Inside IALR

How Carrie Williams Used ATDM to Build a New Career and a New FutureWhat do you do when life forces you to start over?For Carrie Williams, the answer was taking a chance on herself. After a divorce left her searching for a more stable future, Carrie relocated from Ohio to Virginia to attend the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Four months later, she graduated from the non-destructive testing track and began a new career inspecting critical infrastructure and supporting industries that help keep people safe.In this episode, Carrie discusses overcoming uncertainty, stepping outside her comfort zone at age 46, and how ATDM helped her develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed. Carrie also highlights her own career growth in the six months since graduation. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What happens when you hand the microphones over to the interns?In this special episode of Inside IALR, President Telly Tucker and Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President of Operations, sit down with four summer interns for a candid conversation about career goals, personal growth, college experiences, networking and what it's really like to work at IALR.The discussion ranges from robotics and semiconductor design to marketing, sports communications, IT support, coffee habits and even solving Rubik's Cubes.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

IALR has grown really fast. But, as President Telly Tucker explains, growth alone isn’t the goal.In this conversation, Telly reflects on four years as president, sharing what it’s like to lead an organization that’s quadrupled in size, why culture matters more than ever during rapid change, and the real stories that make the work meaningful. It’s a candid look at leadership, impact and what comes next for IALR and the region. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Cedric and Ethan Bond are brothers who took very different paths before finding the same destination: training through the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program and careers at Newport News Shipbuilding. In this episode, they talk about career crossroads, the reality of hands-on training, and why building ships for the U.S. Navy feels personal—especially with a brother currently deployed at sea.The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Recruiting skilled manufacturing talent is expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. But it doesn’t have to be.Recorded during a recent career fair for the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program at IALR, this episode features Slade Gardner from Big Metal Additive, John Duncan from Penn United Technology and Ashley Webb from Vulcan Tool Company. They explain why they rely on ATDM to meet their workforce needs. From reduced training risk to graduates who “hit the ground running,” these employers explain what makes ATDM different and why the program continues to deliver value to companies across the defense industrial base.Whether you’re hiring one machinist or building a long-term talent pipeline, this is the employer story behind ATDM. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this special mini episode, IALR President Telly Tucker sits down with Casie Hansen, who recently graduated from the Non-Destructive Testing track of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM). Casie shares how she discovered ATDM, what it was like to uproot her life and start over in her 40s and how the program’s training and wraparound support helped her step confidently into a completely new career path. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What does it actually take to move a new technology from the lab to the shop floor and make it stick? In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers is joined by Jason Wells, John Ring, Josh Sims, and Jeremiah Williams for a deep dive into IALR's Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA). Together, they highlight how CMA functions as a hands-on optimization arm focused on operationalizing existing technologies and helping manufacturers avoid the infamous “valley of death” between readiness levels and real production. It's not a research institute, The conversation covers CMA’s full-stack approach to manufacturing advancement, from precision machining, additive post-processing, and metrology to automation, robotics integration and digital/AI enablement. The team explains how the CMA serves as a non-biased third-party testbed where manufacturers can explore new technologies, validate processes and refine workflows without shutting down production or making massive capital bets. The CMA comes alongside companies as a partner—not a vendor—to help them get to “more, better, faster, cheaper” without just shifting bottlenecks somewhere else. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What does it really take for families in Southern Virginia to make a living — no extras, just the basics? And are those jobs actually available?In this data-rich episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning at IALR, and economist Colin Emberland from Chmura Analytics. Together, they break down the Southern Virginia Living Wage and Job Availability Study, comparing today’s landscape to a similar 2016–2017 analysis.They explore the region’s growing share of higher-wage jobs, a major and urgent gap in healthcare, the evolving role of manufacturing, and how many families can actually meet a living wage with the jobs currently posted. You’ll also hear why education and training pipelines matter, how job quality is just as important as job quantity, and what this all means for employers, educators and residents across GO Virginia Region 3. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

GO TEC — Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers — is transforming how middle schoolers explore potential futures. Today’s episode dives deep into how it works. Host Caleb Ayers sits down with GO TEC teachers Laurie Cossaboon and Justin Adams, along with GO TEC Region 3 Training Coordinator Chris Griffith, to unpack the program’s statewide expansion and classroom impact.The conversation explores the eleven GO TEC modules, which introduce students to everything from precision machining and robotics to cybersecurity, healthcare and virtual reality welding. The guests share how the program adapts to different school schedules, how teachers receive hands‑on training at regional training labs and why the “aha moments” are so frequent in these classes.They also highlight how GO TEC helps students understand math and science concepts in practical, memorable ways, sometimes even changing how students view themselves and their abilities. With stories ranging from welding tournaments to coding breakthroughs, this episode shows how GO TEC connects curiosity with real opportunity. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What do submarines, aircraft and even theme park rides have in common?They all rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability.In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Phil Bowers, NDT instructor for the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, and Michael Donnelly, NDT manager with Industrial Inspection & Analysis at the Center for Manufacturing Advancement. Together, they unpack the fascinating history of NDT — from its origins in the railroad era to its role in modern defense manufacturing — and explore the science behind methods like ultrasonic testing, X-ray imaging and eddy current inspection.Plus, find out why NDT careers are in high demand and how technology like AI and robotics is shaping the next generation of inspections. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with two of our most experienced research associates, Amy Turner and Rob Chretien. Each has more than a decade of hands-on experience in IALR's research labs. They've witnessed significant changes in agricultural research, from theoretical plant genetics to cutting-edge applied science, during that time. Learn about their work with beneficial plant bacteria (endophytes), precision agriculture and controlled environment systems that promise to revolutionize food production. Hear stories of unusual experiments, like rearing black soldier fly larvae, and discover how partnerships with industry are turning research into real-world solutions.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

This episode shifts the focus from student success stories to the broader impact of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on the maritime industrial base. Joined by Mike Villanueva of BAE Systems, Michael Ripich of AT&F, and Justin Scarce from ATDM, the conversation explores how companies are leveraging ATDM graduates to fill vital roles in shipbuilding and defense manufacturing. From welding and NDT to CNC machining, the program’s accelerated, hands-on training is helping employers meet urgent workforce needs. Hear firsthand accounts of how career fairs at ATDM differ from traditional hiring events, why companies are sending their own employees for upskilling and how ATDM is helping solve one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: building submarines and ships to protect national security.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Host Caleb Ayers sits down with Meredith Gregory, Director of Digital Strategy and Program Management, to explore the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and business. Meredith shares her journey from Northern Virginia to IALR, explains the foundational math behind AI and discusses how companies can adopt AI tools to solve specific problems. From resume restructuring to computer vision for defect detection, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in integrating AI into their operations.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers is joined by Ereina Avery (Austal USA), Jon Harrison (Phillips Corporation), and Jason Wells (IALR) for a deep dive into the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Together, they explore how this unique public-private consortium is transforming the Navy’s supply chain by developing and deploying 3D-printed parts for ships and submarines. From powder bed fusion to wire arc deposition, the team breaks down the technologies, the challenges of scaling additive manufacturing and the mission-driven collaboration that makes it all possible. Hear how the AM CoE has delivered critical parts in record time, created transferable technical data packages, and built a model for innovation that supports both the warfighter and the future of manufacturing.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

 In this special episode of Inside IALR, we take you straight to the floor of the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, a dynamic, hands-on career fair designed for middle and high school students across Southern Virginia. Hear directly from students as they explore everything from virtual reality welding and flight simulators to radiologic technology and forestry. Employers and educators share why this event matters—and how it's helping shape the region’s future workforce. Whether it's a seventh grader dreaming of the presidency or a tenth grader discovering equestrian veterinary medicine, this episode is packed with inspiration, curiosity, and real-world impact. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

 The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. With an 85% job placement rate and graduates from nearly every state, ATDM is creating real career opportunities. In this episode, recent graduates Dylan Carter and Angel Gallaher describe how the program equipped them with technical expertise and career-ready confidence.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with President Telly Tucker and Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, leadership and the mission of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. From managing exponential expansion to filling workforce gaps, Tucker and Hughes reflect on how IALR continues to transform lives in Southern Virginia and beyond. Along the way, they share candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the people who make it all possible. This episode offers a thoughtful look behind the curtain at IALR’s momentum, future regional economic transformation, leadership in action, and how innovation takes shape across research, manufacturing, workforce and education. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What is it like to be a woman teaching advanced manufacturing in a field where men make up the majority?Hear it from three members of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) instructional team: welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King. As the only women on a team of nearly 40 instructors and technicians, they share their career journeys, classroom experiences and what it means to mentor the next generation of manufacturing talent.Through their stories, you’ll hear how ATDM’s fast-paced, 600-hour program equips students for life-changing careers in welding, metrology and more—and why representation matters in the skilled trades. This conversation highlights the impact of teaching, perseverance, and opportunity.🎙️Topics Covered:How each instructor found her way into manufacturing and teachingWhat it’s like to guide students in ATDM’s intensive four-month programChallenges and opportunities for women in male-dominated fieldsInspiring student success stories, from “last shot” moments to certification triumphsWhy role models matter in shaping the next generation of manufacturing talentThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What happens when Ph.D. candidates, master’s students, undergrads and interns all share the same greenhouse? You get a powerful, layered research environment that grows more than just plants.In this episode of Inside IALR, we explore how the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is not only advancing sustainable agriculture but also training the next generation of researchers and industry leaders. A partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech, the CEA Innovation Center blends hands-on research, mentorship and workforce development. You’ll hear how students at four different educational levels are conducting applied research on plant disease management, beneficial microbes and nutrient optimization. From mentoring interns to designing dissertation-level experiments, these students are learning and growing. 🎙 Guests:Dr. Kaylee South – Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech (stationed full-time at IALR)Colin Fite – M.S. Student, Virginia TechPraveen Gajula – Ph.D. Student, Virginia Tech🔍 Topics Covered:What Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is and why it mattersHow beneficial microbes are being tested in vertical farms and greenhousesThe role of students in maintaining IALR’s demonstration farmMentorship across education levels—from intern to Ph.D.Career goals of students entering the CEA industryOpportunities for students to join the CEA Innovation CenterWhether you're an educator, student, grower or just curious about the future of agtech, this episode offers a glimpse into how research, education and industry come together under one greenhouse roof. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What is it like to be an intern at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research? In this episode of Inside IALR, hear from five of the 18 interns who spent their summer working across IALR’s divisions—from applied research and economic development to manufacturing advancement and GO TEC.You’ll hear from:Grayson Snead, an ag tech intern researching bacterial endophytes in broccoli microgreensDilara Sultanova, a data-savvy Empower intern building automation tools and career resourcesDaniel Olasoko and Moiz Fakhri, who worked with machine learning models to support student success in the ATDM programDakotah Younger, who helped train teachers and guide students through hands-on technology with the GO TEC teamThey reflect on what they learned, the real-world impact they made, and how the experience is shaping their future careers.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

What if you could track a plant’s health and growth every 15 minutes, all automatically and without ever touching it?In this episode of Inside IALR, Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, explores the SMART Platform—IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table system. These high-tech tables combine robotics, precision imaging and automation to capture tens of thousands of data points per experiment, helping researchers analyze plant growth, stress response and even subtle movements in real time.Learn how the SMART Platforms allow for entire plant life-cycle testing for beneficial microbes and enable real-time monitoring of plant health. You’ll hear about how interns have played a central role in coding and refining the system, how companies can contract research on the tables and how this technology is helping lay the groundwork for more sustainable agriculture.Whether you’re into agtech, robotics, plant biology or data science, this episode connects it all. Plus, you’ll hear how this one-of-a-kind platform is opening doors for students and researchers alike.🔍 Topics Covered:What makes SMART Platforms uniqueHow 80,000+ images become meaningful plant health dataIntern-driven innovation in Python and computer visionIndustry collaboration and commercialization opportunitiesThe future of AI in agriculture and early stress detection The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Registered apprenticeships pair paid, hands-on work with classroom lessons to grow dependable talent. In this Inside IALR episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with:Natori Neal – Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR’s EXTRA programJenny Spitzer – Co-owner, Spitzer Inc. (electrical contractors)Josh Arnold – Master Electrician and lead instructor at SpitzerJacob Oakes – Second-year electrical apprenticeThey share insights on:How a registered apprenticeship is structured, from day-one wages to a journeyman credentialBuilding curriculum around the employer’s real work Why covering tuition and books helps apprentices focus and stayChoosing the right mentors Starting with small cohorts to emphasize quality over head-countUtilizing the free support from IALR’s EXTRA program for designing, funding and sustaining apprenticeship programs The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Listen in as they share:Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work.Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability.Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience.How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates.The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, we dive deep into the world of metrology, a crucial trade that plays a significant role in national defense manufacturing. The episode features Tony Almeida, Regional Sales Manager at Mitutoyo, and Jarrod Hankins, Metrology Instructor at IALR's Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Metrology is the science of measurement. It ensures that parts are manufactured with incredible precision, often down to microns. Together, they highlight how metrology ensures that parts used in defense manufacturing, particularly in the Navy’s shipbuilding and repair operations, meet the highest standards of quality.Episode Highlights 0:47 - What is metrology, and how is it used in manufacturing?3:09 - The role of IALR’s precision metrology lab in supporting the Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center6:56 - Key metrology tools, from calipers to 3D laser scanning8:36 - Inside the precision metrology lab: The significance of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)17:04 - The importance of calibration and ensuring precision in every tool22:06 - How metrology helps support the national defense industrial base The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Let's hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God's Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God's Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries in their 26-year history.Randy shares the remarkable growth of God's Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment of constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact.Highlights include:• Origins and Growth of God's Pit Crew (00:45)• Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15)• Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30)• Local Community Impact (12:20)• Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50)• Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05)To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit godspitcrew.org. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Let's hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers. Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement.Highlights include:What is GO TEC? (00:36)Rapid statewide growth (01:42)Hands-on career exploration (04:00)Partnering across Virginia (05:43)Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38)Bridging the high school gap (23:54)STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR's Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience.• Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths• IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences• Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation• Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer• Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions• Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships• Internships don't have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work wellLearn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

This episode features Daniel Hyler and Tim Holland—two graduates turned additive manufacturing instructors with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Hear them discuss lessons they picked up along the way, plus real-world applications of additive manufacturing in today’s job market.Listen in as they discuss:Jumping from Student to Instructor: How they found their calling in the classroom.The ‘Light Bulb’ Moment: Why watching a student finally “get it” is so rewarding.Industry Readiness: Helping companies embrace the possibilities of 3D printing.Career Pathways: Creating your own opportunities in an evolving field. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

In this episode of Inside IALR, Value Chain Coordinator Mitchell Doss highlights a new initiative aimed at strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food ecosystem. Funded by a Tobacco Commission grant, Mitchell’s work focuses on helping farmers broaden their reach to new markets while ensuring communities gain greater access to fresh, local produce and products. Hear how Mitchell’s journey—from IALR intern to horticulture researcher—shapes his approach to connecting producers, institutions, and consumers for an economically vibrant and sustainable future.In this episode:What a Value Chain Coordinator does The importance of robust local food networks for economic growthCurrent gaps and opportunities in Southern Virginia’s food system Strategies for driving collaboration between farmers, buyers and communitiesDetails on upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involvedFor more information on Mitchell’s work and how you can connect, visit IALR.org/valuechain.The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Question: How do you move an active training program with massive, sophisticated equipment into a new facility without halting progress?Answer: An abundance of planning—and the determination to make it happen.In this episode, Senior Facilities Manager Stewart East and Assistant Director of Advanced Training and Operations Wesley Cifers explain:Preparation: Months of logistical strategizing for a multi-phase relocationExecution: Coordinating staff, resources, and external partners over the holidaysOutcome: A smoother transition to the ATDM Maritime Training Center, where the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program now has a permanent homeEpisode highlights include: • Transition to a significant new facility after years in a temporary space • Overview of the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing program • Importance of modern labs and dedicated training spaces • Planning and executing a complex multi-phase move • Coordination with internal staff and external partners • Growth goals of expanding student enrollment • Enhancements in the learning environment and student experience • Recognition of community and team support during the moveThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Industrial fermentation—a core biotechnology process that harnesses living organisms—is a growing discipline used across multiple industries. In this episode of Inside IALR, we recap IALR’s first week-long fermentation workshop, offered in partnership with Virginia Tech and industry experts. Joining the conversation are Dr. Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President of Applied Research at IALR; Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor with Virginia Tech's Department of Biochemistry; and Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager for Bioprocessing at Distek, Inc. They share insights on:Fundamentals of fermentation and its real-world applicationsWorkshop structure, participants, and hands-on trainingInterdisciplinary skills needed for success in fermentationImportance of collaboration between academia and industryPlans for expanding future fermentation training programsThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program celebrates its decade of impact in the community. The episode highlights the evolution of the program and its multifaceted approach to address educational gaps in STEM and literacy.This episode features Dana Silicki (Director of STEM, Service, and Lifelong Learning at IALR), Audia Harris (Program Coordinator at IALR), and Adam Goebel (Executive Director of the Danville Science Center), each of whom share their unique perspective on the impact of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program. Episode highlights include: • Overview of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program • The evolution of focus from STEM to include literacy • Recruitment processes and member demographics • AmeriCorps members' roles in classrooms and mentoring • Success stories demonstrating program impact • Future directions for community service and educational efforts • Current recruitment opportunities for interested members The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE), a linchpin in maritime technological advancement, is located inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement on the IALR campus. This episode highlights the AM CoE as a collaborative hub of strategic importance in meeting the U.S. Navy's ambitious submarine production goals. This project is driving manufacturing innovation forward. IALR Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement Jason Wells is joined by Advanced Manufacturing Director Jesse Geisbert and Additive Manufacturing Program Manager Aaron Wiest, both from the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). They discuss the impact of the Navy’s AM CoE and the success stories where the project has prototyped and delivered mission-critical parts for ships and submarines much quicker than traditional methods, such as castings and forgings, and supply chains could have. This informative discussion includes:What is the Maritime Industrial Base? (01:03)Advanced manufacturing technology development (06:54)Partnering with the Maritime Industrial Base (08:54)Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (11:25) Public/private partnerships (18:41)Success stories (24:44)NASAM & ATDM (31:54)Another success story (40:04)AM CoE partners (50:27)Parting thoughts (53:15) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.For the fourth and final anniversary episode, guest host Daniel Dalton is joined by two important guests who are vital to driving economic transformation: IALR President Telly Tucker and Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Regional Alliance (SVRA).There aren't many facilities that serve such a multi-purpose function as the main IALR building, which offers a full-service conference center, on-site café, educational classrooms, research labs for different purposes and a high bay, all in one building. The building has hosted visiting international patrons and guests, governors, various ranking military officials, regional representatives and educators. As economic developers, Telly and Linda have also used the building (and now the IALR campus as a whole) as one of the primary selling points for companies interested in locating in Southern Virginia. Background and early career (00:45)Reactions to the construction of IALR (05:13)Catalyzing economic transformation (08:39)Since day one (15:30)Evolution of IALR (16:30)The building as a tool for economic development (27:41)IALR as a host (35:32)Flexing to meet demands (44:51)Hopes for the next twenty years (46:33)Parting thoughts (51:12)For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.This third-anniversary episode features the two longest-tenured employees of both the Conference Center and all of IALR: Diana Parrish (Event Planner and Services Operations Coordinator) and Ellen Bass (Sales and Marketing Manager). From moving into the building and holding an event before it was fully completed to now hosting multi-day, international conferences, Diana and Ellen share their conference center story experiences and stories from the last twenty years. Throughout all those years, updates and technological improvements, Ellen and Diana highlight how the mission of the Conference Center remains the same: serve excellence and open IALR to the public. Background and early career (00:44)Nearing completion and moving in (02:51)The first event/getting the word out & educating the public (07:09)Catering challenges (10:24)Megabytes Café (14:15)Initial responsibilities and early events (18:20)Trading spaces – how the building has changed (24:27)Home to the Piedmont Governor’s School (29:18)Conferences, baby showers, birthday parties, radio dance parties, weddings, Old McDonald’s Farm, oh my! (30:02)Keeping up with the times (41:36)Service Excellence (44:02)Connecting the IALR Conference Center (48:01)Renovating in 2020 (49:51)Looking ahead twenty years (53:15)Closing thoughts (56:22)For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years. This second special anniversary episode features two maintenance professionals who have kept the building operational all these years: Jeff Forlines (retired Facilities Maintenance) and Stewart East (Senior Facilities Manager).From opening locked office doors to changing 4,000 light bulbs in 2,800 light fixtures, Jeff shares how he did some of everything as a one-man maintenance team for almost nine years before Stewart was hired. They share stories about moving large research equipment through a standard-size door, explain the process of painting the Atrium’s tall ceiling and highlight their special trick to get helium balloons down from a 30-foot ceiling. Jeff fondly remembers getting to watch fireworks from the roof on the Fourth of July because he was fixing the AC unit. Jeff’s background and early career (00:37)Stewart’s background and early career (07:01)Advantages of seeing what’s behind the walls (08:47)Growing campus brings Stewart on board (20:08)Fitting equipment through a door (24:30)Challenges of a growing campus (25:28)Installing a walk-in freezer (28:21)Cleaning all this glass (34:12)Jeff’s reaction to seeing IALR for the first time (37:19)Converting to LED (39:00)Tight spaces and a hot roof (41:45) Lessons learned during employment (43:25)Getting familiar with the building and campus (46:38)Looking ahead twenty years (48:03)Closing thoughts (50:46)Help desk ticketing system (51:26)For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years. This special premiere anniversary episode features Dewberry's Larry Hasson (Associate Principal | Architecture Department Manager), who led the design team that created the IALR facility. Larry shares the story of how the design and architecture of the 90,000-square-foot building came to be. Larry's background and early career (00:42)Initial pitch for what the building needed to be (02:27)The thought process behind the design and layout of the building (06:47)How the iconic Atrium facade came to be (17:32)The choice of building and architectural materials used, such as glass, steel and brick (19:55)Reactions to the opening of the building (30:42)Lessons learned and continuing a theme (37:07)If this building was built in 2024 (42:29)Looking ahead twenty years (47:38)Outside inspiration and ahead of its time (57:20)Closing thoughts (01:02:54)For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program provides comprehensive and unique support and career services from the day students arrive. This level of support makes the program more successful and accessible. This episode features three ATDM staff to highlight those services and how they enhance student experiences and outcomes: Kevin Gatewood, Assistant Director, ATDM Student Services; Karen Hardy, Assistant Director, ATDM Career Services and Dr. Debra Holley, Director, ATDM Project Development. ATDM program overview (01:19)Support and wrap-around services (02:43)Career preparation (06:50)Balancing backgrounds and experience (10:04)Evolution of ATDM student support (12:19)Work study program (16:02)Tutoring assistance (18:01)Success stories (20:06) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

This episode features four of the five Information Technology staff: Tim Kruggel, Director of IT; Daniel Cory, Systems Administrator; Jessica Hardy, IT Technician; and Jeremiah Slaughter, IT Specialist. They discuss how the IT department provides services for a diverse and growing campus and team as well as maintaining and upkeeping all types of technology. Meet and greet the IT staff and their roles (01:32)Balancing traditional office technology with complex technology needs (04:14)Supporting a growing organization and campus (10:59)Managing separate networks for staff, tenants and guests (15:01)Plugging cybersecurity holes (22:15) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The Plant Endophyte Research Center at IALR is focused on the use of naturally occurring plant bacteria to help with plant growth promotion and stress response. This is biotechnology in action. This episode features three of the scientists who run the Plant Endophyte Research: Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research; Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist; and Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Senior Scientist. Defining biotechnology  (01:16)The research focus of the Plant Endophyte Research Center (03:31)IALR's role in the biotechnology industry (07:49)Biotechnology collaboration with partners (12:41)Primary industries where biotechnology is used (15:10)The goal of the Plant Endophyte Research Center in the next five years (21:41) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

LaShaun Graham, Vice President of Human Resources, joins the show to define the IALR company culture and discusses her goals for IALR as a workplace. Graham also highlightsWhat values and competencies are important (00:53)How IALR maintains growth, especially with having employees working on different shifts and geographic locations (02:28)What she wants every IALR employee to say about their work experience (09:14)The IALR benefits package (10:59)The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

Jason Wells, who recently joined IALR as the Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, joins the show to outline the division's impact and how he plans to contribute to its success. Wells highlights His career experiences (1:06)What led him to take this new role with IALR (4:42)Some of the different programs and focus areas of the Manufacturing Advancement division (7:00)A three-pronged partnership with the U.S. Navy (13:00)His vision for the division (19:45)  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

IALR President Telly Tucker returns for the one-year anniversary episode of Inside IALR to discuss the biggest successes and lessons learned from his two years with the organization. As IALR continues to grow, Telly explains the level of growth and impact not only regionally but nationally and internationally in areas such as GO TEC, ATDM and Applied Research. Telly also highlights his vision for IALR two years from now.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

This episode features Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Industry Engagement Coordinator Justin Scarce, current ATDM Non-destructive Testing student Brandon Payne and Pegasus Steel Senior Talent Acquisition Manager Bria Major. The ATDM career fair gives employers the opportunity to meet, interview and hire ATDM students. With a recent attendance of 115 students and over 25 employers, these fairs help place skilled technicians in the following types of jobs: Additive Manufacturing CNC Machining Non-destructive Testing Quality Control Inspection (Metrology) Welding Justin Scarce talks about the accelerated need for skilled labor and how skilled trades tie into the future of the American dream. Brandon Payne discusses how he learned about ATDM, his job-seeking experience with employers at the career fair and what he’s hoping to find after graduation. Bria Major talks about how rewarding it is to both recruit students once they complete the ATDM program and also send employees for further training as an industry sponsor. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is leading the ATDM program. This is a Navy-funded workforce development and job placement program which rapidly develops skilled technicians for the manufacturing sector supporting national defense.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

A two-year, dual-enrollment program housed at IALR, the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) provides experiential learning activities focused on theory and design. This episode features AET’s Coordinator and Engineering Instructor, John Hatchett, 2016 graduating AET class and current PhD student, Shelita Hall and 2024 AET graduate Caleb Pearson. John discusses the goals of the program and highlights how the curriculum provides transferrable skills - like problem-solving and collaboration - that students will need in any career. Shelita talks about what she is currently doing now and how the AET program helped prepare her for higher education and her career with NASA. Caleb reflects on what the past two years have been and how it has shaped and ultimately connected everything in his life.Students earn college credits from Danville Community College in math, engineering and English courses. The program is supported by a partnership between IALR, Danville Community College, Pittsylvania County Schools and Danville Public Schools. If you or your child is interested in the Academy for Engineering and Technology, please visit ialr.org/aet for more information.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The Wonder Community is a lifelong learning program where members join to meet curious people and learn new things. A great network for people of all ages, Wonder provides all types of  workshops and skill development opportunities. Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator, discusses how Wonder got started, shares what makes the community so special and highlights some of the different workshops that have been offered. Jessica Hardy, IT Technician I, shares how she got involved as a member and the skills that she has gained.  If you are interested in joining the Wonder Community, please visit wondercommunity.org. Remember, 60% of your paid membership is donated to a nonprofit of your choice!The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

We welcome Tracy Fink, IALR's new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC), to the team. Tracy explains how her background and experience have prepared her for this role, what grabbed her attention about this opportunity to work with the ICC and outlines her overarching vision for Southern Virginia's premier event venue. She also highlights the ICC's different spaces and capabilities, along with its full-service amenities. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

"The needs across Virginia and the nation are the same. We need to expose students to opportunities earlier, change parents’ mindsets about some of these opportunities, and then bring the voice of business and industry into the classroom. GO TEC is designed to do each of those things and more.” - Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALRGreat Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) is Virginia's solution to a dependable pipeline of exceptional talent. In this episode, IALR’s Vice President of Advanced Learning, Dr. Julie Brown, and GO TEC Director Angela Rigney discuss how IALR and our partners prepare the skilled workers of today and tomorrow.  GO TEC overview and history (00:58) Talent pathways (02:32) Modules and equipment (04:27) Student experience (07:43) Benefits of being hands-on (09:52) Funding and support (16:39) How and why the modules are chosen (19:06)  How GO TEC remains the same across regions (22:18) Economic development and measuring impact (30:47) What is the future (34:32) The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership is a systems approach to improve community health. In this episode of Inside IALR, we speak REACH Program Manager Dr. Cassandra Shelton, Regional Coordinator for the Health Collaborative Maggie Richardson, and Care Coordinator and certified Community Health Worker Cindi Poteat about the program's aim to improve health factors and outcomes by connecting people to available resources. What is the REACH Partnership (1:10)The program's origin and evolution (2:16) The role that community health workers and coordinated care teams play in the community by connecting people to available resources (5:45)How the REACH Partnership is helping the community (9:05)"There is no wrong entry point." (11:29) The role of the connected REACH AmeriCorps program (12:29)Lessons learned (14:25)Measuring impact (17:45)  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories

The “Inside IALR” team showcases the CNC Innovation Lab inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) with CMA Operations Manager Kevin Thompson and CNC Technologist Jeremiah Williams. This episode highlights how the 5,791-square-foot CNC Machining Innovation Lab enables new and existing businesses to evaluate their processes, build out improvements and incorporate efficiencies without disrupting current operations. This space empowers manufacturers to increase global competitiveness (02:44). They discuss the role of CNC machining (04:18) and its primary role within the manufacturing industry (06:06). The equipment and processes (08:27) are the main attraction for industry. Kevin and Jeremiah explain the specific services provided by the CNC Innovation Lab (14:46) and also provide a short explanation of the Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and how the CNC Lab fits into that (19:14). The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email NewsletterNews Stories