The following story originally appeared on the website for the Charles Center. – Ed.

Olivia Warren ’27 had never heard of the International Worm Meeting before entering William & Mary and certainly never imagined herself as a presenter at this year’s #Worm25 at the University of California, Davis. 

But thanks to the combined power of irrepressible curiosity, passionate faculty mentorship and a Charles Center Research in Motion grant, Warren will participate in the conference June 26-July 2, soaking up “a variety of learning opportunities which cannot be replicated in W&M,” she said. 
 
Warren, who studies computational mathematics and statistics on the biology track, was encouraged by her faculty mentor, Professor of Biology and English-Stonehouse Faculty Fellow Diane Shakes, to attend the gathering to further develop her ability to interpret and communicate scientific research to a broad audience. 

“I expect to learn more about how to carry out my own research in the face of challenges and difficulties with interpreting my results,” Warren said. “Also, I anticipate developing my ability to listen and understand scientific research, as the conference will be heavily focused on presenting research.” 
 
Without the guidance and encouragement of Shakes, Warren’s research experience and career trajectory would be different, she said.

“She has an incredible amount of experience with scientific writing and teaching, which she continuously extends to me. Furthermore, she mitigates the fear of not knowing something or being wrong by persistently encouraging questions and always welcoming novel ideas,” Warren explained. 

Warren is one of 55 students who received a 2024-2025 Research in Motion grant averaging $1,100 to travel and share their emerging expertise on a topic. The grant is funded in part by the Arts & Sciences Dean’s office Annual Fund, and it enables undergraduate students of all disciplines and class years to present at conferences in their area of study or to travel domestically in support of their research.  

Ryan Silien ’28, an intended history and government double major, received a Research in Motion grant to attend the Law and Society Association Annual Meeting in Chicago May 22-25.

Without the grant, he said, “I wouldn’t have been able to stay in Chicago for the entire conference, which would have meant fewer opportunities to attend panels, connect with professionals, and explore the city alongside my faculty mentors.” 
 
Presenting at a major academic conference in his first year at W&M was exhilarating, Silien said, as were the presentations he was able to attend on such far-flung topics as human rights in the Middle East, democracy in America, and even space law — how space-related activities are regulated. 
 
“As a prospective lawyer, these experiences provided me with an invaluable opportunity to learn more about potential areas to pursue during my undergraduate studies, in my research, and even later in my career,” he said. “I was able to connect with several scholars who were eager to speak about their research focuses, share their prior experiences, and provide me with valuable advice.” 

Connie Ryu ’25, a biology major and sociology minor, was awarded a Research in Motion grant to attend the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Annual Meeting in Chicago April 11-16, one month before her graduation. 
 
“At the ASBMB conference, I gained confidence in sharing my research with peers and mentors and further insight into how I could move my project forward,” Ryu said. “It was an exciting stepping stone toward future research opportunities and career growth.” 
 
Ryu points to her faculty mentor, Professor of Biology Shantá Hinton, as key to her academic success at W&M.

“I could not imagine my research journey without her,” she said. “She has guided me through countless challenges with patience, allowing me to learn from my failures and take ownership of my work.” 

Ryu thrived under the mentorship of Hinton, who “always encourages her students’ independence while making it clear that we have her full support,” she said. “Dr. Hinton has played a monumental role not only in my scientific accomplishments but also in my growth as a researcher.” 
 
Since launching the Research in Motion program in fall 2023, the Charles Center has collaborated with the Arts & Sciences Dean’s office to nearly triple the number of grants available to undergraduates, according to the center’s director, Elizabeth Harbron. 
 
“Our students have a strong desire to connect with other researchers, learn from experts and share and test the expertise they’re acquiring,” said Harbron. “Working with the dean’s office, we’re able to support undergraduate research at all stages, from idea to dissemination.” 
 
Harbron, who is co-chair of the university’s Applied Learning for All initiative, explained that public speaking and presentation skills are a critical component to W&M’s holistic approach to undergraduate research.   
 
“As a 21st-century liberal arts university, our goal is to help prepare students for lives and livelihoods of purpose,” said Harbron. “By fostering hands-on research experiences with faculty mentors and then creating opportunities for students to present their work at professional conferences, we’re offering something truly special.”    
 
Recipients of Research in Motion grants represent faculty-mentored research in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields.  This past year, students used awards to attend national conferences in such places as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, San Diego and Seattle.  
 
Interested in learning more about Research in Motion grants? Click here.