they shake or what that movement says about a plant’s overall health. The meaning of plant movement is one area IALR researchers are beginning to explore using the SMART Platform’s complete imaging capabilities.
“We’ll be practically the only people in the world that can look at plant movement as an indicator of plant health scientifically.” – Dr. Scott Lowman
One inconvenience in developing code to detect plant movement is determining the difference between movement and growth. As it stands, plant growth is categorized as the total amount of green pixels in an image, whereas plant movement is the amount of change in green pixels found in an image. In short, if green pixels are found where there were none before, or there are no green pixels where there were before, that is considered plant movement.
Recently, IALR obtained a 3D-scanning device that allows the user to create a three-dimensional model of any object. Implementing this technology within the SMART Platform could allow for further exploration into plant growth and movement.
The capability to accurately measure plant movement could offer a new dependent variable for experiments. This possibility can also be paired with IALR’s extensive endophyte library to provide early detections of bacterial impact.
“It’s not what you expect to find; it’s what you don’t expect to find that makes it interesting.” – Dr. Scott Lowman
Moving forward, the objective is to integrate new types of cameras onto the table, such as multispectral, hyperspectral and lidar cameras that could detect changes in wavelength reflection that human vision cannot detect. Different aspects of plant movement could also be studied, such as leaf tip curling and other changes in the structure of plants.
Another development is the use of a hydroponics system to further automate the process of experimentation via the SMART Platform. In the future, this technology could be merged with the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center at IALR.
The eventual goal is to share the SMART Platform technology and research capabilities with companies and institutions commercially. After many alterations and tweaks throughout the years, an efficient and user-friendly product is nearly ready for market.
IALR’s summer 2022 interns gain valuable work-based learning experience in a professional environment during the eight-week program.
Earlier this month, 15 interns joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to begin the 2022 summer internship program. While receiving meaningful on-the-job training, the interns develop real-world leadership skills and experience a professional work environment to prepare them for future careers. Students hail from across Southern Virginia.
The interns were assigned to work on projects unique to their mentors’ respective departments.
Megan Pollok and Seraiye Johnson are assisting the Applied Research division with AgTech research. Pollok is examining the use of beneficial bacterial endophytes in the treatment of Fusarium Head Blight, a fungal disease commonly occurring in small-grain crops. She is experimenting with eight varieties of winter wheat and hopes to continue this research in her undergraduate studies. Johnson is experimenting with agricultural technology to see its effects on plant nutrient uptake and growth.
Intern Parker Burke works with the Research team to harvest microgreens in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.
Parker Burke and Benjamin Boles are working with the Research team to help further develop new components of IALR’s SMART Table robotic plant imaging system. Burke and Boles also use python coding and data analytics for 3D printing.
Graydon Smith and Elizabeth Burrell are conducting biotechnological research. The interns experiment with hydroponically grown plants, testing the effects of beneficial bacteria in controlling and fighting plant diseases.
Grayson Haskins, Rachel Martin and Kaden Knight are interning within the Advanced Learning department. Haskins and Martin help to promote and establish a variety of efforts and programs, engage with students in summer STEM camps, and are developing a scavenger hunt/ escape room experience for the GO TEC mobile lab. Knight works as the Data Analytics Intern, assisting with data analysis for the GO TEC and Work Ready Community initiatives.
Rachel Davis assists the Public Relations and Communications department with building positive public awareness and brand identity through the website, social media, newsletter and other communications strategies.
Jackson Boles is interning in the Institute Conference Center, where he identifies methods to extend the database for Megabytes café. Additionally, Boles supports his department by assisting in event set-up, guest engagement and marketing techniques.
Clark Givens assists the Facilities Maintenance team by updating inventory, prioritizing safety throughout IALR’s growing campus, and performing various tasks such as light repair, motor replacement and landscaping.
Interning with the Economic Development department, Vanessa Argueta and Emily Ebalo work with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. Both interns are researching different aspects of the region to then promote the benefits through social media and other public relations platforms.
Glenda Argueta works in the Information Technology department, assisting with software installation and updates, responding to user requests, and aiding in system and equipment set-up for IALR’s events.
Each intern is making significant contributions and will present their summer work to IALR staff when their experience ends in August.
Interns Jackson Boles, Emily Ebalo and Vanessa Argueta meet to discuss the growing role of IALR’s Institute Conference Center in supporting Southern Virginia’s economic development activities.
IALR is facilitating summer internships as well as springtime mock interview events for high school students. Participating employers are being actively recruited for these opportunities with funding available to support intern stipends. The events are part of IALR’s new system framework, known as ExperienceWorks and supported by GO Virginia.
Mock interviewers, committing just 1.5 hours of time or more, are needed for three AspHIRE Mock Interview Day events on April 27-28 in Danville and South Boston, and May 4-5 in Martinsville. Graduating seniors and select juniors are provided an opportunity to hone their interview skills and take part in a formal business lunch and six work-readiness sessions. Interested businesses should contact jessie.vernon@ialr.org by April 13.
IALR is also seeking businesses to host paid internships starting in June 2022. Highly successful last summer, the programs in Danville and Pittsylvania County are expanding, along with internship opportunities throughout GO Virginia Region 3.
The City of Danville and Pittsylvania County are seeking businesses to host summer youth interns like Blake Bowen and Emma Mayhew who earned skills and a stipend last year.
“It helps you learn people skills and what you want to do in the future,” said Nevea Russell, a Galileo Magnet High School student, of her internship last summer with Danville’s Parks and Recreation department. Other employers last year included other local government offices, the Animal Medical Center of Danville and the Danville Science Center among others.
Interns will work for six to eight weeks at 32-40 hours per week. Businesses have the ability to customize the internship to fit their needs. Interested companies and organizations should contact dana.wilson@ialr.org as soon as possible.
Thanks to the MajorClarity work-based learning initiative funded by GO Virginia, IALR joined Goodwill Industries and Danville Public Schools to support the launch of a summer internship program with the City of Danville. IALR also joined Pittsylvania County Community Action, the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board and Pittsylvania County Schools to support a similar summer internship program in Pittsylvania County.
The City of Danville hosted 27 Danville Public Schools students and Pittsylvania County hosted 15 Pittsylvania County Schools students. Their internships were eight weeks long and offered stipends and valuable work-based learning experience. For example, during the eight-week program, Pittsylvania County students had the opportunity to work across several departments with Pittsylvania County Schools, as well as with Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation, the Pittsylvania Pet Center, Information Technology, Public Relations, Finance, and Community Development. Students wrote biographies of staff and drafted social media posts, helped customers, visited construction sites, and conducted important research. The students also had the opportunity to attend a groundbreaking event for Staunton River Plastics where they met Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (see photo). 
“Work-based learning opportunities, specifically internships, are critical experiences that connect students and young adults to career opportunities and create relevance aligned with their academic experience,” said Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at IALR. “Paid internships are an investment by our local governments and employers as a key strategy to support regional talent development efforts.”
All 15 K-12 school divisions in GO Virginia Region 3 have adopted MajorClarity as their work-based learning platform. IALR led the adoption of this common digital platform to enhance students’ career development and increase employer engagement in work-based learning. 26,000 students in grades 6-12 now have access to MajorClarity to explore and prepare for career fields, plan and select academic classes and training programs, identify work-based learning opportunities, and track and improve career readiness and awareness. The county and city internship programs integrated MajorClarity as part of the application process.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce and accept applications for the 2021 Summer Internship Program. The program will place up to 11 interns in meaningful, on-the-job training experiences at IALR in various areas ranging from coding/precision agriculture to talent development. All health and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure a safe work environment. While the internship experiences are intended to take place at IALR, mentors are developing hybrid (blend of on-site and telework) options.
“We look forward to preparing our region’s students for successful career opportunities with real-world, work-based learning experiences,” said Dr. Julie Brown, IALR’s Director of Advanced Learning. “Our internship opportunities provide students with significant leadership development, networking, resume and skill-building activities and projects.”
To be considered for the eight-week, paid project, candidates must be one of the following: (1) a high school graduate with plans to attend college in the fall of 2021, (2) an undergraduate or graduate level college student or (3) a recent college graduate who completed a college degree within the last 12 months. The internship will begin in June and must be completed by August 13.
Available internship opportunities include:
Interns will receive a stipend of $2,925 paid semi-monthly. The anticipated weekly time commitment is 28 hours, and the IALR mentor will set the work schedule during the intern orientation.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. (EST), Monday, March 22, 2021. The internship application, other information and detailed project descriptions are available at www.ialr.org/internships. For more information, please contact Brown at julie.brown@ialr.org or 434.766.6711, or Elaine Ratcliffe, IALR’s Human Resources Manager, at elaine.ratcliffe@ialr.org or 434.766.6747.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. The Institute’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Anna Brooks, a 2019 IALR summer intern, worked with fellow intern Kaitlyn Lipscomb and IALR’s Dr. Julie Brown on a talent development project to promote advanced manufacturing and engineering career fields to women. Brooks and Lipscomb conducted focus group sessions and activities with groups of students as part of their work.
Mitchell Doss, a 2019 IALR summer intern, assisted IALR’s Samantha Smith-Herndon with the precision agriculture drone project. He helped deploy the technology at a regional farm to capture and analyze imagery for more efficient monitoring of crop health and detection of potential problem areas.
