In the BioBuild Program's most recent outreach event, affiliated faculty and students provided bioinclusive projects for the next generation. The Mary Draper Ingels Festival takes place annually in Radford at the Glencoe Mansion in honor of Mary Draper's courageous voyage. Learn more about the event and her story here: https://www.emporiaindependentmessenger.com/news/article_c493bbce-feda-1...

**ANNOUNCEMENT**

Exciting new partnership announced between the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and VT BioBuild Program. This partnership will benefit BioBuild students in earning their Living Future Accreditation (LFA). 

BioBuild Faculty Member Dr. Benjamin Chambers made the news recently through his contribution towards a unique approach in inspiring creativity in first-year engineering students. Dr. Chambers is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Engineering Education and Director of the school's Frith Lab. When Dr. Chambers works with first-year engineering students, one of his goals is to help them determine their eventual path of study in one of the many engineering disciplines offered at Virginia Tech.

This week's recommended light read focuses upon the next generation's interest in nature-inspired design. The Biomimicry Institute holds a Youth Design Challenge every year where students across the world are challenged to find bioinspired solutions to global problems. This is the fourth year that this competition was held, where both Middle and High School students participate and ten winners are selected. Read more about this year's winners at the following link:

Congratulations to long-time BioBuild faculty member Ignacio Moore for receiving the William E. Wine Award. Dr. Moore is an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences and was nominated for this award by students, faculty, and alumni. As one of three recipients of the Wine Award, he will be inducted into the Academy of Teaching Excellence.