The Institute is committed to fostering a culture of undergraduate research in CLAHS, and, by providing financial support and professional development opportunities to student researchers, enables them to participate directly in Virginia Tech’s core research mission. The Institute makes possible rich learning experiences by enabling students to pursue research in areas about which they are curious
, and by creating opportunities for students to not just learn about an academic discipline but to contribute to and participate in its life. The URI’s support of research also provides opportunities for students to hone skills important for graduate education and for many careers. By supervising international student exchanges, the Institute helps students grow into responsible global citizens, and by incorporating student research projects into those experiences, the Institute makes possible the rare opportunity for international research collaboration at the undergraduate level. The Institute also oversees the publication of the student-led undergraduate research journal Philologia. Philologia is a forum for student researchers to gain recognition by publishing the results of their research, and provides as well opportunities for students to engage with the editorial and publishing aspects of research. The Undergraduate Research Institute was awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates grant in 2012, and continues to partner with departments across CLAHS to provide superior educational experiences.