The Department of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech offers engaging graduate and undergraduate programs in Science and Technology Studies. Students learn to connect research with societal needs, tackling issues like data discrimination and environmental health. Notable faculty successes reflect a commitment to meaningful community involvement and scholarly impact.
Virginia Tech’s Department of Science, Technology, and Society offers a comprehensive graduate program in Science and Technology Studies (STS), designed to cultivate engaged scholars who can bridge the gap between academic research and societal impact. With campuses in two distinct locations, the department swathes students in a shared curriculum, enabling teleconferenced courses that expand learning horizons. Beyond graduate programs, students are poised to explore the social dimensions of science and technology through a variety of undergraduate minors, enhancing their major fields of study. In addition to academic offerings, the department pulses with vibrant research and teaching clusters that reflect its dynamic nature. Students and faculty are not only honing their academic prowess but also igniting conversations that transcend the classroom. Notable efforts include Dr. Fernanda Rosa’s initiative aimed at safeguarding data for marginalized communities in Latin America, and Barbara Allen’s groundbreaking research funded by a substantial National Science Foundation grant, targeting environmental health issues in Louisiana. The department’s community-oriented approach promotes engagement, with student success stories such as Roan Parrish, named Graduate Student of the Year for 2024, showcasing the human impact of academic endeavors. As the echoes of past accomplishments linger, the department prepares to forge new pathways in the ongoing dialogue between science, technology, and society.
The Department of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech plays a pivotal role in developing interdisciplinary understanding between scientific advancements and societal needs. By offering specialized programs like M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Science and Technology Studies, the department equips students with the analytical tools necessary for informed, impactful contributions to society. Additionally, the inclusion of undergraduate minors propels a broader student engagement with the ethical and social implications entwined with scientific progress, addressing issues of data discrimination and public health.
Virginia Tech’s Department of Science, Technology, and Society stands as a beacon of innovative research and education, intertwining academic inquiry with the pressing challenges of contemporary society. By emphasizing community involvement and interdisciplinary scholarship, the department not only shapes students into informed scholars but also champions the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring that the societal relevance of science and technology resonates far beyond the classroom.
Original Source: liberalarts.vt.edu
