Ella Atkins

Investing in innovation for aerospace and ocean engineering

As the head of the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Ella Atkins understands firsthand the vital role research plays in attracting top talent, since it was the strong program and exciting potential for growth in emerging areas of research that drew her to Virginia Tech. Now, three years into her role as the Fred D. Durham Chair in Engineering at Virginia Tech — a position made possible through donor support — she has established a fellowship aimed at helping junior faculty in the field continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. Having directly benefited from philanthropic investment herself, she brings a unique perspective on how this support fuels academic excellence and forward-thinking research.

Atkins’ gift to the Moraco Fellowship Challenge was driven by a desire to make an immediate impact. The matching funds offered by the Moracos made it possible to create a fellowship fund that could begin supporting faculty right away. “It allowed me to contribute at a level that was sustainable for me,” Atkins said. 

She hopes her fellowship will support a junior faculty member with flexible funding for everyday research needs — such as incidental expenses, professional travel, and undergraduate assistance — that are often difficult to cover through traditional startup packages.

“Engineering research is critical to attract and retain top faculty talent, as well as inspire and engage students at all levels in critical and creative thinking,” Atkins said. “I hope my gift can support aerospace and ocean engineering junior faculty to thrive just a bit more with the fellowship funds they receive each year.”