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Soil pathogen hot spots reveal risk across the United States

New research from Virginia Tech, led by Jingqiu Liao alongside Emily Matthews and Ryan Calder, maps where soil-borne pathogens exist across the United States and how environmental and social factors shape exposure. Supported by the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment’s Scholars program, the findings point to key areas for future research and prevention.

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Gloved hands collect a soil sample with a small scoop and place it into a clear container in a garden bed, representing soil sampling for environmental or pathogen research.
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    Cheer on Rising Hokie Researchers at the Undergraduate Nutshell Games
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    Get ready to cheer on the next generation of researchers at the Undergraduate Nutshell Games on April 24 at 3:25 p.m. in the Graduate Life Center at Virginia Tech. Part of the Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference, this fast-paced event features students in the Undergraduate Theatre STEM program sharing their research in just 90 seconds to a live audience and panel of judges. From creative insights to scientific breakthroughs, these rising scholars turn big ideas into clear, compelling stories. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m.

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    ISCE Spring Forum Recording Available: “Can Generative AI Enrich Social Science?”
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    The recording from ISCE’s Spring Forum, held March 31, are now available. Featuring Christopher Bail of Duke University, the session explored how generative AI can advance research in the social sciences while raising important questions around bias, ethics, and research quality.

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    Transform Dialogue into Action: Join the 2026 Whole Health Consortium Annual Meeting
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    Whole Health, Whole Communities: From Dialogue to Coordinated Action will take place May 12, 2026, at the Virginia Tech Inn and Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg. Hosted by the Whole Health Consortium, the meeting will bring together researchers, clinicians, and community partners to strengthen collaborations and advance coordinated research efforts. The program features a keynote by Meagan Grega, MD, project lightning exchanges, facilitated breakout sessions, and $1,000 Flash Funding opportunities for select proposals.

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