Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. With an 85% job placement rate and graduates from nearly every state, ATDM is creating real career opportunities. In this episode, recent graduates Dylan Carter and Angel Gallaher describe how the program equipped them with technical expertise, industry certifications and career-ready confidence.
The September 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with President Telly Tucker and Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, leadership and the mission of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. From managing exponential expansion to filling workforce gaps, Tucker and Hughes reflect on how IALR continues to transform lives in Southern Virginia and beyond. Along the way, they share candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the people who make it all possible.
This episode offers a thoughtful look behind the curtain at IALR’s momentum, future regional economic transformation, leadership in action, and how innovation takes shape across research, manufacturing, workforce and education.
A new feasibility report reveals an emerging opportunity to align two of Virginia’s target sectors—data centers and controlled environment agriculture (CEA)—through strategic co-location. This report was released by non-profit Resource Innovation Institute (RII) in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and GO Virginia Region 3.
The report, Co-locating Data Centers and Greenhouses: A Feasibility Report, explores how Southern Virginia can adapt global best practices to create a new model for regional innovation and economic development. Highlighting Agriport A7 in the Netherlands as a leading example, the study outlines how co-locating these industries can unlock resource efficiencies, create high-quality jobs, and enhance community resilience.
“Virginia is strategically building a strong foundation for Controlled Environment Agriculture, driven by innovation and strengthened through public-private collaboration, to position our Commonwealth as a national leader,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “This report shows the potential to create high-quality agricultural jobs in rural Virginia while delivering significant revenue gains for local communities.”
“As data infrastructure expands and CEA continues to gain traction in Virginia, there’s a unique opportunity to plan ahead for smart, synergistic development,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of Resource Innovation Institute and co-author of the report. “We’re excited to offer this analysis as a roadmap for how Virginia can lead the nation in co-location innovation.”
The study presents a vision for clustered development zones where data centers and greenhouses share infrastructure, such as heat, CO₂, and energy, to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This clustering model, often seen in the Netherlands and Canada, offers a more competitive development plan compared to isolated facilities.
“We are pleased to collaborate with RII and IALR on this pioneering analysis,” said Lauren Willis, Chair of GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “Co-location between data centers and CEA operations represents an actionable, strategic opportunity to strengthen the regional economy while aligning with our long-term development goals.”
This opportunity comes at a time of notable momentum for the CEA industry in Virginia, with Danville emerging as a hub of activity due to research assets like the CEA Innovation Center, robust broadband infrastructure, and ready industrial parks.
“Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow across Southern Virginia,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. “This model of co-location can position our communities to compete nationally while delivering long-term economic and workforce benefits.”
The study recommends evaluating specific co-location sites, launching a demonstration project, and building a coalition to coordinate public-private investment. Drawing on decades of greenhouse management experience, report co-author Rob Eddy, RII’s Horticulturist, emphasizes the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with agricultural and data sector growth to maximize economic and environmental returns.
This research aligns with RII’s broader work through the CEA Accelerator, a U.S. Department of Energy-supported initiative advancing energy- and water-efficient agriculture. By integrating co-location strategies into regional development, the report offers a roadmap for communities like Southern Virginia to pursue resilient food systems, efficient industrial design, and long-term job creation.
Contact: Derek Smith, Executive Director
Email: derek@resourceinnovation.org
About Resource Innovation Institute (RII):
Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit shaping the future of food, energy, water, and data systems. Partnering with governments, utilities, industry leaders, and research institutions, RII develops strategies and tools that scale controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as a solution to global food and resource challenges.
Building on work with the U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USDA, and state agencies, RII is designing Farm Parks, regional resilience hubs that unite high-tech food production, circular resource sharing, and data infrastructure to achieve economies of scale.
About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts.
About GO Virginia Region 3
GO Virginia Region 3 works to grow and diversify the economy of Southern Virginia by investing in regional projects that drive innovation, workforce readiness, and business growth.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. Rhonda Hodges, Tad Deriso, Chris Eastwood and Dr. Betty Jo Foster were confirmed as Elected Directors. In addition, four representatives from the IALR Board of Trustees – Mark Holland, Leslie Mantiply, Donald Merricks and Kunal Patel – have also joined the Foundation Board.
These appointments were confirmed during a joint meeting of the IALR Board of Trustees and the IALR Foundation held on Aug. 14.
Rhonda Hodges is President of Hodges WorkWise LLC, a workforce development consulting and training firm. She retired from Patrick & Henry Community College in 2025 after nearly three decades of workforce, economic and community development leadership.
“I have had the opportunity to partner with IALR on several regional workforce development programs and observe firsthand the impactful work they do. I am excited to join the IALR Foundation Board to assist IALR in securing and stewarding resources to advance the mission of being a regional catalyst for economic transformation,” said Hodges.
Tad Deriso has served as President and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation since 2005, leading efforts to expand fiber infrastructure, attract technology businesses and strengthen economic development in Southern Virginia.
“I’m excited to serve on the IALR Foundation Board and contribute to its mission of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Through my work at MBC, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic infrastructure investments can unlock opportunity and foster long-term growth. I look forward to helping the Foundation expand its impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen regional collaboration and innovation,” said Deriso.
Chris Eastwood has spent 26 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, working primarily with retirees and business owners. Eastwood has served on several other community boards, including the Danville Regional Foundation, Danville Community College, Danville Life Saving Crew and Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation.
“The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research has played a vital role in the economic transformation of the Dan River Region. I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of such impactful work,” Eastwood said.
Dr. Betty Jo Foster has longstanding connections to IALR, having previously served on the Board of Trustees and as Interim President. She has also served as Interim President for Danville Community College and Central Community College and the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer for the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
“I believe strongly that IALR continues to make a huge impact on the economic transformation of this region,” Foster said. “I am looking forward to serving on the IALR Foundation Board of Directors to support and promote IALR’s work in all five areas of research, advanced learning, economic development, manufacturing advancement, and conference services.”
The IALR Foundation advances IALR’s mission to serve as a regional catalyst for economic transformation by securing and stewarding philanthropic resources. The Foundation supports applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, economic development and conference services while investing in initiatives that drive innovation, workforce development and long-term community growth.
The current Foundation Board includes: Tad Deriso, Chris Eastwood, Dr. Betty Jo Foster, Don Gibson, Rhonda Hodges, Mark Holland, Leslie Mantiply (President), Donald Merricks, Kunal Patel (Vice President) and IALR President Telly Tucker (ex officio).
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, will invest $457 million to expand the company’s power transformer production facility in South Boston, Virginia, creating 825 new jobs in the Commonwealth.
The new facility will produce large power transformers, which support applications like high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications. Upon completion, the campus will be the largest manufacturing site for large power transformers in the United States.
“Thank you, Hitachi Energy, for trusting Virginia, again! Hard-working Virginians and a business-friendly environment are what first brought Hitachi Energy to the Commonwealth. Now, after years of success here, they are doubling down on that decision with this landmark investment in South Boston,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Eight-hundred and twenty-five new jobs will be transformational for Southside Virginia, as will the power transformers those new hires are set to build. These transformers are critical to our Nation’s electrical grid and will be built right here in Virginia.”
Governor Youngkin continued: “We are also proud to announce a major workforce housing project to support Hitachi’s new employees. We are partnering with Halifax County and Virginia Housing to build 96 new homes supported by a grant from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program.”
“Virginia’s manufacturing sector is continuing to grow with this exciting investment from Hitachi Energy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “825 new employees in South Boston will soon be constructing the critical electrical equipment needed to power even more economic growth in the Commonwealth. As our energy demands rise, Virginia and Hitachi Energy are rising to the occasion.”
This expansion will help meet the Commonwealth’s rising energy demand and promote domestic access to critical grid technologies. The move also supports the power needs of American manufacturing and other sectors and much-needed grid expansion and modernization efforts. Collectively, these investments will create thousands of jobs, bolster electrical equipment supply chains in the U.S., and contribute to the development of innovative technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the U.S. grid. The project will also be supported by a partnership of local and state government to jump-start workforce housing construction. Halifax County donated 10 acres of land near the Hitachi Energy facility, and a grant from Virginia’s new Workforce Housing Investment Program will speed up construction of 96 units of housing for workers and their families. Halifax County will waive permit and connection fees to enable housing construction.
“Power transformers are a linchpin technology for a robust and reliable electric grid and winning the AI race. Bringing production of large power transformers to the U.S. is critical to building a strong domestic supply chain for the U.S. economy and reducing production bottlenecks, which is essential as demand for these transformers across the economy is surging. As the global leader in electrification, Hitachi Energy is uniquely positioned to deliver critical power solutions for the American market,” said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “Our investments in expanding U.S. transformer manufacturing capacity—including at our new South Boston facility—are already creating good-paying American jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing economic independence. At Hitachi Energy, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of the Trump administration, Governor Youngkin, Virginia’s General Assembly, and the Commonwealth’s congressional delegation, who came together to make this critical production capacity possible to power our energy future.”
“We are honored to partner with Hitachi for the expansion of the South Boston facility. The additional jobs and substantial financial investment in the community shows Hitachi’s commitment to Halifax County and our commitment to a strong business climate where industry can grow and thrive,” said W. Bryant Claiborne, Chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors. “This is a great day for our citizens, our businesses and for Hitachi. We look forward to the development of this project and the growth of our community.”
“We are pleased to support the continued growth of Hitachi in Halifax County. We are honored Hitachi has selected the South Boston plant for this investment. Since the groundbreaking of the original plant in 1967, this facility and its people have been vital members of our business community,” said Joel Medley, Halifax IDA Vice Chairman. “We look forward to continuing work with company leaders on workforce housing, training and childcare throughout this project and into the future.”
“Hitachi’s leadership in transformer technology is advancing energy reliability worldwide, with South Boston, Virginia, standing as a key hub where investment in people and processes strengthens both community growth and global innovation,” said Linda Green, Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “We are grateful for Hitachi’s continued investments in Southern Virginia and for the company’s expanding role in meeting the world’s rising energy demands.”
“The investment by Hitachi Energy represents a significant step forward in advancing Virginia’s future,” said Delegate Luke Torian, Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission Chair. “The General Assembly remains committed to strengthening the Commonwealth’s manufacturing sector and ensuring that we are prepared to meet increasing energy demands. We welcome Hitachi’s partnership in helping us achieve these critical goals.”
“This historic investment by Hitachi Energy in South Boston highlights the bright future ahead for Southside Virginia,” said Senator Tammy Mulchi. “I am proud that our region will play a key role in meeting the Commonwealth’s growing energy needs. Hitachi Energy has been a true partner to Halifax County and the surrounding communities, not only through major investments but by supporting families and creating opportunities throughout our communities. This investment will transform lives, strengthen communities, and lay the foundation for lasting growth in the great Commonwealth.”
“It is powerful news that Hitachi Energy will produce large power transformers at the South Boston plant,” said Delegate Danny Marshall. “Nationwide there is a shortage of electricity, especially for large-scale industrial applications. The shortage of equipment is part of the problem. Southside Virginia will help resolve some of that problem as Hitachi workers produce these crucial transformers.”
“A vigorous and reliable electric grid is critical for the American economy and American energy dominance. Bringing power transformer production to the U.S. is vital as energy demand skyrockets,” said Congressman John McGuire (VA-05). “I am thankful that this investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, to produce necessary large power transformers. This $457 million investment and facility will create more than 800 new high-paying jobs in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. I would like to thank Hitachi, President Trump, and Governor Youngkin for working with me to make this a success.”
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage transformers, automation, and power electronics, Hitachi Energy is addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, Hitachi Energy co-creates and builds long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company employs over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generates revenues of around $16 billion.
VEDP worked with Halifax County, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission to secure the project for Virginia. Hitachi will be eligible to receive an MEI custom performance grant of $29.4 million for site preparation and facility costs, subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly.
Support for the creation of 825 jobs will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, ranked the #1 Customized Workforce Training Program in the U.S. by Business Facilities. The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is a workforce initiative created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center has welcomed Elena Wasnak, an experienced restaurant and hotel chef, as its new head chef. In this role, Wasnak will oversee all food production for the Conference Center and Megabytes Café.
“Chef Wasnak brings an impressive background that aligns perfectly with our commitment to high-quality, memorable service. Her creativity, passion and depth of experience will elevate the dining experience for our guests and help us continue building the Conference Center’s reputation as a premier destination for meetings and events.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center
Wasnak brings more than a decade of culinary experience to IALR. Most recently, she served as executive chef with Antonia’s in Hillsborough, N.C., and as sous chef with Il Palio in Chapel Hill, N.C., two well-known fine dining Italian restaurants. Her expertise spans Southern Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, as well as baking and pastry arts. Known for her from-scratch pastas, she has a reputation for creating memorable dishes that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients.
“My approach to cooking is food first,” said Wasnak. “I’m excited to help take the food and beverage service for the IALR Conference Center, as well as Megabytes Café, to the next level.”
The IALR Conference Center offers professional, on-site catering services ranging from buffet luncheons and boxed lunches to formal sit-down dinners. Megabytes Café provides a variety of sandwiches, daily breakfast and lunch selections, and a hot buffet.
Wasnak is employed through Up to Par Management, a Virginia-based hospitality management company that partners with IALR to provide food and beverage services.
Four employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) have been selected to participate in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside, a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The program equips emerging and established leaders with the tools, experiences and connections needed to make an impact across Southern Virginia.
The IALR participants are:
“I’m attending the Leadership Southside program to build meaningful connections with area leaders, gain deeper insight into my leadership style, and sharpen my skills in conflict resolution and effective communication. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses so that I can grow into a more impactful and self-aware leader.” – Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist
“By participating in the Leadership Southside program, I aim to build greater self-confidence, enhance my communication skills, foster initiative, and differentiate myself from my peers. I want to expand my ability to give back, contribute and mentor. As an advocate for lifelong learning, this program will also help me gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses.” – Daniel Dalton, Graphic & Multi-Media Specialist II
“To me, leadership isn’t limited to just a title, it’s about supporting others and moving work and community forward. Even in roles where I’m not formally leading a team, skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability are essential. Through Leadership Southside, I hope to build on those skills so I can be a stronger teammate and a meaningful community leader.” – Abby Karavanic, Program Assistant, GO TEC®
“After more than 30 years in IT, I know there’s always more to learn about leadership and collaboration. This program provides the tools and reflection needed to help me continue developing as a leader and support my team and organization more effectively.” – Tim Kruggel, Director of Information Technology Operations
Now in its 33rd year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort meets monthly to explore topics such as the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others, and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.
Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist
Amaradasa conducts research on beneficial plant endophytes to control crop diseases and promote sustainable agriculture. His work includes laboratory, greenhouse and field trials to develop biological alternatives to pesticides.
Daniel Dalton, Graphic & Multi-Media Specialist II
Dalton is responsible for creating high-quality content and supporting the planning and execution of strategic marketing and communications campaigns and projects that support all aspects of IALR. He creates content across multiple platforms, including digital, print and multimedia.
Abby Karavanic, Program Assistant, GO TEC®
Karavanic supports the operations of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, helping coordinate activities that introduce students to future careers. She also assists with program development and community engagement.
Tim Kruggel, Director of Information Technology
Kruggel oversees the technology infrastructure for IALR, ensuring staff, guests and partners have the tools and systems needed for success. He leads IT operations and support across the campus.
What is it like to be a woman teaching advanced manufacturing in a field where men make up the majority?
Hear it from three members of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) instructional team: welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King. As the only women on a team of nearly 40 instructors and technicians, they share their career journeys, classroom experiences and what it means to mentor the next generation of manufacturing talent.
Through their stories, you’ll hear how ATDM’s fast-paced, 600-hour program equips students for life-changing careers in welding, metrology and more—and why representation matters in the skilled trades. This conversation highlights the impact of teaching, perseverance, and opportunity.
Welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King
🎙️Topics Covered:
What happens when Ph.D. candidates, master’s students, undergrads and interns all share the same greenhouse? You get a powerful, layered research environment that grows more than just plants.
In this episode of Inside IALR, we explore how the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is not only advancing sustainable agriculture but also training the next generation of researchers and industry leaders. A partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech, the CEA Innovation Center blends hands-on research, mentorship and workforce development.
You’ll hear how students at four different educational levels are conducting applied research on plant disease management, beneficial microbes and nutrient optimization. From mentoring interns to designing dissertation-level experiments, these students are learning and growing.
🎙 Guests:
🔍 Topics Covered:
Whether you’re an educator, student, grower or just curious about the future of agtech, this episode offers a glimpse into how research, education and industry come together under one greenhouse roof.
The August 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo, Southern Virginia’s premier hands-on career exploration event, is back this fall. It offers local businesses, organizations and community members an opportunity to impact our region’s future workforce. Coordinated by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Career ChoICE connects thousands of middle and high school students with local industries, highlighting the exciting career paths at home.
These events engage over 4,500 students annually from across Amelia, Buckingham, Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward, Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania schools.
Showcase your industry to enthusiastic students through hands-on demonstrations, equipment displays, or engaging conversations. Exhibitors receive booth setup support, tables, chairs, and power access, plus breakfast and lunch. This is your chance to help students visualize future career possibilities while promoting your business’s visibility in the community.
The deadline to register for an exhibit is Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is entirely sponsor-funded, ensuring the event remains free for both exhibitors and school attendees. Your sponsorship directly covers, meals, materials, and event logistics. Multiple sponsorship levels are available, each recognized at the event and in promotional materials. Make a lasting investment in Southern Virginia’s future talent pipeline.
The sponsorship deadline is Aug. 12.
Volunteers are crucial for creating a welcoming and organized experience. Help guide student groups, distribute materials, or assist with logistics. No specific experience is needed—just your willingness to help. Whether you volunteer for an hour or the whole day, your involvement significantly impacts the event’s success.
The volunteer registration deadlines are Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).
Highlight your organization’s emerging talent by encouraging a young professional (under 35) to share their career journey. These profiles inspire students by providing relatable examples of local individuals thriving in their chosen fields.
All Young Professional Profiles must be submitted by Aug. 12 to be considered for the printed Career ChoICE booklet.
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo aligns with 14 in-demand career clusters and features over 90 employers. It provides students with invaluable insights into local training and career pathways. Participating is simple, rewarding and impactful.
DANVILLE, Va. (July 31, 2025) – Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) recently celebrated its 1,000th program completer, highlighting the program’s continued success in building the defense workforce.
Glenn Claypool was recognized as the 1,000th program completer and joined fellow students in celebrating the cohort’s completion of the 16-week rigorous workforce training. Claypool discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor’s degree in business management and working in sales before deciding to pursue certification in non-destructive testing.
“ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,” said Claypool. “It’s not just a job, it’s a path that has equipped me with skills that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Created to support defense manufacturing initiatives across the United States and supply workers for the maritime industrial base, ATDM is well on its way toward its goal of 800-1,000 skilled tradespeople completing the program each year.
“Reaching 1,000 ATDM graduates bolsters a skilled workforce that our maritime industrial base needs urgently,” said Matt Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base Program. “ATDM graduates are contributing directly to building and sustaining our Fleet. As we scale this proven model nationwide, we’re helping our maritime industrial base develop the workforce needed to maintain maritime superiority for generations to come.”
Will Kaisen, the student speaker for cohort 17, speaks during the ATDM Completion Ceremony.
Graduating students complete 600 hours of intensive, hands-on training over 16 weeks, earning certifications in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades. These are high-paying careers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.
“ATDM’s Maritime Training Center is a vital component of the work we do at IALR to support and pioneer new accelerated training methods that build the future workforce for defense, maritime and advanced manufacturing,” said Telly Tucker, president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans addressed the finishing cohort at their completion ceremony, highlighting her unique connection to ATDM’s purpose as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, as well as being a Navy veteran herself and the wife of a Navy veteran.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans speaks during the completion ceremony for the 17th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM).
“This year the ATDM program is celebrating another major milestone, its 1,000th graduate, and that number represents the 1,000 men and women trained with the specialized skills needed to rebuild American manufacturing and support our defense industrial base, and that’s something to be proud of,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Graduates of this program are not just entering a workforce; you are stepping into a mission. Whether you’re heading to shipyards, maritime manufacturing facilities or defense plants across the country – your work will directly impact our national security.”
A distinguishing feature of the ATDM program is that students are prepared for the workforce beyond technical training. ATDM staff assist with resume development, interview preparation and direct employer connections, leading to an 85% employment rate for completers within a month of finishing the program. ATDM partners with more than 200 employers across the United States for job placement as well as job training, a strong indicator of the program’s success.
“ATDM has been a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts. The program consistently turns out graduates who are not just technically capable, but ready to contribute from day one,” said Kristi Rowe, people director at Keel. “One of our recent hires has already made a strong impression in his welding role—bringing precision, confidence, and a solid grasp of quality standards. What really stands out is how well ATDM’s training aligns with the real-world demands of our work. It makes the transition from training to the job smooth and effective. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.”
“I’ve met people from a wide range of backgrounds, different cultures, life experiences, education levels and career paths, but the one thing we all share is that we came to ATDM looking for new skills and opportunities,” said Claypool.
###
About ATDM
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the certifications needed to secure great-paying, in-demand defense industry jobs in these skilled trades: Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Non-Destructive Testing, Quality Control Inspection (also known as Metrology) and Welding. For additional information, visit https://atdm.org/.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with 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.
What is it like to be an intern at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research? In this episode of Inside IALR, hear from five of the 18 interns who spent their summer working across IALR’s divisions—from applied research and economic development to manufacturing advancement and GO TEC.
You’ll hear from:
They reflect on what they learned, the real-world impact they made, and how the experience is shaping their future careers.
What if you could track a plant’s health and growth every 15 minutes, all automatically and without ever touching it?
In this episode of Inside IALR, Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, explores the SMART Platform—IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table system. These high-tech tables combine robotics, precision imaging and automation to capture tens of thousands of data points per experiment, helping researchers analyze plant growth, stress response and even subtle movements in real time.
Learn how the SMART Platforms allow for entire plant life-cycle testing for beneficial microbes and enable real-time monitoring of plant health. You’ll hear about how interns have played a central role in coding and refining the system, how companies can contract research on the tables and how this technology is helping lay the groundwork for more sustainable agriculture.
Whether you’re into agtech, robotics, plant biology or data science, this episode connects it all. Plus, you’ll hear how this one-of-a-kind platform is opening doors for students and researchers alike.
🔍 Topics Covered:
The July 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
