Grants

The ILLUMINATE Grants for the Improvement of Teaching are designed to encourage faculty to enhance instruction through the introduction of new pedagogical and active learning techniques, activities, and/or learner-centered experiences. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Confidential scoring committees evaluate applicants on the grant’s purpose, student engagement, higher-order thinking, and potential to impact student learning.

Full- and part-time residential faculty members, as well as online faculty teaching on-campus intensives, are eligible to apply.  Departmental or interdisciplinary teams of two or three are also invited.  Individuals may apply for up to $1500, teams of two up to $3000, and teams of three up to $4500 to implement new pedagogical techniques, classroom activities, technologies, class trips, and/or purchase materials that foster learner-centered experiences for students.

Successful applications demonstrate effective active learning*.

*Active learning: In order to learn, students must do more than just listen: They must read, write, discuss, or be engaged in solving problems. In particular, students must engage in higher-order thinking tasks as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Active learning engages students in two aspects – doing things and thinking about the things they are doing. 

Applications are open from Jan. 14 – March 31 each year. The deadline to apply is March 31 at midnight for Fall/Spring implementations. (Note: Proposal form works best on desktop.)

Priority will be given to applicants who have never received an ILLUMINATE Grant.

Applications are currently closed.

• A Continuation of Latent Blood Detection and STR Analysis of Samples Collected from an American Civil War Field Hospital; The Authenticated Surgical Table Used for Surgery (Kristin Mosse and James McClintock; School of Health Sciences)
• AFROTC Detachment 890 VR Flight Simulator Project (David Gupton, Timothy Robles, Jason Bell, and Shamika Woodruff; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Applications of Wildlife Photography to Support Natural History Investigations (Kyle Harris, Sherrie Welfel, and Matt Becker; School of Health Sciences)
• Christian School Enrichment Initiative (Michele Worley, Esther Alcindor, and Harvey Klamm; School of Education)
• Clear View Catheter Insertion Simulator (Lori Dominie, Kristen Oakley, and Bichundo Lambert; School of Nursing)
• Community Health Assessment for Underserved Populations (Linnaya Graf and Oswald Attin; School of Health Sciences)
• Expanding Cultural Competence: Social Work Diversity Experience in DC (Elke Cox, Rhonda Turner, and Alex Lagos; School of Behavioral Sciences)
• Good Grief for Nursing Students (Lindsey Frett, Deidra Simpson, and Diane Bridge; School of Nursing)
• Hands-On History: Learning Through Experience (Donna Donald; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Homeless for the Homeless: A Collaborative Poverty Simulation Experience for Nursing Students (Lisa Foote, Tara Smith, Becky Webb, and Dana Woody; School of Nursing)
• Implementing Laboratory Instruments to Increase Active Learning in Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory Exercises (Vhuthuhawe Madzinge, Cory Goff, and Ersilia Mirabelli; School of Health Sciences)
• Instructional Supplies for Coffee Course (Maria Garcia; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Kingdom Advisors Conference (Stacie Rhodes, Kurt Cornfield, and Erin Mills; School of Business)
• Making Learning Sticky: An Investigation of the Results for Positive Reinforcement Via Stickers for Graded Papers and Lab Behavior in Chemistry (Nancy Richardson; School of Health Sciences)
• Microsoft Excel Certifications (Angela Holt, Alison Pettit, and Miranda Dyer; School of Business)
• Music Education Enrichment: Sound Equipment (Stanley Harris and Rebecca Watson; School of Music)
• Practical Learning (Yevgeniy Dovgalyuk; School of Music)
• Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Protocol for Laboratory Learning (Jing Xu; School of Health Sciences)
• Showcasing Play Adaptations of Literature for Children and Young Adults (Virginia Dow; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Showcasing Student Work (Lisa Campbell; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Strengthening Understanding of Sheet Metal Processing Concepts Using Hands-On Activity (Ephraim Zegeye; School of Engineering)
• Tracing the Footsteps of Our Past: A Journey Through Central Virginia’s History (Alexander Mason, Samuel C. Smith, and Christopher Sneeringer; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Wings of Wisdom: Preparing Students for Landing in the Dynamic World of Airport Management (Amber L. Wilson; School of Aeronautics)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Future Educators (Monica Huband, Laurie Rice, and Michelle Goodwin; School of Education)

• A Tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Homes (Lisa Campbell & Kevin Layell; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Augmenting Fashion Design (Kim Cashman & Samantha Pearce; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Can You Understand Me Now? Interpreting Transmission Equipment for Future Interpreters (Andrew Milacci; College of Arts and Sciences)
• North American Christians in Social Work Service-Learning Opportunity (Cheryl Nitz; School of Behavioral Sciences)
• Enhancing Practical Applications for Assurance and Attestation Learning for Accounting Students (Charlene Geisler; School of Business)
• Excellence in Human Performance: Conversing With One of the World’s Best Sports Performance Scholars and Practitioners (Andy Bosak, Jim Schoffstall & Tate Fonville; School of Health Sciences and School of Engineering)
• Exploring the Intersection of Public Health Policy (Jonathan Giles & Kahlib Fischer; School of Health Sciences and School of Government)
• Floral Design Workshop (Chelsea Milks; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Foundational Skills Escape Room (Brad Burgess & Shawn Bielicki; College of Applied Studies and Academic Success)
• History Through Experience: Historic Jamestown and Yorktown (Samuel Smith, Donna Donald & Christopher Jones; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Holocaust Education: Exposing Students to the Holocaust (David Snead; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Intentional Engagement: Using Manipulatives and Cooperative Learning Tools in the Foreign Language Classroom (Alisha Castañeda & Stephanie Blankenship; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Kingdom Advisors (Stacie Rhodes & Kurt Cornfield; School of Business)
• LEARN 2 LEAD Through LUNCH & LEARN (Roger Mackey; College of Applied Studies and Academic Success)
• Liberty University Apiary Project (Morgan Roth, Kyle Harris & J. Thomas McClintock; School of Health Sciences)
• Multidisciplinary Engineering Design: A Hands-on Robot Design (Howie Fang; School of Engineering)
• Preparing for Excellence: A SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge Model Exploration (Tammy Brown; School of Business)
• Social Welfare Policy: Social Work Field Trip to Richmond: Legislative Process and Cultural Education (Elke Cox & Aaron Wright; School of Behavioral Sciences)
• UR LUved (Cindy Goodrich & Dana Woody; School of Nursing)

• A Christian’s Influence in Mainstream Hollywood Storytelling: Disney Screenwriter and Animator Jeremy Spears’ Impact on Culturally Significant Animated Films (Barry Gawinski, Durrell Nelson & Todd Smith; School of Communication and Arts)
• Advanced Avionics Correlation Trainer (Wayne Tripp, Jerry Wangberg, Ian Dutkus & Peter Spahr;
  School of Aeronautics)
• Aging Simulation Equipment (Kevin Layell, Lisa Campbell & Janet K. Brown; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Career Exploration Regional, National, and International: Visit Employers in Lancaster, PA
  (Connie Hecker & Mark Horstemeyer; School of Communications and Arts/School of Engineering)
• Emergency Relief: Simulating the Project Management Experience in Non-Profit Work (David Duby; School of Business)
• Enhancing Criminal Justice Curriculum: A Practical Application for Future Practitioners (Amanda Trent & Joel Cox; Helms School of Government)
• Forging the Future of Design: Real-World Application of the Glowforge in 2D & 3D
  Product Design in the SADA Classroom (Rachel Dugan, Audra Rygh & Joshua Wilson; School of Communication and Arts)
• From Hell and Back: Workshop on Forgiveness and Trusting God (Larry Presley & Tim Chang;
  Helms School of Government/Rawlings School of Divinity)
• Hot Off the Press! What Media Professionals Say Journalism Looks Like in 2022 and Beyond (Amy Bonebright, Donald Alban Jr. & Toni Perry; School of Communication and Arts)
• Immersive Experience with German Language and Culture (Annik Miller & Alexandra Barnett; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Learning By Example: Interpreting History through Objects and Sites (Donna Donald; College of Arts and Sciences)
• LU Service Learning by Promoting Literacy at a Rural Elementary School in Nigeria (Carol Payne & Edna Udobong; School of Education/Helms School of Government)
• Mixed Reality Headset for Aviation Training (Katie Gallagher, Jonathan Hewitt & Aaron Wilson;
  School of Aeronautics)
• Nutrition Health Fair (Anna Kebles & Mark Hemric; School of Health Sciences)
• Sport Management Guest Speakers (Adam Spencer & Laura Hatfield; School of Business)
• Student Field Work Financial Support for Master of Public Health Nutrition Courses (Julia Inglis;
  School of Health Sciences)
• The Use of an Electroencephalograph to Demonstrate Neurocognitive Processes (Carrie Wilmouth; School of Behavioral Sciences)

• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Virtual Reality Dementia Experience for Senior Nursing Students (Emilee Harker; School of Nursing)
• Atoms First – Peer Teaching with Model Kits (Nancy Richardson; School of Health Sciences)
• Coaching Education – Active Learning (Laura M. Hatfield; School of Business)
• Educational Makerspaces (Randall Dunn, Michele Worley & James Swezey; School of Education)
• Improved Learning of Facilities Design through Field Trips, Reflection, and Analysis (Diana J. Schwerha; School of Engineering)
• Improving Speaking and Cultural Proficiency (Annik Miller & Jared Barber; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Integrating “Original Research Aims” into Biochemistry 451 Laboratory (Gregory Raner; School of Health Sciences)
• Intercultural Communication and Engagement Workshop (Tim Chang; Rawlings School of Divinity)
• Learning through Application: An HRIS Platform Exploration (Tammy Brown; School of Business)
• Presenting the Gospel through Movement Art – Synthesizing the Anthropological Study of Movement with the Dramatic Narrative of Scripture for Culturally Effective Storytelling and Engagement (Aubri Siebert, Barry Gawinski & Michelle Thomas; School of Communication and the Arts)
• Radiographic Evaluation of Human Osteology (Ben Kalu, Mark Blais & Daniel Howell; School of Health Sciences)
• Remote Interpreting Stations (Nicole Thorn; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Research at the National Archives and Library of Congress – Introducing Students to Research As Professionals Do It (David Snead & Sam Smith; College of Arts and Sciences)

• Accu-Vein Illuminator for Vein Visualization (Dena Todd, Carol Harvey & Jerry Harvey; School of Nursing)
• Augmenting Studio and Digital Arts Curriculum through Virtual Experiences (Joey Wright, Joshua Wilson & David Meyer; School of Communication and the Arts)
• Pocket Lab Kits for First-Year Engineering Courses (James Long & Carolyn Ziebart; School of Engineering)
• Integrating 16S Sequencing into Upper Level Organismal Courses to Train Biology Undergraduates Modern Molecular Techniques (Matthew Becker, Paul Sattler & David Rockabrand; School of Health Sciences)
• Critical Thinking In Action: Foundational Skills Escape Room (Brad Burgess, Daniel Berkenkemper & Dwayne Melton; College of Applied Studies & Academic Success)
• The Stuff of History: Learning and Presenting History with Objects (Donna Donald; College of Arts and Sciences)
• Current Issues in the Problem of Evil: A Dialogue (Michael Scott Jones, College of Arts and Sciences)
• Meet Dr. Forgiveness (Jichan Kim; School of Behavioral Sciences)
• Stop the Bleed: An Inter-professional Approach to Saving Lives on Campus and Abroad (Tonia Kennedy, Dana Woody & Sergeant Hurtak; School of Nursing & Liberty University Police Department)
• Hispanic Community Needs Assessment in Central Virginia (Oswald Attin; School of Health Sciences)

Impact Professional Development Grants for Residential Adjunct Faculty, provided by CTE, are designed to encourage faculty growth, enhance student learning, and improve teaching practices by covering expenses associated with attendance at the yearly Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy (CHEP) on the campus of Virginia Tech. Conference Website: https://chep.teaching.vt.edu/

Currently not accepting applications.