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College Students Working in the CEA Innovation Center

College Students Working in the CEA Innovation Center

“My favorite part has been seeing the progress of the plants daily. Watching them start as little seeds and then grow into some pretty big plants is very cool.” – Jacob Haymore, Undergraduate Research Technician with the CEA Innovation Center

Working part-time as Undergraduate Research Technicians in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, Jacob Haymore and Cameron Dallas have gained valuable experience and supported vital research projects.

A joint project between Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the CEA Innovation Center is an agricultural technology training center, research hub and demonstration site that connects academia, industry and producers to move the CEA industry forward. The Innovation Center is housed primarily within a modern greenhouse complex on IALR’s campus.

“Bringing students into this ecosystem for impactful employment opportunities fits the mission of the CEA Innovation Center and will contribute to the growth of the CEA workforce.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center

Haymore’s position is funded through an internal Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences grant focused on hydroponic herb production. A 2022 Chatham High School graduate on the verge of completing his associate degree in liberal arts from Danville Community College, Haymore did not have much experience working with plants. A family friend told him about the position, and he applied. He started in December 2023 and plans to continue working in the CEA Innovation Center through the summer.

Jacob Haymore, a Danville Community College student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.

“The idea of working in a greenhouse was interesting to me,” Haymore said. “I like that I’m not stuck in an office. I get to be hands-on and active.”

As a kid, Dallas learned about agriculture while helping on his grandmother’s farm. A current accounting student at Averett University hoping to pursue a real estate career, Dallas found the CEA position through Averett’s Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness. Dallas started working in the CEA Innovation Center in September and will conclude his term upon graduation. Dallas’s position is funded through the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and focuses on vertical farm and greenhouse projects and greenhouse management tasks.

“I felt like something was missing,” Dallas said. “I was doing the typical senior stuff. This turned out to be a great opportunity for me.”

Cameron Dallas, an Averett University student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.

Dallas and Haymore are supporting research experiments on irrigation rates in microgreens, fertilizer rates for dill and fennel, and several projects on the SMART Tables. Some of their daily tasks include data collection, seed sowing, irrigation, treatment application, data entry and monitoring and adjusting electrical conductivity and pH levels in the hydroponic systems.

“I definitely think this experience will help me in my career, whatever direction I take,” Dallas said.

The students have worked with the entire research team at IALR but primarily report to Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, based at IALR.

“My goal with having undergraduate students working with the CEA Innovation Center is to provide the opportunity to learn about horticulture, controlled environment agriculture, and research. This provides students at this stage in their education the opportunity to explore these areas as potential graduate school majors and career paths, build skills that will be applicable in other industries and learn about the food production/agriculture industry.” – Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture

The CEA Innovation Center will continue to recruit and develop undergraduate researchers. Those opportunities are sent directly to colleges and universities in the region when available.

Partners Unite for Successful Family Literacy Night at IALR

Partners Unite for Successful Family Literacy Night at IALR

In a display of community collaboration, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted a successful Family Literacy Night on Pi Day, 3.14, underscoring its commitment to education and literacy.

The event was made possible through strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations dedicated to literacy advancement. Notable collaborators included Dan River Year AmeriCorps, The Literacy Lab, REACH AmeriCorps and The Joy of Reading – Jennifer Williams, who donated books for the event’s giveaway.

As a testament to the event’s impact, 150 guests participated, engaging in various literacy activities based on books. Fifty-six dedicated volunteers dressed up as book characters to run the activity stations and represented 13 community-based organizations.

More Event Photos 

Among the organizations represented by volunteers were the Danville Otterbots, Danville Project Literacy, URW and Dollar, Danville-Pittsylvania County United Way, Pittsylvania County 4-H Agent and Teen Leader, Danville 4-H, Center for Early Success, Tooth Fairy in Disguise, Pittsylvania County Library, Ruby B. Library, the Reading Cohort, as well as students and advisors from the Dan River High Interact Club and the Dan River High Beta Club.

“We are honored to host such a meaningful event that underscores the power of partnerships in advancing literacy and education. Family Literacy Night embodies the spirit of our mission at IALR, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to nurture a community where everyone can thrive.” – IALR President Telly Tucker

Upcoming Events at IALR

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
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, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

Harnessing Endophytes for Disease Management in Agriculture

Harnessing Endophytes for Disease Management in Agriculture

Using fungicides in agriculture has long been a double-edged sword, providing effective disease management but also leading to environmental concerns such as resistance development, pollution and unintended harm to non-target organisms. As growers face limited options with the withdrawal of legacy chemistry from the market, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives to conventional agroprotectants.

One promising solution: biocontrol agents.

Biocontrol agents, which are naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, offer environmentally friendly alternatives for disease management. The Plant Endophyte Research Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) maintains a library of more than 2,000 characterized bacterial endophytes. These endophytes reside in the internal plat tissues and function as biostimulants and biocontrol agents.

Fighting Pythium with Biocontrol Agents

In a recently published study, a team of researchers led by IALR Senior Scientist Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa investigated the efficacy of a bacterial endophyte as a biocontrol agent against Pythium ultimum for cucumber and lettuce production.

Featured in the scientific journal POLS ONE, the recently published study investigates the use of a bacterial endophyte called IALR1619 (Pseudomonas sp.) to combat a common plant pathogen, Pythium ultimum. This pathogen causes issues in hydroponic lettuce and cucumber farming by stunting growth and even killing young plants. Pythium is a difficult-to-control disease in indoor and greenhouse farming systems, and there are only a few chemical treatments.

The study found that treating cucumber seedlings with IALR1619 improved their survival rates both when the plant was exposed to Pythium ultimum within one day of inoculation and several days later. Additionally, lettuce plants treated with IALR1619 showed better growth and higher yield than untreated ones, indicating the potential of this approach in different farming systems with a controlled environment.

Implications for Controlled Environment Agriculture Production

The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the natural protective mechanisms of biocontrol agents, growers can mitigate the environmental impact of conventional fungicides while maintaining effective disease control. Using biocontrol agents offers a promising avenue for integrated disease management strategies, providing growers with sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments.

The Research Team

Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist, IALR

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist, IALR

Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR

Robert Chretien, Laboratory Research Associate, IALR

Mitchell Doss, Virginia Tech Research Specialist

Dr. Tim Durham, Associate Professor of Crop Science at Ferrum College

Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Inside IALR Podcast: CNC Machining Innovation Lab

Inside IALR Podcast: CNC Machining Innovation Lab

The “Inside IALR” team showcases the CNC Innovation Lab inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) with CMA Operations Manager Kevin Thompson and CNC Technologist Jeremiah Williams. This episode highlights how the 5,791-square-foot CNC Machining Innovation Lab enables new and existing businesses to evaluate their processes, build out improvements and incorporate efficiencies without disrupting current operations. This space empowers manufacturers to increase global competitiveness (02:44). They discuss the role of CNC machining (04:18) and its primary role within the manufacturing industry (06:06). The equipment and processes (08:27) are the main attraction for industry. Kevin and Jeremiah explain the specific services provided by the CNC Innovation Lab (14:46) and also provide a short explanation of the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and how the CNC Lab fits into that (19:14).

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IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Fink as the new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center and Operations. Her proven and diverse event management experience, strategic vision and commitment to delivering exceptional events and experiences will undoubtedly drive the continued success of the ICC and further our mission of economic transformation in our region.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Fink is an experienced marketing, sales and event leader known for her strategic leadership and dynamic approach to event management. Her track record includes planning corporate and social events with guest counts exceeding 1,000. Her time working in numerous event-oriented roles has left her with a deep knowledge of the planning and logistics that go into creating successful experiences and events.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Institute Conference Center – one of the premier venues in all of Virginia,” said Fink. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.”

Fink most recently served as Director of Events and Marketing for Mayfair Hospitality, which oversees several hotels and venues in Winston Salem, N.C. Fink has also worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary and as an on-air morning show host and sales manager for a Baltimore radio station. Fink has experience in sales, events and marketing across several industries and in different roles. Fink holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University. Her commitment to the community includes board positions and membership with such groups as the Forsyth County Hospitality Alliance, the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and Junior League.

“Tracy Fink’s extensive experience, community engagement and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the ICC as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.” – Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

Fink is filling this role after the recent retirement of Leslie Dobbins, who worked with the ICC for more than 20 years.

Located in Southern Virginia, the Institute Conference Center (ICC) is a preeminent destination for conferences, meetings and events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled services and amenities like catering, technology support and event planning, the ICC offers a versatile and customizable space to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, the ICC provides a dynamic environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and success. The ICC also oversees IALR’s on-site cafe, Megabytes.

About IALR

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, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

GO TEC® Announces Angela Rigney as Director

GO TEC® Announces Angela Rigney as Director

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce an innovative educator and champion for career and technical education, Angela Rigney, has been named the director of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, effective Feb. 19. Most recently spending 13 years as the Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education for Pittsylvania County Schools, Rigney brings more than two decades of experience in K12 education and adult workforce development programs.

With a vision to inspire and prepare students for high-demand careers in technology and engineering, GO TEC is an innovative talent development initiative that started in Southern Virginia and is expanding across the Commonwealth. Rigney will oversee the program’s growth as Career Connections Labs and curriculum are implemented throughout Virginia in middle schools from Abingdon to Hampton Roads.

“I am honored by this opportunity to lead GO TEC, especially during this critical time of growth. Working with our many partners across K12, industry, higher education and economic development, we will continue to inspire middle school students, highlight STEM careers and, ultimately, create dependable talent pipelines.” – Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director

The GO TEC program provides middle school students with innovative, hands-on exposure to careers in strategic sectors – and helps them identify the steps needed to pursue those careers. IALR serves as the fiscal agent and program lead for GO TEC, which provides applied STEM education and connects students to careers in strategic growth sectors.

“Angela’s dedication to educational excellence and her experience with career and technical education initiatives align perfectly with our mission to drive economic growth through STEM education, skill development and work-based learning. We are confident that Angela will be a capable and visionary leader for GO TEC as we continue to expand and enhance our efforts in preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.” – Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR

Rigney joins the GO TEC program at a critical moment in the program’s growth. Through GO Virginia, local government and philanthropic funding and in partnership with three in-region coordinating entities (IRCEs) – EO (formerly the United Way of Southwest Virginia), the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) and Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODURF) – the GO TEC team is implementing the GO TEC Career Connections curriculum and classrooms in middle schools across the Commonwealth. After starting as a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools, more than 9,000 students from 44 different middle schools will interact with the GO TEC curriculum annually beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

In more than 20 years working with Pittsylvania County Schools, Rigney’s titles included Agriculture Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education. Rigney holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Radford University and a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Ferrum College.

About GO TEC

GO TEC delivers workforce training and talent development through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K12 school systems, higher education and industry. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs and continuing through high school, dual enrollment and postsecondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics and advanced materials.

About IALR

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, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

IALR Recognized with Prestigious Award for Apprenticeship Intermediary Role

IALR Recognized with Prestigious Award for Apprenticeship Intermediary Role

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) received the silver Outstanding Apprenticeship Intermediary Award from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works). This award recognizes impactful and growing contributions to workforce development through IALR’s Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program.

“We are honored to be recognized for our contributions as an apprenticeship intermediary. This award is a testament to IALR’s commitment to increasing access to registered apprenticeship programs and the invaluable partnerships we’ve forged with workforce stakeholders. We will continue to promote Registered Apprenticeship as the gold standard of work-based learning in Southern Virginia.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR

Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR and Carrie Roth, Director of Virginia Works

At the 6th Annual Outstanding Apprenticeship Awards held on Feb. 15, 2024, at Reynolds Community College in Henrico, Va., Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator at IALR, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The event, hosted by the State Apprenticeship Agency, Virginia Works, marks the first year awards were presented to acknowledge intermediaries, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the future of apprenticeship programs. As an apprenticeship intermediary, IALR can provide employers with technical assistance to develop a state-registered apprenticeship program as well as stakeholder education, grant funding to support related technical instruction (RTI) costs and connections to employers and talent.

“IALR is proud to serve as a connector, a convener, and a partner in impactful initiatives across different industries, all with the overarching mission of driving economic transformation. By connecting employers with resources and providing education and technical expertise, the ExTRA program exemplifies our commitment to win-win work-based-learning opportunities and a dynamic economy where every person can find opportunity and every business can thrive.” – IALR President Telly Tucker

IALR was one of only two recipients statewide of the Intermediary Award, with the gold award going to Hamilton-Ryker Talent Gro, a staffing and workforce solutions company serving multiple states. In addition to IALR’s accolade, Comfort Systems USA Mid-Atlantic – an ExTRA employer partner that sponsors plumbing and welding apprenticeship programs for youth and adults – was also honored with a Regional Outstanding Apprenticeship award.

J.R. Griffin, President of Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic , Jamie Lynn Anderson Lindley (Outreach, Recruiting, & Training Manager), Carrie Roth, Director of Virginia Works

“IALR’s support of Registered Apprenticeship through it’s role as an Intermediary is one prong of IALR’s multi-faceted work-based learning framework- EmPOWER. Through EmPOWER our team works to facilitate pathways that connect students to careers and employers to their future talent. Registered Apprenticeship and other work-based learning models, such as internships and mentorships, cultivate employees equipped with the skills essential to our regional employers.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

Jim Foti, US Dept. of Labor Employment and Training Administration Regional Director, Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR, State Secretary of Labor, Bryan Slater, and Kara Joyce, Virginia Works Regional Apprenticeship Consultant

Virginia Works Director Carrie Roth and Chief Deputy Director Angela Kelly Wiecek were on hand to present the awards, acknowledging the outstanding efforts of IALR and its partners in advancing apprenticeship initiatives across the state. By partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, IALR continues to pave the way for Virginia’s next generation of skilled workers.

About ExTRA

ISO-Certified Analytical Chemistry Lab Supports Diverse Clients

ISO-Certified Analytical Chemistry Lab Supports Diverse Clients

Local growers who need to verify the percentage of cannabinoids in a batch of industrial hemp.

Government agencies that need to examine the makeup of groundwater or identify if any heavy metals are present in a soil sample.

Startup companies that need to quantify the efficacy of products under development or obtain a certificate of analysis for batches of products on the way to market.

Multi-billion-dollar corporations from around the world that need an extremely specialized, customized set of product verification and quality control tests.

These are some of the primary client groups that use the reliable, unique and affordable testing services and capabilities offered by the Analytical Chemistry Lab at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Utilizing some of the most sophisticated and effective commercially available chemistry testing equipment, the IALR Chemistry Lab supports various industries regionally and globally with methodology development and chemical testing services.

Contact Us about Analytical Chemistry Services

“The IALR Analytical Chemistry Lab provides testing services that give clients the data that they need to move forward. What sets our lab apart is that we provide those services at a high level and a low cost.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Defining Analytical Chemistry Testing Services

At its core, analytical chemistry involves determining the exact chemical composition of a material. This means both identifying every chemical present and quantifying the volume of each.

To complete that level of analysis, the first – and generally more involved – step is to break down a material to its base components or chemicals. This step involves chromatography, which is the process of separating the chemicals.

Once all the base components are separated, chemical detection can commence. Staff in the Analytical Chemistry Lab utilize a mass spectrometer to identify every chemical. One of the most effective mass spectrometers available, the Waters® Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (TQXS MS) can recognize components in the parts per billion, allowing for identification and analysis of trace amounts of any chemical.

The types of testing services that the IALR Analytical Chemistry Lab provides can be divided in two distinct ways:

Individual Testing vs. Ongoing Product Testing

Some clients need a one-time test run on a particular sample. For example, a government agency might need to examine heavy metals in a soil sample. Or a company may want to reverse engineer a product to determine its chemical composition.

On the other hand, many companies provide products for regular quality control testing. The chemistry team would provide a certificate of analysis that validates product claims, making it more valuable to the consumer.

Chemical Analysis vs. Methodology Development

Every client of the Analytical Chemistry Lab utilizes its chemical analysis capabilities on some level. The chemical analysis can range from a series of procedures that examine a single analyte to tests that scan for hundreds of different analytes at the same time.

What makes this lab unique, however, is the ability to provide methodology development to determine what types of tests and processes would work for a given material and client need. There is not a single test or process that works for every material, which is why the chemistry team often must develop an individual method for different clients.

“We’re willing to work closely with our clients to develop methodologies and targeted analysis specific to their needs.” – Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR

IALR Chemistry Lab Equipment

Waters® ACQUITY UPLC (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatograph) system coupled with Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (TQXS MS)
Waters® ACQUITY UPLC system coupled with a Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector and XEVO Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (QToF MS)
Agilent® 7890 Gas Chromatograph (GC) with Agilent 5975C Mass Spectrometer (MS)and Flame Ionization Detector (FID) with the 7696A Headspace Sampler add-on
Agilent® 7800 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Agilent® 1100 HPLC with Diode Array Detector (DAD)
Astoria Pacific® A2 Segmented Flow Analyzer coupled with an Astoria Pacific 311 autosampler
CEM® MARS 6 Microwave Extractor
Teledyne® Flash Chromatograph
Two Heidolph® 2-liter bench-top rotary evaporators

 

Chemistry Testing for Different Industries

The Analytical Chemistry Lab at IALR supports an exceptionally diverse pool of clients, which can broadly be grouped into a few categories:

  • Local growers
  • Startups
  • Large corporations

Since 2019, IALR’s Analytical Chemistry Lab has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to test for cannabinoids in industrial hemp. As one of the few labs in the Commonwealth of Virginia that can issue certificates of analysis for hemp, growers from around Southern Virginia come to IALR for those needs.

“A grower’s livelihood is on the line, so we are very proud to be selected as one of the few labs that can be entrusted with this type of testing.” – Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR

The Analytical Chemistry Lab supports companies from around the world across numerous industries, including agricultural, biotech, chemical, pharmaceutical and natural product industries. Services include Quality Control (QC) testing and QC release, stability studies, method development and optimization and validation.

One regular client is Mara Labs – a relatively young startup company based in Charlottesville, Va., that produces health supplements. After conducting its own internal tests, the company sends samples of its BrocElite® supplement to the IALR Analytical Chemistry Lab for confirmatory testing of the percentage of Stabilized Sulforaphane – a chemical that comes from vegetables like broccoli. Once a sample’s actual chemical makeup is confirmed to match the label, IALR provides a certificate of analysis.

“In terms of quality control, we are making sure that our products are in good shape for the customer. Jack and the team are helping us to achieve that goal.” – Wei Zheng, Lab Technician, Mara Labs

In addition to the frequent confirmatory tests for the BrocElite® supplement, He has worked with the company to develop new methods for several other newer products.

“There’s all different types of methods that you have to go through to get the extraction process for different materials. It takes individualized methods to do that.” – Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR

Chemistry Capabilities that Support Innovative Plant Research

In addition to all the services provided to clients from around the world, the Analytical Chemistry Lab supports the innovative plant-oriented research happening on the IALR campus. While most chemistry labs are oriented towards water, air or material analysis, the IALR lab is ideally suited for plants – making it unique.

Even though it is a critical part of IALR’s Applied Research division, the Analytical Chemistry Lab is not a traditional research lab. However, its capabilities do support the ongoing research of both the Plant Endophyte Research Center – an initiative focused on the use of naturally occurring plant bacteria as biostimulants and biocontrol agents – and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center.

An example: the Plant Endophyte Research Center is exploring ways to utilize microorganisms to help plants capture nitrogen from the air. The air is approximately 78% nitrogen, but plants cannot naturally pull nitrogen from the air; nitrogen is one of the costliest and environmentally damaging fertilizers. Some microorganisms (like endophytes) can help that process, and the Chemistry team is developing a specific methodology to see if the bacteria in experiments are fixing nitrogen from the air.

“When you combine our controlled environment agriculture work with our analytical chemistry and our capabilities in biology, it really makes the CEA Innovation Center unique in the U.S. The fact that we have everything together enriches all our programs.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

 

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Coming Full Circle as an Intern

Inside IALR Podcast: Coming Full Circle as an Intern

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.

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Beneficial Bacterial Research Shows Potential for Summer Lettuce Growth

Beneficial Bacterial Research Shows Potential for Summer Lettuce Growth

Researchers from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Tech are exploring ways to improve summer lettuce production. Their recently published study in the international peer-reviewed journal Scientia Horticulturae, which IALR Chief Scientist Dr. Chuansheng Mei led, explores the role of certain bacteria in boosting lettuce growth during hot weather.

This research leverages the expertise and resources of the Plant Endophyte Research Center and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, both located at IALR. The team combined their plant science, microbiology, biostimulants and agronomy expertise to investigate natural solutions for enhancing lettuce yields.

Key Findings

The title: ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) deaminase-producing endophytic bacteria improve hydroponically grown lettuce in the greenhouse during the summer season.

View the Article 

The study focused on examining the effects of bacterial endophytes on lettuce growth in a hydroponic system during the summer. Specifically, the researchers looked at how these beneficial bacteria influenced the growth of two lettuce cultivars, ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Rex.’ By introducing selected strains of bacteria with high ACC deaminase activity, which lowers a key plant stress hormone, the team observed significant improvements in lettuce shoot growth and chlorophyll content.

Effective Bacteria

Among the four endophytes tested, Burkholderia contaminans IALR1819 was particularly effective in enhancing lettuce production. With its high ACC deaminase activity, this bacterial endophyte played a crucial role in helping lettuce plants cope with heat stress and thrive in challenging conditions.

Implications for Agriculture

The findings of this research have important implications for agriculture, especially in regions where high temperatures pose challenges to crop production. Producers may have a valuable tool for improving crop resilience and productivity by harnessing the natural capabilities of beneficial bacteria.

As the global population grows, sustainable agricultural solutions are increasingly important. The Plant Endophyte Research Center and the CEA Innovation Center are focused on optimizing crop production while minimizing environmental impact.

The Research Team

Franklin County to Launch First Paramedic Apprenticeship Program in Virginia

Franklin County to Launch First Paramedic Apprenticeship Program in Virginia

Franklin County Public Safety, The Franklin Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Carilion, Ferrum College and IALR to offer the only Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship in Virginia.

The Franklin County Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with The Franklin Center, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Carilion, Ferrum College and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is proud to announce the introduction of the first and only Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship Program in the state of Virginia.

The launch of this groundbreaking initiative was marked by a Paramedic Apprentice Signing Day Ceremony on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. This program is designed to elevate the standards of paramedic services in Franklin County and create a robust pathway for aspiring paramedics.

By partnering with esteemed institutions like VCU Health, Carilion, and Ferrum College, Franklin County is spearheading a novel approach to paramedic training. The program will offer apprentices the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the Franklin County Department of Public Safety while completing 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and more than 280 hours of related technical instruction. This comprehensive training regimen is aimed at achieving national certification and acquiring additional related credentials.

“Through IALR’s Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program, we are thrilled to have supported this new apprenticeship opportunity,” said Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II for IALR, which, as an intermediary for the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, helped initiate and complete the registration with the state apprenticeship agency. “This program serves as a powerful precedent for expanding apprenticeship opportunities across diverse healthcare professions.”

The Paramedic Apprenticeship Program is set to bolster Franklin County’s paramedic workforce by providing tailored training programs that cater to the county’s specific needs. Moreover, apprentices will have the opportunity to earn wages while undergoing training, fostering an internal workforce pipeline and reducing reliance on external recruitment.

“The Paramedic Program is such an asset for Franklin County citizens. It provides an excellent career with great benefits and fills the need for more paramedics,” acknowledged Kathy Hodges, Executive Director of the Franklin Center. “I want to especially thank our team who brought this dream to reality: Franklin County Public Safety, Carilion, Ferrum College, and VCU Health. Franklin County’s Paramedic Program is honored to offer the first Paramedic Apprenticeship in the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Mirta Martin, President of Ferrum College, added, “As the College of Opportunity of Virginia, Ferrum College is proud to partner with our communities to provide the educated workforce industry seeks.”

“This collaborative effort has been a delight to observe from concept to delivery. We are grateful for this team and look forward to developing additional programs to support emergency services in the coming months,” said Dr. Jason Powell, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Innovation and Research Officer at Ferrum College.

Inside IALR Podcast: Cutting-Edge Analytical Chemistry Testing Services

Inside IALR Podcast: Cutting-Edge Analytical Chemistry Testing Services

The “Inside IALR” team sits down with Senior Analytical Chemist, Yimeng “Jack” He, and Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Scott Lowman, to discuss what analytical chemistry is (1:02). They discuss the primary capabilities and services offered by IALR’s chemistry lab such as Quality Control (QC) testing, stability studies, method development, and optimization and validation (2:21). Jack highlights some of the different pieces of equipment in the lab (9:05) and explains how it compares to other chemistry labs. Dr. Lowman also highlights the differences between fundamental and applied research (25:03) and how the analytical chemistry lab factors into IALR’s other research initiatives.

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V-TOP AND EmPOWER Webinar Coming to Dan River Region

V-TOP AND EmPOWER Webinar Coming to Dan River Region

Webinar Presents Resources to Recruit Talent and Strengthen Talent Pipeline

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.”

Logo for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

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. 

Register Today

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.

81 Students Celebrate Completion of ATDM Program

81 Students Celebrate Completion of ATDM Program

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) celebrated the accomplishments of 81 students who graduated as part of the program’s ninth and largest cohort during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 2, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

A 16-week, hands-on program, ATDM prepares adult learners in the skills needed to work in the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produces parts and equipment for the U.S. military. ATDM includes 600 hours of instruction and produces skilled talent with industry-recognized credentials. This program expands the pool of skilled workers in five tracks – welding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing and quality control inspection (metrology) – needed to develop submarines and other military equipment.

During the ceremony, welding student Nicholas Ortega shared a brief testimonial about the impact that the ATDM program has made on his life.

“Everyday my welding skills improved, and I began to realize my potential. ATDM gave me a foundation. As I move forward, I will always have ATDM with me.” – Nicholas Ortega, Welding Student, ATDM

Tom Kearney, a retired Rear Admiral with the U.S. Navy and a member of the SPECTRUM Group, shared a keynote address highlighting how the parts that these graduates will go on to weld, print, machine, measure and test will be critical components of submarines.

“Submarines turn everything you learned at ATDM into reality. You’re not just making parts that can work under normal conditions. All of these parts need to function at greater than 800 feet under the ocean. Some of the parts you will be making have to function for 30 or more years under significant stress loads.” – Tom Kearney, the SPECTRUM Group

This cohort brings the total number of ATDM graduates to 413 since the program launched in 2021.

ATDM Completion Ceremony 2/2/2024

Approximately 800-1,000 students will graduate from the ATDM program annually starting in 2025. The Navy’s national training center, which is housed on IALR’s campus, is under construction and slated for completion in 2025. Each of the five tracks will be offered across three shifts when the training center is completed.

About IALR

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 Martinsville and Danville. 

About IALR

About ATDM

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading a multi-year pilot project to test and evaluate ATDM as a training platform for regional training centers supporting the defense industrial base. The pilot project is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative which was launched in 2020 by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office (IBAS) in the office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

About ATDM

Top-Tier Metrology Equipment and Services Driven by Partnerships

Top-Tier Metrology Equipment and Services Driven by Partnerships

300,000

That’s how many points are scanned per second on the laser scanner on the Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex V163012 Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), one of the largest on the East Coast. Even a relatively small part has tens of millions of scannable points. In addition to the laser scanner, the CMM boasts a variety of unique qualification and measurement capabilities.

Equipped with the CMM and a bevy of other top-tier qualification tools and equipment, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) Metrology Lab provides critical measurement and qualifications services for the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and has the capability to provide support for private industry. Located inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement in Southern Virginia, the Metrology Lab with NIST Certified Inspection is the result of strong partnerships. IALR owns the equipment and space, but applications engineers with Mitutoyo and Master Gage & Tool Co. operate the equipment.

“The Metrology Lab is a unique resource for local industry and a key component of the Navy’s efforts to improve additive technologies and processes. The Metrology Lab also epitomizes several core tenets of IALR, including our mission of economic transformation, commitment to partnerships and penchant for utilizing state-of-the-art technology.” – Tim Robertson, Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Advancement

Top-Tier Metrology Through Partnerships

Metrology, officially defined as the science of measurement, is a crucial element of any manufacturing process. In the Metrology Lab at IALR, application engineers can perform relatively simple measurements, such as physical dimensions, and highly complex qualifications of factors like shape, hardness and many other physical qualities.

The CMM inside the Metrology Lab can perform some of the most sophisticated yet critical measurement and qualification processes possible. It has a work area that can accommodate pieces as large as five feet wide, nearly 10 feet long and almost four feet tall, but the space can also be used for smaller parts. For instance, staff could place dozens of the same parts on the surface area and program the CMM to perform identical qualification tasks on each.

 

“The Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex V163012 Coordinate Measuring Machine can pretty much do any type of inspections that would be needed in the industry.” – Carlos Cabello, Applications Engineer, Mitutoyo

Every measurement the machine makes is down to the micron.

Some of the services offered by the Metrology Lab with NIST Certified Inspection include:

  • Contract inspection
  • CMM programming
  • Laser scanning
  • Automation integration
  • Reverse engineering
  • Calibration services
  • Application engineering support

Qualification and Measurement for Navy and Industry

The Navy established its Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) inside the CMA. Tasked with scaling and maturing additive technologies for the production of submarine components to bolster naval shipbuilding and repair supply chains, the AM CoE includes the Navy and nine other organizations. The AM CoE team develops new technical data packages (TDP), which are essentially comprehensive “recipes” for utilizing additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, techniques to manufacture particular components.

The Metrology Lab – as well as the CNC Machining Innovation Lab that IALR owns and operates – plays a critical role in this operation. In fact, the team in the Metrology Lab will conduct three separate inspections of every part:

  • Initial inspection after a part is 3D printed. The team will compare physical measurements to the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model.
  • After heat treatment, the team conducts another inspection to ensure that the part holds its shape.
  • After final CNC machining work is completed, the team conducts a final inspection that involves checking every dimension.

“It’s very honorable work, and I’m very proud to be a part of this project.” – Sean Cobb, Master Gage and Tool

While the AM CoE utilizes the lab to complete numerous inspections, the partners can also use the equipment to provide services and support to industry. The CMM and other equipment allows industry in need of testing support to accurately and affordably measure and certify products.

“In order for a company to do this level of measurement and qualification, they’re going to have to make major capital investments and slow down production. We can provide those testing services in a convenient and certified way without impeding production.” – Kevin Thompson, CMA Operations Manager

The Center for Manufacturing Advancement, which houses the Navy’s AM CoE and impactful technology and resources like the Metrology Lab, is located in Danville, Virginia, on the IALR campus. Companies that are interested in partnering with IALR in the CMA by utilizing the services of the Metrology Lab, collaborating with the CNC Innovation Lab, or learning about automation in the Industry 4.0 Integration Lab should contact the IALR team.

Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Businesses

Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Businesses

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.

AspHIRE – Meet Your Future Workforce

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:

  • Danville, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: March 5 and 7
  • Farmville, Longwood University: March 13
  • South Boston, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center: March 26

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.

Volunteer Interest Form 

Ignite – Internships

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.

Internship Support

Employer Internship Interest Form

Next generation Of Work (NOW) – Teamship

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. 

Next generation Of Work (NOW)

Exploring Careers Through Industry Teacher Externships (Excite)

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.

Business Interest Form 

Educator Interest Form

Sector-Focused Camps

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.

Registered Apprenticeship

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.

Apprenticeships 

Inside IALR Podcast: Industry 4.0: Robots, Automation and Efficiency

Inside IALR Podcast: Industry 4.0: Robots, Automation and Efficiency

What is Industry 4.0? It involves interconnected machines and data analysis capabilities, and it’s what allows three robots to utilize two CNC machines and several other tools and processes to convert a piece of raw material into a finished packaged product without any human involvement inside IALR’s Industry 4.0 Integration Lab.

The “Inside IALR” team is on location inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) with Butch Kendrick, Director of Digital Manufacturing, to outline the goals and capabilities of the Industry 4.0 Integration Lab (0:33), discuss the main principles of Industry 4.0 (1:47), and explain the processes and technologies inside the lab (12:03). Butch describes some of the challenges in designing and implementing the Industry 4.0 Integration lab (17:38) and highlights additional technologies and processes that he hopes to add to the lab in the future (21:13).

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Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

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

View the Full Report

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 2023:

  • The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continued scaling up toward its target of 800-1,000 annual graduates by 2025.
  • The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program is expanding across the Commonwealth thanks to a $3.4 million grant from GO Virginia and public and private investments.
  • The inaugural Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East brought more than 220 participants from around the world to the IALR campus.
  • The Institute Conference Center hosted 27,600 guests at events and programs, ranging from multi-day conferences to executive business meetings to training seminars.
  • IALR opened and began operations in the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, which supports industry with a variety of services and houses the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
  • Nearly 30 industrial sites across Southern Virginia received a higher certification from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, with 21 moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 and an additional eight sites moving from Tier 2 to Tier 5, which denotes a shovel-ready graded pad site.
  • A new Public Health AmeriCorps program launched to expand public health capacity through education and outreach, including public health workshops.
  • IALR entered into 15 new non-disclosure agreements to partner with companies around the world by providing contract analytical and testing services.
  • Five new companies announced projects in Southern Virginia and four existing companies announced expansions. These projects total 545 new jobs and $335.7 million in capital investments.
  • In its ninth year, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo expanded to a second location at Hampden-Sydney College, allowing the event to reach additional students across more than a dozen Virginia localities.
  • IALR received a $497,890 grant from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for the ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program to grow state-registered apprenticeship in 15 Southern Virginia localities.
  • Megabytes café launched a new and improved menu.
Inside IALR Podcast: Behind the Scenes with IALR Support Services

Inside IALR Podcast: Behind the Scenes with IALR Support Services

The “Inside IALR” team highlights the support services that help keep IALR running: Facilities Maintenance & Information Technology (IT). This unique (and fun) episode features an engaging conversation with two long-tenured employees, Stewart East, Manager of Facilities Maintenance, and Tim Kruggel, Director of IT.

They discuss how, over the years, these two separate departments have worked seamlessly to support our growing campus, team and impact. We also get them to reveal some of the more interesting help desk tickets they have received and situations they have responded to.

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Circ – How IALR Supports Industry

Circ – How IALR Supports Industry

The average piece of clothing is worn between seven and 10 times before it is discarded.

Most of those clothing articles end up in the landfill, the incinerator or dumped somewhere around the world.

Less than 1% of textile waste from clothing is recycled back into clothing.

Most of these clothing articles are made from polycotton, a mixture of polyester and cotton. A Danville–based business, Circ is a circular fashion company that implements a unique technology to separate the polyester and cotton, allowing both materials to be recycled and used to create additional clothes later. (Previous efforts to separate these two fibers would result in the destruction of one material or the other.)

“The building blocks of clothing are natural resources like petroleum, cotton or metals. You can take those building blocks from clothing and turn them back into clothing – that’s what we do. It’s closed-loop garment recycling. But you also can take the building blocks from clothing and turn them back into something else. In the end, the building blocks are commodities that can be recycled many, many times.” – Dr. Iulian Bobe, Circ Co-Founder

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has rented lab space and provided various analytical chemistry and research services to Circ throughout the company’s life cycle, epitomizing the mission of regional economic transformation and industry-driven programs, services and support.

“It’s just incredible to see a company grow and be a part of that growth. It’s also very rewarding and at the core of our mission of economic transformation.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

The Company Story

In the mid 2010s, Circ’s initial focus was a technology that would extract sugars and oils from tobacco to produce biofuels. Funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission helped the company – then known as Tyton BioSciences – locate in Danville. The hydrothermal technology they developed for the separation process worked, but they saw potential in a different application that also had deep ties to Southern Virginia: textiles.

“We learned a lot about biomass and how to extract those molecules from tobacco. That technology helped us with textile recycling, the application we do today.” – Dr. Iulian Bobe, Circ Co-Founder.

Under the new company name of Circ, they are working to create a circular fashion industry where commodities and products are recycled and reused instead of going straight to the landfill after one use. Circ is facing this issue from multiple fronts by creating new recycled yarn for other brands to use and establishing themselves as their own functional brand.

Today, the company operates out of the Dan River Business Development Center and is focused on scaling operations. Circ’s unique mission and technology recently received international attention as the company became a finalist for the Earthshot Prize – a program founded by Prince William that rewards companies focused on sustainable technology and solutions.

“The story of Circ is an amazing entrepreneurial success story. With an innovative technological advancement, the company has transformed from a startup in the tobacco repurposing sector to an internationally recognized circular textile/fashion company. The story of Circ is a great example of how IALR can play a role in supporting companies throughout their life cycle with a variety of services including office and research lab space.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

IALR Support

The Applied Research team at IALR provides services and testing and collaborates with large and small companies in Southern Virginia, around the country, and even around the world. IALR has more than 60 active nondisclosure agreements with companies worldwide.

Since Circ arrived in Danville, IALR has provided a variety of services and support.

“We basically hired IALR for characterization of the starting materials,” Dr. Bobe said.

In addition to working with IALR’s advanced materials experts, over the years, Circ has contracted analytical chemistry services and even used office and lab space on the campus until 2023.

Since Circ arrived in Danville, IALR has provided a variety of support, including advanced materials and analytical chemistry testing and characterization services.

“In economic development, our job is to compile and market all the ways that a company would benefit from doing business in our area. When recruiting new companies to Southern Virginia, IALR’s ability to provide a variety of support, ranging from testing and analytical services to temporary space to collaboration opportunities, is a major selling point.” – Linda Green, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director, IALR Vice President of Economic Development

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

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