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Lucy Pendleton ('26)

Fralin Biomedical ResearchInstitute (FBRI) 

Since 2010 the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) has served as an excellent opportunity for students to gain technical research experience under seasoned professionals. The institute houses 44 research laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities, across two campuses. It offers a wide array of research areas and opportunities which allows students to immerse themselves in fields that resonate with their career goals.

 

FBRI offers hands on experience and mentorship from experienced researchers. Furthermore, the institute provides students with the opportunity to apply content from their studies to research applications. This allows students to contribute meaningfully to cutting edge research.

 

Recently, a Virginia Tech study found that the virus responsible for COVID-19 is widespread in animals. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in wildlife commonly found in Virginia and these animals were primarily found near areas with high human activity such as hiking trails.

 

Transmission of viruses from humans to animals is concerning because of how viruses mutate to infect a host. This is just one example of the important research FBRI conducts and how it furthers our understanding of the world we live in. Whether you’re studying the neuroscience of decision making in the Chiu Lab or the origin or seizures in the Swanger Lab, the research studies at FBRI are contributing to making the world a better place.

 

FBRI offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships which allow students to gain experience at all levels of higher education. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at FBRI is a great opportunity for students to gain in depth experience during a 10-week program. These programs are highly competitive and provide full-time positions, but many provide housing and a stipend in addition to the experience and knowledge students gain. In total, FBRI has received $230 million in grants and contracts. These grants and contracts have contributed to over 1000 publications in leading scientific journals. Currently, there are more than $170 million in active grants and contracts. Each faculty member has an average extramural funding of $1 million.

 

Research institute scientists occupy campuses in Roanoke, Virginia and Washington D.C. These campuses host researchers from around the world including Spain, Egypt, and Nigeria. FBRI has built a community around the world of international researchers which demonstrates their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The institute strives to create a diverse work environment that promotes different viewpoints and perspectives, which furthers the advancement of research.

 

The Children’s National Hospital is partnered with FBRI and Virginia Tech to create the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus in Washington D.C. It is dedicated solely to pediatric research and includes the new FBRI Cancer Research Center floor. The center is led by top researchers and doctors within the field of cancer research and their goal is to engineer cancer solutions through collaboration with both national and international researchers.

 

FBRI’s commitment to biomedical research extends beyond the programs and fellowships they offer to students. They host community events and academic seminars to educate the public about their ongoing research and various discoveries and findings. Some of the community events are geared toward youth and high school students to foster a passion for research from a young age.


There is no replacement for hands on, in field experience and FBRI offers just that. FBRI helps students refine their critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, which are valuable attributes both in and out of the research field. Moreover, students gain firsthand insight into the iterative process of scientific research by actively engaging in programs and studies. This helps students navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience and creativity.

 

For students contemplating a career in biomedical research, FBRI is the perfect place to hone their skills and explore different research areas. It offers a collaborative environment that fosters interdisciplinary discussions and encourages students to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives. FBRI empowers students to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of human knowledge and well-being.

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