The College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences has an ongoing commitment to helping students access experiential learning initiatives like collaborative research and co-curricular activities such as Model United Nations and competitive Mock Trial. Participation in these kinds of experiences can shape a student's intellectual and professional trajectory for a lifetime.
As an example, many of our highly motivated students engage in research projects with their faculty collaborators producing results that are competitive with students at other universities. To get these students to regional or even national academic conferences where they can shine takes funding. A trip to a regional conference can run well over a thousand dollars, well beyond the reach of many deserving students who may be financially constrained meeting traditional college expenses such as tuition, room, and board.
The STARS fund provides financial support for student travel to short-term, domestic experiential learning opportunities. Through the generous support of our alumni and friends, STARS assists students with funding for expenses such as travel, registration, and lodging so they can explore the world and opportunities beyond southwestern Virginia.
Please contact Dr. Riane Bolin, the College’s acting Associate Dean, who will guide you through the process of applying for a grant.
Caleb Kundert, Psychology major, received funding to help him travel to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) conference held in Denver, Colorado.
He shares “This was my first time traveling with help from the STARS fund, and I am very thankful for the opportunity. Without it, I likely would not have been able to attend a conference of this scale and its relevance to my interests and future career in I-O Psychology. While I have had limited exposure to experiential learning before, this trip stood out as especially impactful. Being at SIOP allowed me to sit in on presentations, hear about current research, and connect with professionals in the field. It gave me a clear picture of different paths within I-O and a network with professionals who may become future mentors or collaborators.
To the donors who made this possible: Thank you! Your support provided me with an experience far beyond the classroom. Being immersed in that environment made me feel more connected to the field and more confident in my career path.
To students who are considering applying for STARS funding, I would encourage you to take a chance. It is a great way to gain exposure, meet new people, and explore your interests in a real-world setting. One takeaway I would share is that you do not have to have everything figured out to benefit from an experience like this, you just have to be open to learning. I am really grateful for the chance to attend SIOP, and I know it will continue to influence how I approach my studies and career plans moving forward.”
Julian Quesenberry, English graduate student, participated in the College English Association conference in Philadelphia Spring 2025.
Julian shared “I was able to learn from a variety of scholars about a variety of topics from iconography and multimodal pedagogies to AI integration and imagery used in film adaptations. One of my favorite panel presentations analyzed the challenges and benefits of AI in the college composition classroom and suggested using AI as a rhetorical sparring partner to explain the limits of the engines’ abilities. I was also able to present my own work “Freedom Achieved through Transgressive Behavior in Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street and Winterson’s Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” and receive insightful feedback from members of my panel and the audience. I was also able to make connections with academics from universities across the United States.
In addition to the incredible academic opportunities afforded me at the conference, this trip allowed me to explore Philadelphia and learn experientially through the sights of the city. I was able to go to The Magic Gardens, an outdoor sculpture exhibit, and The Mutter Museum Home, a medical museum. The Magic Gardens allowed me to see a type of art I had never encountered before, and the Mutter Museum allowed me to reflect on the nature of progress, medical treatment, and the human spirit. As a working-class, first-generation college student, these experiences would have been out of my reach if not for the support of the STARS program. I am so grateful to have been afforded this incredible opportunity.”
Kirsten Cecil, Communication major, was able to attend the Institute for Public Relations Bridge Conference in Washington, D.C. and shared a few words on what this experience meant to her.
"The trip to the Institute for Public Relations Bridge Conference in Washington, D.C. with Dr. Brummette was my first opportunity to travel for experiential learning. The experience was incredibly valuable for many reasons. I was offered the opportunity to join the presentation of research completed by Dr. Brummette and Dr. Hilary Fussell Sisco in the SMART Lab on values and corporate legitimacy in front of public relations industry professionals and academics. Attending others' presentations offered many insights into current and upcoming trends in the industry, such as the role of AI.
This has given me inspiration for what to focus on in my last semester of graduate school so I can have an advantage in job searching. The conference also served as a great networking opportunity. I was able to converse with fellow masters students, academics, and professionals in the field across several countries. These connections could help me get internships and job opportunities. I am very grateful for the chance to have attended this conference."
Carly Riggs, criminal justice graduate student, used the CHBS STARS funding to not only attend but present her research at the 2025 Carolinas Crime Analysis Association (CCAA) conference in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
"When I started the Crime Analysis minor during my undergraduate studies in 2022, I didn’t realize how much it would impact my future. What began as a last-minute decision quickly turned into a passion and helped shape my long-term career goals. That choice ultimately led me to continue my education at Radford University, where I’m currently working toward my Master’s in Criminal Justice and have recently obtained my graduate certificate in Crime Analysis and Criminal Intelligence.
Thanks to the support of the STARS funding, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Carolinas Crime Analysis Association (CCAA) conference in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. This experience was incredibly valuable, as it allowed me to attend a variety of training sessions and masterclasses that explored the latest tools and techniques in crime analysis and criminal intelligence. I had the chance to learn directly from professionals in law enforcement and public safety, ask questions, take part in meaningful discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of how what I learn in the classroom applies to real-world situations.
One of the most rewarding parts of the conference was the opportunity to present my research on creating actionable bulletins for repeat incidents and crime patterns. Presenting my work in front of professionals and receiving feedback helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a future analyst. It gave me greater confidence in my research and showed me how the work I’m doing can have a practical impact in the field.
I’m truly grateful for the support from the STARS program, which made this experience possible. Attending the CCAA conference helped me develop new skills, make valuable connections, and return to Radford with fresh ideas to share with faculty and peers. This opportunity has made a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey, and I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned."