JMU Research, Economic Development and Innovation

08/26/2026

Happy first day of classes, ! Whether it's your first or fourth year here at , the team has your back. The fall semester always makes us think back to our college days, so here's a little peek at the team during their student years. We know how excited you're feeling today because we've been there!

08/25/2026

Welcome to the start of the ’26-’27 academic year, faculty and staff! As we welcome students back to campus, recognizes your hard work and dedication to our campus community. JMU’s teaching excellence and research innovation would not be possible without you; you are what makes the JMU experience exceptional.

08/19/2026

Thank you to President Jim Schmidt for a fantastic kickoff to the academic year.

The President’s perspective on the importance of research is deeply valued. Research drives faculty excellence, enriches student experiences, and strengthens our communities. This year's university welcome also emphasized the importance of community partnerships as JMU works to become the Commonwealth's preferred economic development partner. President Jim's vision for the future of JMU and confidence in what we can achieve together is inspiring. We're excited (and REDI) for the year ahead!

08/12/2026

James Madison University's strong leadership team was hard at work yesterday preparing for a successful '26-'27 academic year. President James C. Schmidt and members of his leadership team (including ) put JMU, our students, and community at the heart of what they do.

Looking forward to a great year, ! 💜 💛

08/11/2026

Do you excel at compliance review, budget analysis projections, interpretation of complex guidelines, and more skills that demand an attention to detail in a deadline-driven environment? Join the team as a grants specialist--two positions open! Apply at https://bit.ly/4qiTaGM

08/06/2026

's Anthony Tongen and Brandi Duncan welcomed E. Aaron Baughman and Emily Carneal from Congressman Ben Cline's Harrisonburg office, joining them on a tour of the recently reopened Carrier Library. Many thanks to Bethany Nowviskie and Kristen Shuyler for their warm hospitality in leading the tour as well as their vision for spearheading renovation efforts. The reimagined library, a beautiful space that deftly showcases JMU's history while emphasizing our path forward as a hub for research at all levels, moves JMU Libraries into a new era. Knowing how much Rep. Cline's office supports JMU and education within the Commonwealth, it was a pleasure sharing this new campus feature with Aaron and Emily; we appreciate their ongoing support.

08/04/2026

James Madison University's innovation efforts were recently showcased in Virginia Business, highlighting work being done by JMU Research, Economic Development and Innovation (REDI), the JMU Office of Economic & Community Development, and JMU X-Labs. To learn more about JMU's commitment to forward-thinking economic development and cutting edge research, read more at https://lnkd.in/eKJkgK_p

07/24/2026

Jennie Rosier, faculty member in JMU School of Communication Studies, recently spoke with WHSV - TV 3 about her research in infant sleep training, challenging the conventional wisdom that crying it out is a healthy practice for building better sleep habits.

JMU College of Arts and Letters

For years parents have been told that letting a baby “cry-it-out” is one of the best ways to build healthy sleep habits.

07/17/2026

TONIGHT! JMU Chemistry's Dr. Lindsay Caesar will lead a special research-based Evening with Bats at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU, speaking about "Invisible Allies: Exploring the Role of Skin Microbes in Bat Health." Register for this free event at tinyurl.com/batsjmu

Join us this Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at the Arboretum's Frances Plecker Education Center for a special Evening with Bats with Dr. Lindsay Caesar. She will speak about "Invisible Allies: Exploring the Role of Skin Microbes in Bat Health."

Lindsay grew up on Mag Mell Farm in the Appalachian mountains of South Carolina, a recognized United Plant Savers botanical sanctuary. There, she spent her time living among wild medicinal plants and learning to brew tinctures and teas alongside her mother. That early curiosity led her to earn a Ph.D. in Medicinal Biochemistry to study nature's chemistry. At JMU, her lab group explores how living organisms produce their own natural antibiotics, with a major focus on the skin microbes protecting wild bats from deadly fungal pathogens.

Register for this FREE event at:

tinyurl.com/batsjmu

07/16/2026

Join Virginia Clean Cities for the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo July 21-23.

Whether you’re focused on alternative fuel vehicles, smart infrastructure, freight logistics, or sustainable transit, this event offers a platform to connect, learn, and lead. Register at https://maccce.org/expo-registration/

is a proud sponsor of this event.