For her Summer Undergraduate Research Institute project, Cadet Ellie Pickford ’24 studied interactions between nicotine and commonly prescribed antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, or Prozac, and the effects on individuals who use both substances.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.
Our Corps of Cadets consistently rise to the top in their endeavors. Below are some of their accomplishments and achievements from summer 2023.
Cadet Antonio Ahanj ’24, international studies major, was awarded the Boren Scholarship to study Arabic in Jordan during the 2023–24 academic year.
Cadet Anna Yemelianova ’25, international studies major, was named a fellow in the Iris Burton Bulls Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Fellowship Program.
U.S. Air Force: Cadet Cate Dowden ’25 was a distinguished graduate of her U.S. Air Force Field Training in summer 2023.
Naval ROTC: Cadet Colin J. Tortorelli 2024+3 was the honor graduate at the NROTC New Student Indoctrination, 1st Increment in summer 2023.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute is a program where the cadet, as the principal investigator, conducts research directly with a faculty mentor. This year, 42 cadets in total participated in SURI with research in a large range of areas. Cadets conduct in-depth research with their faculty mentor for either a five-week or a 10-week experience, earning a scholarship and a room and board stipend. SURI has sponsored guest speakers, library instruction, and skill development sessions such as writing a project proposal, adding research to a resume, and how to write a research abstract. Cadet Ellie Pickford ’24 studied the effects of nicotine on antidepressants in Betta fish, for example, while Cadet Brian Tavenner ’25 researched rocket precision.
The director of publications oversees the Turnouts digital newsletter and supports a range of editorial projects that connect alumni and members of the VMI family and advance engagement and fundraising efforts. This role focuses on day-to-day content development, storytelling, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure messaging remains consistent and effective.
