Fall 2024

Together, we create a world informed & inspired by research

Director's Message

Applied learning for all!

Like many of our students, I’m transitioning from a research-focused summer back into the rhythm of the academic year. This adjustment can be challenging!

I’ve learned over the years that I’m at my best when I hold all of my identities simultaneously: my work in research and mentoring informs my work in the Charles Center and vice versa.

We're realizing that we and our students are at our best when the growth we experience through summer research informs our academic journeys during the semester, and what happens in the classroom in turn informs our journeys toward fulfilling careers.

I'm thrilled to be partnering with colleagues in the Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement to strengthen these connections through W&M’s next Quality Enhancement Plan, which we're calling "Applied learning for all."

As co-chair, I'm looking forward to launching this long-term initiative with campus partners to ensure that for all undergraduates, applied learning – whether research in the lab or an internship in a museum – is not only within reach but becomes essential to their W&M experience. More to come!

Charles Center Community News

Symposium signals thriving W&M research community

With more than 1200 students, faculty, staff, and community members participating in the Charles Center's annual Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium Sept. 20 in Swem Library, William & Mary's thriving undergraduate research community was on full display.

1693 Scholar takes on DNC as NH's youngest delegate

First-year Stamps 1693 Scholar Aliyana Koch-Manzur ’28 was one of the youngest delegates to this year's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19-22.

New journalism masterclasses soar to capacity

Aspiring journalists seeking practical experience in the field filled every seat of a new 6-part masterclass series offered by the Charles Center within just hours of its announcement Aug. 29.

Michelle Indelicato '25 celebrated for service to community

A team leader for the Williamsburg Engagement Program, a virtual researcher for the Food Empowerment Project, and a City Research Scholar with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg are among the roles that Indelicato '25 has held while at W&M.

Sharp Journalism Seminar launches with call for curiosity

For students in this year’s Sharp Journalism Seminar, the message from their instructors was clear: if not a panacea, high-quality journalism – fueled by curiosity – provides thoughtful life lessons for the reporter, readers, and perhaps even our republic.

Sharpe Community Scholars champion research, hands-on learning

Learning flourishes at the intersections of class, community, and research – where knowledge and discovery mutually thrive in collaborating relationships. This is the philosophy behind the Sharpe Community Scholars Program.

City Research Scholars share life lessons from internships

Though William & Mary undergraduates often pursue summer internships with specific goals in mind, perhaps the greatest benefits of gaining hands-on experience in a potential career field are the zigs, zags, and unexpected life lessons that inevitably arise.

Woody internships open doors

to museum world

Through the Charles Center's Woody Internship in Museum Studies, ten William & Mary undergraduates spent last summer exploring potential careers in the field alongside mentors at nine host museums.

New internships mark renaissance in local journalism

Aspiring William & Mary journalists now have an additional avenue to hone their craft – a new summer internship program with mentorship from award-winning reporters and editors from the Daily Press, Virginian-Pilot, and other outlets belonging to Norfolk-based Virginia Media, Inc.

Summer housing fosters equity, student research community

Though their interests, majors, and topics may differ, for many undergraduates, it is complimentary on-campus housing – and the community that it creates – that makes a summer dedicated to mentored research possible.

Learn more

What's your W&M

research story?

Whether you're in the Class of '24 or graduated in '64, we'd love to know how mentorship and undergraduate research shaped your W&M experience – and perhaps even life beyond!

Share your W&M research story here!

Approaching Due Dates!

Semester research funding!

October 15, 2024 (priority)

December 6, 2024 (final)

The purpose of the Semester Research Grant program is to assist students with expenses directly related to conducting research that occurs during the academic year.

Paid Summer '25 internships!

December 1, 2024

(applications open Nov. 1)

Looking to get paid $5k to pursue your academic passion in a summer internship? Check out our internships in museum studies, nonprofits, local government, and journalism!

Charles Center Staff Spotlight

Kim Van Deusen

Associate Director, 1693 Scholars Program

Kim has been a part of the William & Mary community for 24 years, currently serving as the Associate Director of the 1693 Scholars Program. She works in tandem with the faculty director and Chancellor Professor of Biology Dan Cristol, to recruit, enroll, advise, and support the 1693 Scholars. Kim also plans and implements all 1693 Scholar activities and events.

While a student at James Madison University (JMU), Kim was mentored by amazing staff through her experiences as a student ambassador and as a work-study student in admissions. After graduating from JMU, she worked in admissions for a year before going to graduate school at Miami University in higher education administration. After a two-year graduate assistantship and an additional year as an admission counselor, Kim returned to JMU as an assistant director of alumni relations. Kim began her tenure at W&M as an assistant director of admission in the fall of 2000, and one of her main responsibilities for many years was advising prospective transfer students and leading the transfer selection process.

Kim greatly enjoys supporting students, helping them navigate and make the most of their college years. She also teaches fitness classes at W&M and encourages you to try out her step class on Wednesdays or her foam roll class on Fridays!

Meet the rest of the 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. In all we do, we seek to put our values in action: inclusivity & accessibility, collaboration & connection, and inquiry & innovation.