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Supporting a Diverse Clientele with
Analytical Chemistry Services
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Utilizing some of the most sophisticated and effective
commercially available equipment, the Analytical Chemistry Lab at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) supports local growers, startups and large corporations alike.
“We’re willing to work closely with our clients to develop methodologies and targeted analysis specific to their needs.” – Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist, IALR
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Vice President of Institute Conference Center & Operations
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IALR is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.
"I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.” - Tracy Fink, Vice President, ICC & Operations
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Summer Internship Opportunities at IALR
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IALR is
accepting applications for summer internship opportunities through March 22. High school graduates, college students and recent college graduates are encouraged to explore and apply for paid positions across the organization, ranging from research, coding and robotics to communications and information technology. Each internship requires 224 hours with a weekly time commitment of 28 hours, representing an eight-week internship term.
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Angela Rigney Named Director of GO
TEC
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An experienced and innovative educator and career and technical education program administrator, Angela Rigney has been named the first director of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program.
“Working with our many partners across K12, industry, higher education and economic development, we will continue to inspire middle school students, highlight STEM careers and, ultimately, create dependable talent pipelines.” - Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director
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Improving Summer Lettuce Production with Bacteria
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Researchers from IALR and Virginia Tech are exploring ways to improve summer lettuce production. Their recently published study in the international peer-reviewed journal Scientia Horticulturae, which IALR Chief Scientist Dr. Chuansheng Mei led, explores the role of certain bacteria in boosting lettuce growth during hot weather.
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IALR Supports Creation of First
Virginia Paramedic Apprenticeship Program
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During a February ceremony, five apprentices signed with the Franklin County Department of Public Safety as part of the first and only Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship Program in Virginia. This new program is supported by
IALR and several other partners.
“This program serves as a powerful precedent for expanding apprenticeship opportunities across diverse healthcare professions.” - Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II for IALR
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Largest ATDM Cohort Begins
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Consisting of 108 adult learners from across the country, the newest cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program arrived at IALR on Feb. 19. In just four months, these students will gain the training and certifications needed for manufacturing careers that help the U.S. Navy build submarines.
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Family Literacy Night Coming on March
14
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The 2024 Family Literacy Night is coming to IALR on March 14 to coincide with Pi Day. This free event will feature free books, activities, games, snacks, photo opportunities, a special storytime segment and more. Megabytes Cafe will have pizza, snacks and drinks for sale as well.
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New Podcast Episodes Feature IALR Internships,
Analytical Chemistry Services
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"This place gives you connections that you will never really lose." - Mitchell Doss,
two-time former IALR intern
Former interns Cassidy Pruitt and Lleyton Barber also share experiences.
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- Family Literacy Night, March 14: Family Literacy Night is a free event that will feature free books, activities, games, snacks, photo opportunities, a special storytime segment and more.
- AspHIRE Mock Interview Days: IALR and partners are hosting four AspHIRE Mock Interview Days across Southern Virginia, providing high school students with practice interview experience. Mock interview days will be March 7 at IALR, March 13 at Longwood University, and March 26 at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
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Award-Winning Programs and Departments
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IALR staff and departments are receiving recognition for their efforts.
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2021-2022 Annual Report Wins Three Awards for Communications Department
The IALR Communications Department took home three awards from the PRSA Blue Ridge Summit Awards banquet. The 2021-2022 annual report won the gold award in the annual report category, gold award in the publication category, and silver award in the writing category.
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IALR Recognized with Prestigious Award for Apprenticeship Intermediary Role
As a recognition of the impact of the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program, IALR received the silver Outstanding Apprenticeship Intermediary Award from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works).
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IALR is looking for businesses that can host a high school or college intern this summer. Companies will receive assistance in
navigating the logistics of creating an internship program and finding talent. IALR also connects employers with available resources – including matching funds and mentor training – from partners like the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (Virginia TOP).
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ATDM Program Featured on Montel Williams Show
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The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, hosted and administered by IALR, is helping veterans find meaningful careers. For a quick glimpse into the program's impact, check out this feature on Military Makeover with Montel Williams, which highlights U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recent ATDM graduate Makhi Butler and features
interviews with several staff members.
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IALR hosted a series of successful events in February, including
- Part 1 and Part 2 of the SMART Seminars on artificial intelligence gave participants the skills to use artificial intelligence technologies for content creation. This series is a great
partnership between the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning. Part 3 will take place in early March.
- Community members enjoyed experiencing a few of the programs, initiatives and focus areas during tours of IALR on Feb. 12 and 29. Future tour opportunities, including virtual options and themed-tours, will be announced soon.
- In February,
members of the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning created a triptych of hearts for a Valentine’s Day painting workshop and learned how to create a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired two-layer design sticker using the Cricut. Several exciting workshops are coming up in March.
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- Amthor International, a tank trailer manufacturer, has begun construction of a new Gretna facility. The company is creating 75 new jobs with this expansion.
- The Partnership for Regional Prosperity, in cooperation with the Center for Early Success, is seeking input from parents and guardians on their childcare needs to help evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and economic impact of childcare in the Danville-Pittsylvania County region. The
deadline to participate is March 10.
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