Featured Stories
Environmental Science Major Gains Research Experience
Many students never come across the opportunity for undergraduate research experience. It is even more far-fetched that an undergraduate environmental science major would find himself researching in a biology lab. At Roanoke College, Garrett Schaperjahn ’10 learned that all you have to do is ask.
Faculty-Student Team Collaborates in Research Project
At most undergraduate research labs, students can be found washing dishes. Here at Roanoke College, students are part of the entire research process. Students Geoff Bader ’11 and Bryan Piatkowski ’12 work with Dr. DorothyBelle Poli gaining invaluable firsthand learning experience.
Classic for Tomorrow
“Classic for Tomorrow” takes in the appearance of Roanoke’s campus, the style of teaching, the curriculum, the authentic relationships between faculty and students and the valuable hands-on learning. It is based on the strengths that already exist and not something that the College has to manufacture.
Greening Roanoke College's campus
“One of the most important aspects of going green is simply the amount of energy that will be saved,” says Cassandra Lord ’10. “This is not only good for the environment, but it is also something that will be monetarily beneficial in the long run.”
Summer Scholar Megan Drohan ’10 tackles paleography project
Student also will spend a semester in France in an effort to further the connection with the manuscript she has studied.
Students have amazing May Term experiences
Travel courses ventured far and wide to locations such as the Bahamas, Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, France and Germany.
Student Researcher Walks Across the U.S.-Mexico Border
“Learning by experience and doing things firsthand is the best way to learn and study something,” says Beck. “You can always read something in books, but to go and do it on your own – there’s nothing like it.”
Cynthia Atkins, lecturer in Roanoke’s English department, publishes new book of poetry entitled “Psyche’s Weathers”
Atkins said that weather is a great metaphor for the ever changing “storms” in our souls.
Dr. Daniel Sarabia named the first-ever book review editor for the interdisciplinary sociological journal “Nature and Culture”
“This is not only a privilege for me, but it’s also exciting that through the journal Roanoke College is linked with schools all over the world,” Sarabia said.
URAP project brings a close bond for staff and students
“URAP projects gives faculty a better understanding of students and brings a broader perspective for everyone,” said Roanoke College’s archivist.
URAP Team Examines Life of Peruvian Political Figure
“I’m happy at how closely our relationship resembles the graduate relationship that I just left,” Wallace Fuentes says. “I expect that Katie will have ideas that’ll floor me and I look forward to that.”
Putting Classroom Knowledge to Work
Samantha Strickland '08 has not only given herself a competitive edge on her graduate school applications, but also developed some ideas about what areas of research she might pursue later in her career.
Unprecedented Access to Professors and Research
Distinguishing both the students and the College, this unique program involves students from practically their first days on campus in research methods usually not introduced to students until they're in graduate or post-graduate educational arenas.
Investing in Students' Ideas for Research
While many students thrive in the classroom setting, some find more inspiration through hands-on learning opportunities in the lab.
Roanoke College URAP students find they are in a unique category among their peers
Research inevitably leads to publication and close relationships with their mentors.
Research Team Creates Advanced Computer Display
“We’re constantly pushing each other to ask why we hold our beliefs, which is why we do research,” the faculty researcher says.
Biology Professor Works with Student Researchers on Zebrafish Hormone Experiment
Dr. Lassiter devotes his time to his experiments and to training aspiring researchers.
History Professor Attends Academic Conference to Master Being Teacher-Scholar
“I try really hard to bring my research into the class,” says Willingham. “We’re actually expected to do research and teach at Roanoke. I’m expected to back up what I teach with a degree of scholarly expertise.”
Bulging College bookshelves feature faculty authors
Roanoke’s published professors still focus on students
Construction Highlights the Changing Face of Campus
Financial health and generous donors launch our largest-ever building boom
President Michael Maxey is Maroon at Heart
“Our first goal will be to accelerate our progress as a leading college. Roanoke is known as a college on the move, but we want to move even faster and higher. This will bring facilities, new and improved programs, and a greater reputation.”
Economics Professor Investigates Obesity
Kassens finds that despite the health risks, obese people usually do nothing to change.
Roanoke College Professor Studies Effects of Global Warming
Munley’s 2005 lecture in Laos, “The Science of Global Warming,” centered around challenges posed against global warming over the past 100 years and why humans are the reason global warming is becoming such a hot issue.
Astrophysics Lab Gets New Equipment
Dr. Fleenor, physics professor, hopes to further the College’s space research along with introducing students to the “awe-inspiring nature of the universe.”
Professor Partners with Students in Nanotechnology Research
“If I can help pique my students’ interest in research and scientific careers, I feel that I have done my job as a professor to promote an extended education,” Dr. Balasubramanian says.
Sociology Student Interns for Sen. Webb
“I'm very passionate with politics and it’s very energizing and empowering to help your state,” says Wescott.
Sociology Students Write Grants to Fund Non-Profit Organizations
Roanoke seniors close their undergraduate careers with a seminar course, which puts their sociology skills and knowledge to use.
Southers leads research that could save lives
Southers explores treatments for cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine diseases
Spanish and Business Major Studies Abroad
“Peru is one of the better places to study abroad. There are not a lot of Americans [there] and so many natural wonders to see,” says Beck.
Professor Publishes Award-Winning Book of Poetry
"On Dream Street" captures Almeder's skill as a "fearless poetry with perfect pitch."
Professor's Computer Knowledge Enlightens Schools
As an artist and professor, Heil's work and teaching develops along with advancements in computer graphics.
Costume Designer Jennie Ruhland Creates Decadent Costumes
Theatre Department Benefits From Ruhland's Creativity
Students Volunteer at Substance Abuse Center
Hoffman dispels stereotypes about drug offenders through service learning. “By being involved with the project, students develop a sense of empathy that they cannot get from a textbook,” she says.
Art Professor Teaches What She Practices
“I like to look at things slowly. I like for things to look hand-made,” says Shortridge.
Student gains medical school experience before graduation
Roanoke College provides student with the opportunity to work inside hospital labs, running blood tests and gaining medical school experience.
Professor Digs into Philosophy of Life and Death
Roanoke Professor compares the philosophies of three contemporary thinkers in his new book on life and death
Summer Scholars Program Sparks a Mentorship
Project allows student to challenge traditional interpretations of themes in Jane Austen's “Emma”
Sankofa: Go Back and Get It!
Lauren Harrison Discovers That “You Can't Know Where You're Going Until You Know Where You Came From”
Students Conduct International Court Simulation
“I remember the simulations we did in Warshawsky's classes. They create a connection between domestic and foreign politics that is experienced first hand.”
Forensic Chemistry Course Modeled After Crime Lab
Crime investigation shows likes CSI, Law and Order, and Without a Trace will be a classroom and laboratory experience taught by Dr. Benjamin Huddle
Fed. Judge Internship Prepares Student for Law School
“It is uncommon for undergraduates to even have the opportunity to intern in the chambers of a federal judge,” says Assistant Professor of Public Affairs Dr. Todd Peppers.
Professor Publishes Gun-control Policy Book
“I've always owned guns, and I've always been interested in politics. The two subjects fit well together,” says Wilson, professor of public affairs.
Professor Researches Death Penalty, Law Clerks
The projects cover the last juvenile executed in Virginia as well as the rules and norms of hiring federal law clerks.
Athletic Training Professor is the NCAA Medical Coordinator
“Not many students can say they have national championship exposure, but our students can,” says Buriak.
Professor Releases Book on Christian Ethics
Dr. Robert Benne has written his sixth book, Reasonable Ethics: A Christian Approach to Social, Economic, and Political Concerns.
Professor Takes Scholarly Approach to Christianity
“After all, learning how to present ideas in a way that will excite students is part of the creative scholarship process,” says Berenson.
Professor-Sculptor Hones Craft in Paris
“It was very humbling, very unsettling to be without my usual materials or usual artistic space,” says Hardwig.
Biology Prof. Researches Plant Reproduction, Development
Pysh says he believes in providing opportunities for freshmen.
What's in Your Water?
Dr. Brooks Crozier says he is proud that his undergraduate student assistants are involved in graduate-level research.
Biochemistry Research Examines Cell Death
Student researchers are given full control of the experiment, with Addington monitoring from the sidelines.
New Course Searches for the Meaning of Life
Students' writing will focus on eastern and western religions, chaos theory, happiness, self-esteem, meditation, neuroscience and the placebo effect.
English Professor Recognized by AAUW
The award is presented to a person who makes extraordinary contributions to the education and achievement of girls through work in the community.
Chemistry Research Brings Insights into Classroom
“Because of my Proctor & Gamble experience, I can better convey to students what it’s like to conduct research in an industrial setting.”
Roanoke Acquires New Instrumentation
“At Roanoke, first semester freshman use instruments that are available only to seniors or grad students at many other schools,” says Dr. Gail Steehler.
RC Student Separates New Compounds
“This is going to put me at an advantage, not only for graduate school, but jobs, as I’ll be coming in with 3 years of research experience.”
Sociology Professor Researches Euthanasia
The research measures the attitudes of college students regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Institute Helps K-12 Teachers Improve Their Techniques
Each year, Roanoke College trains teachers from every region of the country how to employ the latest techniques in K-12 education
Dr. Robert Schultz is Both an Author and Teacher
“Being a writer allows me to be a more effective professor,” Shultz says.
Professor's Approach Helps Students from Kindergarten to College
For the last 10 years, Grant has conducted workshops in teaching science in the schools, mainly at the elementary level.
Teaching Tomorrow's Teachers
Students seeking teacher licensure are prepared as never before. They’re taking advantage of student teaching and internships the College now offers in Germany and Italy.
Student-Professor Team Researches Wireless Networking
Their research will help wireless companies search for ways to use the least number of channels that will allow the greatest number of users.
Prestigious Physics Scholarship Awarded to Maroon
The research opportunities Roanoke College offers its students helped Bennett win the scholarship through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Professor Co-authors Calculus Textbooks
Real world examples, challenging writing exercises and the integration of technology within the text, make it accessible to all students.
Physicist Consults Laos Government on Global Warming
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic heard Dr. Frank Munley speak about the challenges they will face.
Team Conducts Archaeological Dig on Campus
The house is one of the oldest in Salem and would provide insight into the lower socioeconomics of the 1850s.
16th Century Journal Edited by Roanoke Faculty
The 16th Century Journal consists of essays and book reviews that are written and read by history scholars worldwide.
Professor's Book About 16th, 17th Century Ireland
His book, A Star Chamber Court in Ireland: the Court of Castle Chamber, 1571-1641, is a detailed follow-up to his 1993 book Anglicizing the Government of Ireland.
Student Researches Unmarked Graves
In 1871, the first person was buried and Salem residents are still permitted to be buried in East Hill Cemetary.
Students Learn How to Start a Business
Course involves case studies, an advanced business simulation, workshops, labs, readings of top-tier articles and lectures on strategy.
Not Your Ordinary Accounting Class
Sharon Gibbs chose to work first so she could teach students about real-world work environments.
Students Develop New Products
Each team was required to create a comprehensive business plan to include manufacturing, marketing and financial strategies for their products
Student Class Invests $500,000 in Stock Market
Many colleges and universities have something similar in the form of a “mock” portfolio, but Roanoke College is unique in that they are using real money.
Student Researches Shoulder Injuries of Baseball Pitchers
With the help of Dr. Matt Rearick and his expertise on the study of human motion, Hess performed research that has prepared him well for graduate school.
