VT College of Science presents Breakthrough - A Student Research Magazine Vol. 1 No. 1 | Page 3

BREAKTHROUGH MAGAZINE | 2014 Research at Virginia Tech Virginia Tech generated $454 million for research programs in fiscal year 2012, and ranked 41st in the nation (in 2011), according to the National Science Foundation. Each year, the university receives thousands of awards to conduct research from an ever-expanding base of sponsors. Researchers pursue new discoveries in agriculture, biotechnology, information and communication technology, human health transportation, energy management (including leadership in fuel-cell technology and power electronics), security, sustainability, and a wide range of other engineering, scientific, social science, and creative fields. This research led to 36 patents and 17 license and option agreements in fiscal year 2013. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center offers opportunities for businesses to establish close working relationships with the university and nurtures entrepreneurs pursuing new inventions and developments. Submitting Student Research Welcome to Breakthrough, the College of Science magazine dedicated to student research While the College of Science is certainly proud of the scientific achievements of our faculty – many of whom hold prestigious fellowships and honors within their respective disciplines – their true achievement lies in the students that graduate each year. Some of our graduates go on to use their skills in industry or government settings, while others continue their education so they can join their professors as academics and/or research scientists themselves. As part of the educational process, research is a key component that helps Virginia Tech stand out among leading institutions. At the earliest stages, through innovative programs like our Integrated Science Curriculum, we strive to have students engaged in research with top scientists at the earliest opportunity. Lay Nam Chang Dean, College of Science As science becomes ever more interdisciplinary and as we engage the world at a nano-level, we find that systems in one discipline have impacts on systems in other disciplines. To take advantage of this synergy, we need scientists who are educated and trained to work cross-functionally. The research contained here represents various points in the academic development of our students as they build the bridges and connections between their studies and the world they will help improve. Looking at the research presented, I can’t help but be both impressed by the dedication of our budding scientists and proud of the role the College of Science has played in shaping their futures. I’m sure, as you review this work, you will come to understand the passion our students have for their subjects and how the future of science in our nation will continue to be well represented in the future as they continue to challenge themselves by learning, discovering, and ultimately, finding their own Breakthroughs. Breakthrough is a magazine filled with student research. Undergraduate or graduate level students who wish to submit an unpublished work, in any discipline housed within the College of Science, should work through their professor or advisor and submit the work to the Director of Communications, North End Center, Ste 4300 (0405). You can also email it to: [email protected]. Breakthrough is an annual digital publication and can be found at the following link - http://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand?q=VT+College+of+Science Papers submitted for Breakthrough will be sent before an editorial board who will make the final selection. Authors will then be contacted for a