December 2025 Inside the Institute Newsletter

While removing snow from a vehicle last week, my job seemed to never end because of the constant snowstorm, which continued to cover up my “apparent” progress with new fallen snow. It is important to realize that in the face of the many types of storms we have endured in 2025, our hard work and the many successes are indeed indelible and visible upon taking the time to reflect and brush away the mental debris hiding those important outcomes.

On behalf of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute—a key instrument of the Office of Research and Innovation—I am deeply appreciative of your efforts this year and your upcoming work on what lies ahead in 2026. As we see in this month’s “year-in-review” newsletter, your continued commitment to help move forward the Virginia Tech life sciences community into new frontiers is deep, the scope of your endeavors is broad, and your successes are highly visible and large. 

The indelible and constant impact the Institute has on affiliated faculty, postdoctoral associates, and staff, as well as the life sciences field, is large, global, and lasting! This impact is only possible because of your steadfast leadership and contributions, which are amplified by our academic unit and institute partnerships and collaborations with the Office of Research and Innovation and that of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

So, as you peruse the article summaries below from 2025, I hope you capture some of the revealed energy and direct it into your activities over the holidays while you enjoy time with friends and family. The many destinations your efforts have taken us to this year are thrilling, and those efforts are helping make an indelible mark on the life sciences community around the world!

My best wishes to you and yours this holiday season,

P.S. The solutions to November’s Fralin Fiddler crossword puzzle can be found here. I’ll be back with another new Fiddler in January!