Collegiate Times

For 10 doctoral candidates, the aim of joining the new interdisciplinary research branch at Virginia Tech has become a reality.

Related: 2008 scholars

The Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science is an interdisciplinary research program that examines the intersection of engineering, science, biology and the humanities.

According to the ICTAS' Web site, it aims to "promote economic development and enhance the quality of life in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S., and the world at large, and enhance the educational experience of both undergraduate and graduate students."

One of these goals is "to start initiatives to increase the number of high quality Ph.D. graduates." Naming doctoral students to the program, and providing them with funding, is one way ICTAS hopes to meet its mission.

The candidates, representing five colleges and nine departments, bring the program's membership to 21, according to ICTAS documents.

"We are aiming for a steady enrollment of 40 students," said Ann Craig, director of Communications and Program Development.

Students work with advisers to find an area of research that best suits their talents. Students work independently of others, but may work with their departments or with assistants.

Among ICTAS' stated goals is identifying emerging trends in engineering, physical and life science and social sciences as well as fostering intellectual inquiry, exploration, discovery and creativity that transcend traditional boundaries. Observing how other top research universities had attained their status, Tech set out to establish the kind of integrated approach from pure research to applied research and development to technology transfer.

In April 2000 Charles Steger - then newly inaugurated university president - stated the goal of raising the university into the ranks of the nation's foremost universities by 2010. Eleven scholars were named in 2007.

ICTAS is a cooperative effort with significant contributions from participating departments, colleges and the graduate school.Problem-oriented and entrepreneurial, ICTAS links projects to economic development for the entire Commonwealth.

While the program receives no outside financial assistance, individual researchers may be funded by outside entities. ICTAS recognizes highly-qualified applicants with full support for their entire doctoral study period, including tuition support and a stipend for up to four years.

"We provide our doctoral research students with tuition and a $25,000 stipend, plus any travel expenses, for example, if they have to present a paper," Craig said.

"This award is an investment in the university's intellectual talent, creativity, and potential in a way that is complementary to Virginia Tech's mission and strategic plan," said program director Roop Mahajan in a press release. "The initial goal for the program is to establish a steady state of 40 ICTAS fellows by 2011 and we are well on our way."

Important areas of research for ICTAS include nanotechnology, water management and renewable energy and materials.