Summer 2024

Director’s Message


Our summer research journeys


I’m feeling a special kinship with our research students this summer, as I plunge into papers with data that shed light on the feasibility of a new idea I’m hoping will turn into a grant proposal by August. 


Like them, I too am experiencing the excitement of discovery, the rush of new ideas, and perhaps the occasional sting of temporary setbacks.

 

It may sound silly, but devouring chemistry papers is like binging on suspense novels, waiting impatiently for the big reveal: finally, when I arrive at the concluding data table and realize that the numbers support my idea, I feel pure joy, surprise, and a sense of connection and community with faraway researchers I haven’t (yet!) met. 

 

What a joy it is to be growing and evolving as a scholar this summer alongside our undergraduates, as they chart research journeys of their own—across the arts & sciences!

Charles Center Community News

New Sharpe internships connect research, communities


Seven Sharpe Action Research interns are among the 32 students participating in Charles Center internships, which include the longstanding Woody Internship in Museum Studies, as well as the City Research Scholars and Journalism & Democracy Fellowship programs.


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Mentored research deepens interests, sharpens purpose


For the more than 270 undergraduates who received 2024 Charles Center summer research grants, May through August is a period of profound discovery, personal mentorship, and meaningful connection.


William & Mary undergraduates are putting their liberal arts & sciences education into practice this summer.


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Catron Scholars pursue summer research, artistic development


This summer, ten undergraduates have scattered across the globe to develop their research and artistic acumen thanks to the Louis E. Catron Grant for Artistic Development, a fund honoring Dr. Catron, a beloved professor of theatre at W&M from 1966 to 2002. 


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W&M pursues bachelor’s in marine science


William & Mary is moving forward with a proposal for the first undergraduate marine science program at a public university in Virginia.


“Growing up on a peninsula has caused me to always have an interest in marine science,” says Darius McCallum ’27, a W&M Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience (WMSURE) fellow. “From marine ecology to oceanography, this vast interdisciplinary subject has always been appealing to me."


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W&M Commencement awards celebrate individual excellence


1693 Scholar Robert K. Gourdie ’24 and Sharpe Community Scholar Kelsey M. McAlister '24 were among a select group of undergraduates recognized at this year's W&M Commencement ceremony.


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WMSURE conference highlights self-evolution through research


With a message centered on trust, determination, and the transformational role research experiences have played in her life, keynote speaker Raven Pierce ‘23 opened the 4th annual, day-long William & Mary Undergraduate Research Experience (WMSURE) Research Conference in Sadler April 12.


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Undergraduate researchers take on climate change


As scientists all over the world grapple with the impact of global climate change, two William & Mary undergraduates are throwing their lab coats in the ring to identify potential solutions to the most pressing environmental concern of our time.


Biology and environmental science major Olivia Cunningham ’25 and neuroscience major Megan Fleeharty ‘24 share the same goal: to see their work expand beyond the lab and experience real-world impacts.


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Taylor leaves lasting legacy in Sharpe program and beyond


Dr. Dennis Taylor, Professor of Marine Science and faculty in the Sharpe Community Scholars Program, retires this summer after more than twenty years of teaching and mentoring students in community-based research.


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13 recent graduates and alumni join W&M’s list of Fulbright recipients


This year William & Mary's global reach has been confirmed once again as 13 recent graduates and alumni affiliated with the university received Fulbright student awards; three additional graduates were selected as alternates.


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Long-term lab mates selected for Goldwater Scholarships


With the addition of 1693 Scholar Jeffrey Gu ’25 and Marco Stettler ’25 to its list of students who have won Goldwater Scholarships, William & Mary confirms the strength of its STEM programs and the importance of its emphasis on undergraduate research.


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W&M lab uncovers global stories, fosters career skills


Through its ever-expanding collection of shipping records, the Global Americas Lab examines political and social networks between North and South America during the Age of Atlantic Revolutions. It also engages its students in database creation, machine learning projects and GIS map design.


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W&M Green Fee funds projects to advance sustainability


This semester, 13 proposals were approved to receive a total of $211,019 in grants. These projects will advance W&M’s sustainability through academic research, educational opportunities and improved technologies and operational systems. 


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Charles Center Staff Spotlight


Judy Slack

Administrative & Fiscal Coordinator


Over the past 5 years, Judy has worked with self-design majors, provided administrative support to various Interdisciplinary programs, scheduled courses for the Center for Geospatial Analysis (CGA) and the Charles Center, processed all incoming applications for departmental honors, and has provided the daily administrative and fiscal support necessary for both a center and an academic program.


Judy graduated from Converse College with a double major in history and business -organization management and has used both degrees in various parts of her professional career over the past 35 years. She has worked in museums, with a meeting and incentive agency, for a trade show management company, as well as in elementary education. Judy came to W&M after working for twelve years for the York County School Division as a para-educator at Waller Mill Elementary. One thing that makes Judy uniquely suited for the life of an admin at W&M, (and able to juggle a variety of things on any given day), is being the mother of 24-year-old triplets. Two of her children are class of ’22 graduates from W&M, and one is a class of ’22 graduate from George Mason University. Judy and her family have lived in the Williamsburg area for over 20 years and have developed many personal ties to the community through school, Boy Scouts, and church.


In her free time, Judy enjoys many crafts including knitting, crochet, and most recently starting to quilt. Judy and her husband Matt spend time working in the yard, creating unique spaces to hang out and to enjoy for entertaining family and friends. Judy also dotes on her ten-year-old rescue dog, Blue, whom the whole family acknowledges is Mom’s favorite.


Meet the whole Charles Center team here!


Your Support Makes a Difference!


Giving to the Charles Center Fund ensures your gift will support the areas of greatest need and student impact. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative and experimental programming that fosters student and faculty creativity.



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Mentored Research

Personal learning experiences are woven into the fabric of every Charles Center program.


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Innovative Internships

Our hands-on, research-centered internships give students real-world opportunities to learn.


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Scholars Programs

We oversee the Monroe Scholars, WMSURE Scholars, 1693 Scholars, & Sharpe Scholars programs.


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