This summer, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted 15 interns for a paid, eight-week experience. While working across many of the organization’s divisions and departments, these interns played a significant role in advancing IALR’s mission of economic transformation throughout the region and beyond.

The interns also demonstrate IALR’s leadership in workforce development and serve as a model of successful work-based learning. Through hands-on projects that support IALR’s mission, interns gain meaningful professional experience while helping advance initiatives that strengthen Southern Virginia’s economy and workforce.

During a celebratory lunch on July 24, IALR’s interns shared how they gained new skills and knowledge and learned how they can make a difference and contribute to the organization.

“Our interns took on real responsibilities and worked hard to support their teams. These experiences help students build skills, explore career paths, and understand what it’s like to work in a professional environment.” – Jessie Vernon, Director, Employer Engagement & Experiential Learning, IALR

APPLIED RESEARCH/CEA INNOVATION CENTER

IALR’s Applied Research division hosted six interns this summer. The division connects academia, industry and the public and private sectors through innovative research and collaborative partnerships. Building on Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage, the division advances discoveries in controlled environment agriculture (through the CEA Innovation Center), biotechnology (through the Plant Endophyte Research Center) and other emerging fields, while providing fee-based testing, contract research and technical services for industry partners.

John Roark, AgTech Intern

Roark spent his third summer with the Applied Research division carrying out a series of experimental projects using the CEA vertical farm and greenhouse, often with hydroponics. Roark is a recent Virginia Tech alumnus.

Gracie Edwards, AgTech Intern

Edwards spent her summer with the Applied Research division studying three marigold cultivars, examining how different fertilizer rates influence growth. Edwards attends Ferrum College.

Shemariah Jones, Biotechnology Intern

Jones spent her summer at the Plant Endophyte Research Center, screening some of the 2,000 endophytes stored at IALR and assessing their effects on plant growth and pathogens. Jones will begin attending the University of Virginia this fall.

Vivian Taylor, Biotechnology Intern

Taylor spent her summer performing an experiment to test the protective effects of different bacterial endophytes against Pythium species. Taylor will begin attending the University of Virginia this fall.

Matteo Costagliola, Coding & Robotics Intern

Costagliola spent his third summer at IALR improving and developing code for IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table (SMART) Platforms, which are automated plant imaging systems. Costagliola attends George Mason University.

Ashyna Robinson, CEA Center Marketing & Research Intern

Robinson spent her summer creating newsletters and educational materials, developing social media content and updating the CEA Innovation Center website. Robinson attends Old Dominion University.

MANUFACTURING ADVANCEMENT

Three interns worked with IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division, which helps manufacturers strengthen competitiveness through workforce training, technology integration and process optimization. The division leads Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM), a nationally recognized program supporting the defense industrial base, while also providing advanced manufacturing expertise through the Center for Manufacturing Advancement.

Dakotah Younger, CMA Applications Engineer Intern

Younger spent his second summer at IALR with the Center for Manufacturing Advancement. During his internship, he drafted, optimized and automated data entry for the engineers and machinists to reduce time spent on documentation. Younger attends Virginia Tech.

Coleman Lewis, CMA Applications Engineer Intern

Lewis spent his summer with the Center for Manufacturing Advancement. He worked on optimizing additive manufacturing processes and helped automate the documentation of the parts produced. Lewis attends the University of Virginia.

Daryl Brimmer, AI/Machine Learning Intern

Brimmer spent his second summer at IALR developing a machine learning algorithm to predict student success in the ATDM program. Brimmer attends George Mason University.

ADVANCED LEARNING

Two interns worked with IALR’s Advanced Learning division, which develops educational and talent-development programs that connect students to career opportunities and help employers build a skilled workforce. Through work-based learning, STEM education and lifelong and service learning, the division creates pathways that prepare learners for in-demand careers.

Thomas James, GO TEC Intern

James spent his second summer at IALR working with the GO TEC program. During his internship, he assisted with curriculum development and projects that will help middle school students explore technical career pathways. James attends Virginia Commonwealth University.

Emily Clatterbuck, Marketing & Program Development Intern

Clatterbuck spent her summer creating marketing materials, including flyers and social media content. She also assisted with STEM summer camps and field trips at IALR. Clatterbuck attends James Madison University.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Two interns worked with IALR’s Economic Development division, which partners with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) to attract, retain and grow industry across Southern Virginia by supporting business recruitment, regional collaboration and strategic growth initiatives. In partnership with SVRA and other economic development organizations, the division promotes the region’s assets and helps create opportunities for long-term economic success.

Audrey Williams and Nicholas Kania, SVRA Research & Data Analysis Interns

Williams and Kania spent their summers supporting the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance through research, data collection, event preparation and partner outreach. They helped organize and lead a two-day regional intern familiarization tour and assisted with projects that supported economic development initiatives across Southern Virginia. Williams attends the University of Virginia, and Kania will begin attending Hampden-Sydney College this fall.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

One intern supported IALR’s information technology department, which provides the infrastructure, systems and technical support that enable every division across the organization to operate effectively. From maintaining devices and networks to supporting users and organizational technology initiatives, the department plays a critical role in advancing IALR’s mission.

Trooper Garland, IT Intern

Garland spent his summer supporting IALR’s IT department. He helped set up and deploy computers around campus, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, manage user accounts and devices, and assist with various technology projects. Garland is a recent Averett University graduate.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

One intern worked with IALR’s marketing and communications department, which helps tell the story of the organization’s people, programs, services and impact. Through strategic communications, digital content, branding, media relations and event support, the department connects key audiences with the work taking place across the organization.

Rebecca Briones, Marketing & Communications Intern

Briones spent her summer supporting IALR’s Marketing and Communications department. Within her role, she photographed events and individuals at IALR; wrote articles for the organization’s website; assisted with graphic design, events and branding projects; and developed webpages and social media content. Briones is a recent Averett University graduate.