For the first time, a team of undergraduate researchers in the Biological Sciences from the University of Mary Washington participated in the Scholars Transforming through Research Advocacy Program, through Council for Undergraduate Research. Throughout the academic year, students Lillian Burbulis (BIOL ’26), Tyler Downs (BIOL ’26), Brooke Martin (BMED ’27), and Abby Powers (BMED ’27), along with their faculty mentor Dr. Laura Sipe, participated in training sessions that built skills in scientific communication and taught them how to advocate for undergraduate research. UMW was one of two Virginia universities that participated in this national program.
Over spring break, March 2-3, 2026, the students visited the Capitol and met with Virginia legislators to advocate for undergraduate research at UMW. First, students met with Amber Townes, the legislative aide for Congressman Eugene Vindman. They thanked Congressman Vindman for his continued support of the University of Mary Washington, higher education, and scientific research. Students shared how their undergraduate research experiences have shaped their education at UMW and discussed how research prepares them for the workforce in Virginia.
Next, students met with Anel Galvez, the education legislative fellow for Tim Kaine. A STR group from Radford joined this meeting. Together, the students demonstrated the breadth of undergraduate research conducted across Virginia. They spoke about the opportunities that undergraduate research has opened for them, the hard and soft skills they have developed, and the importance of funding to support these experiences.
While at the Capital, we saw many other advocacy groups, advocating for medical research funding for Colon Cancer and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This experience opened up this whole other side to research and scientific careers. Most importantly, it built confidence in the students as they advocated for the undergraduate research that has been so important to their education at UMW.
The STRS program provided us with an experience to voice the importance of undergraduate research at UMW. As a collective, we shared the depth and variety of research that is being conducted in the biological science department, and we showed how this research benefits the Fredericksburg community and beyond. This program pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It gave me an outlet to push my limits while having the safety of talking about a research experience that I deeply value and has changed the trajectory of my life for the better. I hope that providing effective logic and data while displaying our passion and drive has left a lasting impact on Capitol Hill.
Abby Powers (BMED ’27)
Leave a Reply