Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

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Allison Moore Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders

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Allison Moore Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders

Allison Moore Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders

Allison Moore, the Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is one of 46 participants in the 2024 cohort of Lead Virginia, a prestigious leadership development program.

“I am honored to participate alongside some extraordinary leaders from around Virginia and look forward to deepening my connections and growing my network. Lead Virginia provides an exceptional platform to explore and reflect on the unique and diverse challenges, strengths and perspectives of each region. I appreciate this cohesive approach and deeply value IALR’s support of the experience.” – Allison Moore, Director of Public Relations and Communications, IALR

Lead Virginia, a nonprofit and non-partisan organization, operates on the principle of social capital. Each year, it brings together a select group of senior-level professionals who are committed to advancing the future of Virginia. Through immersive experiences in various regions of the state, participants engage directly with local and state leaders to explore responses to critical issues in the areas of economy, education and health.

The program cultivates a strong network of leaders who transcend professional boundaries to collaborate on solutions for the betterment of Virginia. Participants visit different regions of Virginia throughout the year, culminating in a session in the Richmond area and graduation in November. Each session immerses participants in a new region, with the opportunity to interact directly with local and state leaders to examine that area’s unique concerns and discuss potential solutions.

Moore is one of several distinguished leaders from across Southern Virginia who have been selected to participate in the Lead Virginia program. Others include:

  • Anne Moore-Sparks, President & Chief Executive Officer, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
  • Carolyn Howard, Senior Associate/Program Manager, Dewberry Engineers Inc.
  • Spencer Koger, Executive Director, Martinsville Uptown Partnership
  • Emma Lugar Sellers, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, Averett University
  • Diana Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, River District Association

Each of these individuals embodies a shared commitment to advancing the region’s interests and fostering meaningful progress.

Interns Gain Valuable Work-based Learning Experience

Interns Gain Valuable Work-based Learning Experience

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) welcomed nine interns for the 2021 summer session. Benefits of this internship include gaining on-the-job training and real-world leadership development experience valuable to future careers.

Each intern worked on projects pertaining to the focus of their assigned department. Megan Pollok, Graydon Smith and Samuel Hedrick assisted Dr. Lowman and the Research team. Pollok worked on a lettuce growing project she said would help determine “if beneficial plant bacteria can help improve heat tolerance in cool weather horticultural crops.” Hedrick worked with the SMART table, a precision imaging platform for plant research. He programmed a camera to take and file images, created a Graphical User Interface to set parameters, like the number of plants on the table and intervals at which the table should run, and used image analysis tools to gather data from the photos. Smith helped test the disease-fighting capabilities of IALR’s library of more than 2,000 beneficial bacterial plant endophytes. He inoculated test subject wheat seedlings and seeds with strains of the Fusarium fungus, a common plant disease.

Research interns Smith, Pollok and Hedrick use the SMART table, a precision imaging platform, to record and track plant growth in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

Cassandra Wade aided Human Resources by creating a performance-based bonus system for IALR employees, modernizing new hire orientation presentations, and creating a visual chart that shows lines of command in IALR staff throughout various divisions. Katherine Clatterbuck organized a Women in STEM panel, in which a board of women in STEM fields converse with students about their future career interests. Benjamin Boles helped the IT department arrange equipment for webinars, update computers with new software and aid IALR staff with technological inquiries.

Kaitlyn Davis and Jahna Waters produced communications like this newsletter story, developed social media content, captured photos of events, and more. Emily Ebalo worked in the Economic Development department where she conducted research on the region’s assets and resources; supported housing studies; assisted with site, industry and leader photo and drone shoots; and helped coordinate economic development announcements in the region.

All interns were hard at work during this program, which culminated with a presentation showcasing their projects. To view more photos, visit bit.ly/IALRinterns21

IALR’s summer Interns include (left to right): front row – Emily Ebalo (William and Mary), Samuel Hedrick (University of Virginia), Kaitlyn Davis (William and Mary), Cassandra Wade (Liberty University) and Benjamin Boles (Virginia Tech); back row – Megan Pollok (Virginia Tech), Jahna Waters (Averett University), Katherine Clatterbuck (Roanoke College), and Graydon Smith (University of Virginia).