Pursuing global excellence and transformational growth for all

Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the Hokie spirit has led to a year filled with groundbreaking research, inspiring stories of achievement, and a steadfast dedication to improving the world through engineering.

This edition of our magazine is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our students, faculty, alumni, and staff. Inside, you'll find stories that not only highlight our achievements past and present, but also provide a glimpse into the future of engineering, a future we are excited to build together. Thanks to the work of our faculty and students, we are paving the way for new innovations in wireless communications, AI and machine learning, additive manufacturing, quantum engineering, renewable energy, engineering in healthcare, and much more. 

We’re also actively creating opportunities for Hokie engineers to learn outside of the traditional classroom setting. All thirteen departments and schools are invested in providing bridge experiences, such as undergraduate research, co-ops, internships study abroad programs, and course-based projects where students partner with external stakeholders to solve authentic, real-world problems. These hands-on experiences provide a platform for our students to innovate and collaborate with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, preparing them to tackle the most complex problems of our time. In recognizing the importance of preparing students to enter the global workforce, the Virginia Tech Advantage aims to remove barriers for students to engage in these unique learning experiences, and I am honored to share the inspiring stories of our students throughout this issue of the magazine.

One of the most heartfelt pieces we share this year is the retirement of Bevlee Watford, the executive director of the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED). Her pioneering efforts have not only transformed our college but have also set a benchmark for engineering programs nationwide. Her unwavering commitment to community has paved the way for countless students - especially those least represented in STEM - to achieve their dreams. We celebrate her legacy and look forward to building upon her remarkable work.

Other stories in this issue include reflections from women-led student organizations at Virginia Tech, the “untold” research of the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, alumnus Steven Bathiche’s journey from Blacksburg to Microsoft VP, a close up on the Concrete Canoe student design team leading up to competition day, and much more.

As you read through the stories in our latest edition of the Virginia Tech Engineer, I hope you feel as inspired and proud as I am of our College of Engineering community. Together, we are not just dreaming of a better future; we are actively building it. Here's to another year of success, collaboration, innovation, cutting-edge research, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.