UH4504: Honors Discovery and Innovation Studios

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/83406

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Flash Flooding
Yerneni, Avekra; Fansler, Ashley; Alexis, Andrew; Shankar, Adhi; O'Brien, Gavin (2025-12-10)
Flash flooding is an increasingly dangerous yet widely underestimated hazard, particularly on university campuses where awareness, communication, and preparedness remain limited. This project investigates the causes, impacts, and mitigation challenges of flash flooding at Virginia Tech and proposes a communication-based intervention to improve student safety. Through an in-person interview with Dr. Craig Ramseyer, a Virginia Tech hydroclimatologist and geology professor, and additional discussions with university facilities staff, the group identified major gaps in how flood risks are conveyed to students, especially in frequently affected areas such as the Slusher Tower stairs, Newman Library entrance, and regions along Stroubles Creek. Research demonstrates that climate change, increasing rainfall intensity, and expanding impervious surfaces heighten flash-flood frequency and severity across Virginia and the Appalachian region. Locally, poorly draining campus infrastructure and steep topography compound these risks, leading to recurring property damage, hazardous walking conditions, and sediment transport concerns. Although state and regional agencies provide flood-mitigation programs, including improved drainage mapping, monitoring networks, and hazard-reduction grants, these efforts are not always prioritized for Appalachian communities, and campus-level communication remains insufficient. Our project responds to this gap by developing a series of Instagram posts designed to deliver fast, accessible, research-based flash-flood information to Virginia Tech students. Drawing from findings in risk communication, digital readability and design guidelines, the materials use high-contrast layouts, chunked information, and campus-specific imagery to increase comprehension, retention, and applicability. The group recommends distribution of posts through Virginia Tech Emergency Management's social media during National Flood Safety Awareness Week in March and National Preparedness Month in September. By shifting to a communication-centered strategy, this project provides a realistic, scalable method to raise awareness and reduce vulnerability among students. The completed work demonstrates the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and shows how targeted messaging can bridge the information gap surrounding flash flooding on campus.
Building Bridges Through Literacy
Nichols, Kendall; Umstadter, Ginger; Parisi, Sophia; Taylor, Bryanna; Cymbler, Harrison (2025-12-10)
Adult literacy is a critical issue in the New River Valley (NRV), where more than 24,000+ adults face challenges in reading, writing, digital skills, and workforce readiness. These barriers limit access to employment, healthcare, civic participation, and community independence. Literacy NRV, the region's primary adult literacy nonprofit, currently provides free tutoring, GED preparation, ESOL instruction, digital literacy support, and family literacy programs. However, an anticipated 20 percent budget reduction threatens the organization's ability to sustain services, expand programming, and meet growing needs. Our project proposes a long-term structured partnership between Virginia Tech and Literacy NRV to stabilize and strengthen adult literacy efforts across the region. Using a systems-thinking approach, our team analyzed the NRV literacy ecosystem, identified key stakeholders, and mapped out how improved collaboration could enhance community outcomes. Through data collection, research on national and regional literacy trends, and direct communication with Executive Director Ginny Ayers, we developed a phased implementation plan that outlines how Virginia Tech can support Literacy NRV through tutoring, ESOL assistance, digital literacy sessions, volunteer training, capstone and research, and administrative support. The proposal also emphasizes the shared values of both organizations (learning, service, and community empowerment) and demonstrates how a university nonprofit partnership can generate sustainable impact. Our final deliverable includes a formal partnership proposal, a one page summary for campus leadership, an infographic visualizing the literacy ecosystem, and a detailed implementation roadmap. This model aligns with Virginia Tech’s motto, UT Prosim, by positioning students, faculty, and community partners to contribute to long term solutions that expand educational access in the NRV. Strengthening Literacy NRV through a reliable university partnership enhances regional well being, supports lifelong learning, and helps create a more inclusive and literate community.
Riparian Buffer Proposal for Conserving Fish Populations within the New River Valley
Malapati, Chythra; Ruiz de Gopegui, Agustina; Robinson, Blake; Pope, Taniya; Hammer, Hannes (2025-12-10)
In recent years, aquatic ecosystems around the world have been facing widespread losses of biodiversity and major disruptions to ecological stability (Dudgeon & Strayer, 2024). These impacts are especially evident in fish populations, which serve as key indicators of environmental health. For instance, marine fish populations have been experiencing rapid declines, with 230 populations showing a median reduction of 83% in population size compared to historic levels (Hutchings et al., 2004). These declines can be linked to pollution as chemical pollutants are absorbed into fish skin and impair fertility and growth (All About Fishing, 2025). Locally, the presence of fish species in the New River Valley (NRV) has also been declining in conjunction with increasing levels of pollution, which has had widespread effects on wildlife, recreation, and the economy in the New River Valley. Candy darter and smallmouth bass population numbers have further decreased over the last couple of years due to recent events such as Hurricane Helene and other high-water flooding events that introduce harmful polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are commercially banned man-made organic chemicals, from landfills and industrial waste plants and fecal coliform bacteria from livestock farms and waste plants through runoff (Geology and Ecology of National Parks, n.d.). Currently, restoration projects in the New River Valley focus on preventing stormwater runoff near the source. Their efforts include rain gardens and porous pavement that allow water to filter into the ground before entering a body of water (Piney Creek Watershed Plan, 2012). However, stormwater runoff continues to enter streams, lakes, and rivers in the NRV, necessitating a solution that prevents runoff near these bodies of water. We propose a riparian buffer solution of creeping phlox, partridge berry, and winterberry suited to the steep slopes leading into Claytor Lake and the New River for runoff mitigation and fish conservation.
Overview of Accessible Housing in Blacksburg
Barnhart, Page; Hartung, Brynne; Mico-Crump, Javier; Rao, Casper (2025-12-10)
Off-campus housing in Blacksburg, Virginia, can be a difficult obstacle to face for all students, but is especially challenging for those with mobility limitations. About 14.3% of adults live with these kinds of limitations, yet only 0.15% of housing is considered accessible in the United States. With Blacksburg currently facing a housing shortage, a call to action is necessary to bring change to the extensive construction surrounding Virginia Tech’s main campus. As it stands, there are no openly available resources to identify accessible housing options. For housing to be considered fully accessible, it must include wider doorways and hallways, lower countertops and light switches, larger showers, ramps, elevators, etc. While some of these accessibility features are obvious just from looking at the complex, such as elevators and ramps, it can be hard to find details about the other features a housing complex might offer. Much of the housing in Blacksburg is leased or managed by CMG Leasing, but their websites do not include information on ADA compliance or the regulations for their facilities. Even the housing leased by other companies has little to no mention of the accessibility of their units. This has made it difficult for residents in need of these accommodations to be properly informed about their options, and may even affect their confidence in accepting admission to Virginia Tech. To resolve this, we propose that the information identified in this report be made available on the corresponding websites and informative brochures to present to the Blacksburg Town Council. We drafted a mock website and brochure to effectively outline our findings in a concise and meaningful way to assist in minimizing this gap and making housing options more available, despite mobility level.
Milwaukee Urban Revitalization Project
Cutrell, Grae; Krinsky, Jullian; Watts, Andy; Young, Cade; Zahir, Abia (2024-05-01)
The aim of this project was to educate young adults--particularly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin--about urban revitalization and urban renewal in their own community. Milwaukee has historically been subject to disinvestment and urban decay for the last few decades. Due to this, our group decided to hone in one of the most important voices of tomorrow: teenagers and young adults. Our Instagram campaign dissects our research in a more digestible format. Furthermore, it allows us to give community members useful information about urban revitalization, Milwaukee's history, and even local ways to get involved.
Fast Fashion Overconsumption Solution for the VT Community
Lausin, Arley; Mabaya, Gracie; Skeen, Kathryn; Sullivan, Mikaela; Tillery, Lauren (2024-05-01)
We researched the growth of the fast fashion industry, as well as the externalities pertaining to fast fashion and overconsumption. Our group defined fast fashion as the mass production of garments using cheap materials and labor to sell articles at lower prices due to increased demand. Both online shopping and social media have an effect on the fast fashion industry. We found that increased demand for fast fashion often stems from social media trends, like influencer culture and increased trend overturn rates. Our group primarily focused on e-commerce, or online shopping, as shopping for fast fashion is more likely to be done online. Online manufacturers are able to more easily keep up with micro-trends and high demand. We identified many externalities associated with the overconsumption of fast fashion garments to keep up with trends. These externalities include the exploitation of workers through unsafe working conditions, transportation and manufacturing emissions, and garment waste. We conducted a survey to assess the knowledge and shopping trends in the Virginia Tech (VT) student community. Our survey revealed that although students buy clothing online via social media, the majority of students are unaware of the harmful effects of fast fashion. We aimed to address the VT student undergraduate community with our final deliverable of an app. We developed a prototype for a buy/sell/rent app for university students. Instead of buying clothing to be worn once from fast fashion companies, we aim to give students a hands-on alternative to buy or rent used clothing articles. We aimed to create a broad model of an app that, once successfully piloted at VT, can be used by campuses nationwide.
Improving Information Access and Gathering on Higher STEM Education
Hagood, Mia; Koudry, Emily; Lin, Pei-Ying; Streat, Joshua (2024-05-01)
The goal for our deliverable is to improve VT’s website information by evaluating the various VT webpages as well as other universities’ equivalent webpages for ideas. As a result, we designed the final deliverable to be recommended improvements in the form of mockup webpage designs rather than a fully published and functional website. While the community we aim to impact on is VT’s undergraduate students, the audience for the final deliverable is VT Admissions faculty. This scaled-down version of the original concept for the deliverable is more within our means and more efficient as it means building upon the already existing resources rather than recreating everything from scratch.
Rain Transit in Detroit
Collins, Jonah; Gorman, Joseph; Oredipe, Albert; Podolny, Eric (2024-05-01)
The city of Detroit grapples with entrenched issues stemming from its historical reliance on automobiles. This dependency has exacerbated health and socioeconomic disparities, hindering community cohesion and mobility. Our project proposes a comprehensive rail-based solution to alleviate these challenges. By prioritizing safety, affordability, and reliability, we aim to foster a transit environment less dominated by cars, promoting environmental sustainability and equity. Detroit's current transit infrastructure inadequately serves its population, with low ridership due to unreliable bus systems. Our proposal advocates for light rail transit to enhance public mobility while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. By connecting diverse communities and mitigating urban sprawl effects, our plan seeks to address longstanding inequities. Central to our approach is a dual focus on climate and community development. We define community inclusively, encompassing Detroit's diverse populace, and prioritize local investment to bolster economic resilience. Concurrently, we aim to curb carbon emissions through transit alternatives, aligning with broader climate mitigation efforts. Acknowledging Detroit's economic struggles, we recognize the project's significant cost. However, we assert that light rail offers unparalleled efficiency and comfort over long distances, attracting riders and catalyzing development. Leveraging existing infrastructure and collaborative partnerships, our phased expansion plan aims to bridge residential and commercial areas, enhancing accessibility and economic vitality. Drawing from successful models like Charlotte, North Carolina, we envision mixed-use developments along transit corridors, bolstering economic prosperity. Yet, we remain mindful of potential gentrification risks and prioritize inclusive growth strategies. Together with statewide transit initiatives, our project aligns with Detroit's vision for equitable urban development. By providing a robust, sustainable transit network, we aspire to transform Detroit into a more connected, prosperous, and resilient city for all its residents.
Food Insecurity in Appalachia
Mehta, Kareena; Sumner, Dani; Utton, Lydia; Webb, Erika (2024-05-01)
This paper serves to explore the multifaceted complexities of food insecurity in the Appalachian region. This paper will delve into the current converse impacts food insecurity has in the areas of environment, health, government, socio-cultural practices, spatial built environments, non-profit organizations, and economics. This paper also features a review of the complex system of Appalachian food insecurity and an understanding of how community wealth building as an economic framework can influence and intervene in the current system’s leverage points. Through a comprehensive analysis of the available literature and a recommendation of influenceable leverage points this paper seeks to synthesize and inform a target audience of stakeholders such as policymakers, educators, non-profit organizers, and community members to remedy the issue of Appalachian food insecurity and recognize this problem not a uniform, isolates issue but as a broader system of disparities impacted by existing economic models and community practices.
What factors impact off-campus college student's eating habits?
Dhaveji, Sidhu; Hentemann, Stephanie; Hernandez, Lyann; Riccio, Jillian; Sivam, Shruthy (2024-05-01)
Lack of food awareness among college students can lead to detrimental health outcomes, including poor nutrition and unhealthy imbalances. We aimed to assess the eating habits in relation to the dietary guidelines set by MyPlate by conducting a comprehensive survey that would help us determine which factors affect students’ knowledge and habits the most. Every question’s reasoning is backed by research and is written and intended to provide information on frequencies of intake of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy as well as intake of fast food. Each question was categorized into different buckets to target specific areas of effect, and respondent characteristics were considered to better comprehend how different demographics affect these buckets and in what ways. The Blacksburg campus is a sample of this overall population. Using a small mock sample, we hypothesized the survey results based on student characteristics. Our model replicates an outcome that shows off–campus college students do not meet the criteria for healthy eating according to MyPlate, with many going over the recommendation for grains and below for other categories such as vegetables, protein, and dairy. The hypothesis replicates a concerning trend in need of intervention. After refinement and validation of the survey, the collected data could be incorporated in Hokie Wellness and Schiffert's Health Center initiatives to encourage healthy eating.
Improving Community Well-Being through Third Spaces
Hickey, Trevor; Huang, Chloe; Parente, Vincent; Thompson, Riley (2024-05-01)
In our initial research of third spaces and their use, we found a gap between the benefits of third spaces and how planners design those spaces. The existing literature on third spaces is fragmented across a myriad of terms, checksheets, and indexes, each with some overlap but different foci. This discord impedes a planner’s ability to design a third space that effectively accounts for the various factors academics have put forth in their research. To remedy this, we conducted an investigation into the existing understanding of third spaces and aggregated the results into one product, distilling them into a comprehensive list of criteria that is usable for planners. We then applied those criteria to Virginia Tech’s 2047 Beyond Boundaries plan to assess how well the university’s goals align with the existing third space literature. This serves as an example of our criteria in action, demonstrating their applicability. Finally, we created a list of qualitative questions based on our criteria that planners can use when designing a space. This will provide a concrete tool to fill the gap between third space benefits and how planners design third spaces, providing greater clarity and support as they design the spaces of tomorrow.
The Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Solid Waste Between the United States and Mexico
Sakayan, Nareg; Boudville, Madeline; Pandal, Sebastian (2024-05-01)
This study examines the transboundary movement of hazardous waste between the United States and Mexico and the consequences resulting from policy failures to regulate the trade. This issue continues to intensify despite measures and policies passed by the United States, impacting the public and environmental health of Mexican cities and communities near the United States - Mexico border. This research discusses the practice of hazardous waste trading, a global phenomenon, and focuses on the United States particularly because it is the largest exporter in the global waste trade. Focus is placed on U.S. trade with Mexico because although Canada imports the most waste from the U.S., Mexico receives the second most waste but cannot deal with it in an environmentally sound manner. Examination of the historical context influencing this trade relationship and policy framework is used to pinpoint weaknesses and potential leverage points to provide recommendations. Limited data on exports from the U.S. is publicly available on waste classification and volumes, restricting the research scope and being a policy failure itself. A content analysis of news sources and legal documentation provides information regarding the trade’s impact on communities. Residents near waste disposal sites report illnesses further exemplifying the need for stricter regulations within this trade to protect human health. Companies implicated include Tesla, Sally's Beauty Supply, and the U.S. Navy. This case study emphasizes the ethical and environmental risks of the global waste trade, placing responsibility on developed nations and corporations. As a part of this report, policy recommendations are made to further strengthen the framework of international policies, U.S. domestic policy, and the bilateral agreements with Mexico that regulate the waste trade.
Electric Vehicle Feasibility in Virginia
Coz, Rosalia; Lofton, Dawain; Matthews, Amya; Natu, Amogh; Stafford, Sean (2024-05-01)
We are a group of students who recently completed a research project regarding the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Requirement and Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards adopted by the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board. The research focuses on the feasibility and equity of legislation aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) sales and phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Current legislation in Virginia will expand the sale of electric vehicles and prohibit new sales of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. We want to explore whether or not this legislation is feasible and equitable for all within the Commonwealth as well as explore the sustainability challenges surrounding EVs. Our project goal was to determine the feasibility of this legislation in Virginia considering different relevant criteria. Below is a summary of our findings. Based on our research, we have determined that the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Requirement and Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards adopted by the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board are not currently feasible.
Traffic Calming at Virginia Tech
Alford, Ella; Barlow, Grant; Cummins, Nicholas; Ellsworth, Zoe; Williams, Ross (2024-05-01)
Congestion on Virginia Tech’s campus is a growing problem with increased foot, bike, car, and bus traffic. This project explores the source of the congestion, when congestion is at a peak, and why. The main findings center around raw data that finds the peak class times to induce surges of cars, buses, pedestrians, bikes, and micromobility travel. The problem stems from pedestrians and multimodal forms of transport having inconsistent and inadequate signals at crosswalks, causing a backup in traffic. Not only does this decrease the level of safety, but it increases travel time. We explore how to solve this problem by looking at national and international solutions and proposing multiple solutions below.
Bee-Burg: Educating Blacksburg, Virginia on Its Bees
Morales, Brooke; O'Rawe, Samantha; Vidro, Jazmari; Wiscarson, Eli (2024-05-01)
Many bee species are facing threat of endangerment as a result of human activity such as pesticide use and increased urban sprawl without green spaces. Many people feel that they cannot play a part in combatting this issue, but this is not true. An Instagram page called Bee-Burg (@beeburg.buzz) was created to provide the Blacksburg public with background information about the issue of local declining bee species and to give simple, specific, research-backed methods of aiding bee populations, such as planting native flowers and stopping the use of pesticides. Three bee species were focused on: the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, the Golden Northern Bumblebee, and the American Bumblebee. The Rusty Patched Bumblebee was declared endangered in 2017, while the other two are considered threatened species. Flyers were also made and disseminated across the Virginia Tech campus to give similar information to people who do not use social media.
Air Pollution in Urban Areas
Skelley, Caroline; Luttazi, Sydney; Dennis, Kennedy; Frederick, Julia; Greene, Gershwin (2021-05-05)
The goal of this project was to explore the impact of air pollution in urban areas by relaying information in the format of an Instagram page in order to reach, educate, and inspire the audience of young urban populations by considering key elements such as public health, infrastructure, and the environment. A PDF of the images used to compose the Instagram account are archived with this entry. View the full page through the URL: https://www.instagram.com/urbann_air/ This product is a learning artifact from the Spring 2021 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Children’s Book: Life Before the GND
Rouse, Maddie; Bernstein, Anna; Smith, Caroline; Thomas, Teresa; Maestrello, Savannah (2021-05-05)
The benefits of the Green New Deal (GND), proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, need to be spread equally, with the most historically marginalized groups being the main beneficiaries. For too long, vulnerable communities have been forced to bear a disproportionate amount of environmental burdens created by society. New and interdisciplinary legislation such as the GND have the potential to help bring justice to these disproportionate groups. Our book will address this in a way that is easy for all ages to understand, though our target reading level is children who are six to ten years of age.The goal of our children’s book is to bring attention to the environmental justice movement and to specifically address the disproportionate impact of climate change burdens on minority and low-income communities. We think the mainstream integration of this book would further the goals of the Green New Deal, particularly by empowering and educating a younger generation to protect the environment from resource exploitation and pollution.This book illustrates a set of environmental factors alongside a set of social factors that accompany the socioeconomic and environmental crises facing the United States in the present. The environmental factors mentioned include sea-level rise, wildfires, flooding, and pollution. The social factors include racism and food security (specifically, access to healthy, nutritious food). Set in the state of California, readers join a Grandmother as she reminisces over her youth, a time before the GND. The granddaughter looks out her window in the far future, thankful she never had to endure such injustice. The granddaughter lives in a clean, green city years after the Green New Deal had been enacted. There is less smog in California in the future, less pollution, and life is generally more conducive to an equitable society. This product is a learning artifact from the Spring 2021 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Green Energy Transition in West Virginia
Frazier, Elizabeth; Jiang, Leon; Ogle, William; Taylor, Kristen (2021-05-05)
Historically, West Virginia has had a large dependency on coal, both for energy and wealth generation (West Virginia State Profile and Energy Estimates, 2020). Rural communities in the area often rely on coal industries for financial stability, as it traditionally has been one of the top suppliers of jobs in parts of West Virginia (Butowsky, 1994). This dependency on coal has created larger environmental and economic concerns which will need to be considered in the future. Political, economic, cultural, and social pressures in the area often make it difficult to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel industries, namely coal. This creates issues in terms of economic viability. Local communities sometimes rely on fossil fuel industries, which can create an unsustainable job market. This can create issues with job security, education, and health in these areas. Also, due to rapid technological advancement, workers specifically trained for coal jobs often do not have the vocational skills to transition to new technologies, including the technologies required for the green energy transition. Direct link to website containing embedded hyperlinks within the infographic: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/green-energy-transition-wva/home This product is a learning artifact from the Spring 2021 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Autonomous Search and Rescue Drone Video Presentation
Asper, Garrett; Kaplan, Ryan; Mahesh, Rohith; Porter, Daniel (2020-12-09)
We researched the benefits of using autonomous search and rescue (SAR) drones during and after wildfires to aid in victim recovery. In this video presentation, we discuss the benefits to your search and rescue firm or agency of investing in such autonomous SAR drones. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enijWQ2fgT8
Drones in Agriculture: New Solution for Crop-Dusting
Bain, Celeste; Trang, Matthew; Balov-Madrid, Gregory (2020-12-09)
We hope to inform farmers through our website and brochure about drone technology in crop dusting and other farming techniques along with their environmental impacts, and educational and training opportunities to implement them in agricultural practices in order to encourage Green Technology. URL: https://mattluutrang.wixsite.com/agridroneresearch The attached WARC file can be viewed using Webrecorder Player if the webpage no longer exists.

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