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Theatre STEM Program

The Office of Undergraduate Research in collaboration with the Center for Communicating Science and VT’s Theater Arts Program is excited to realize the vision of Dr. Dennis Dean to engage STEM undergraduate researchers in a variety of acting and presentation experiences. The goal of this program is to help STEM students become effective and engaging communicators. 10 students will be selected to participate annually.

Student Benefits

  • Communication skill development and increased confidence in communicating research by applying acting techniques learned and developed throughout the program.
  • Build professional network and develop relationships with instructors and other students in the cohort.
  • Opportunity to present research in two different formats- oral and poster- at the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference.
  • Eligible for awards at both the Undergraduate Nutshell Games and poster presentation during the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference.
  • Eligible for up to $500 support towards travel to present research at a conference outside VT.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students enrolled in any STEM major (major should be housed in one of the following colleges: CALS, CNRE, COE, or COS).
  • Actively engaged in STEM-related undergraduate research.
  • Student may be in any year of their program.
  • Priority given to students who are enrolled in or have completed TA2024- Intro to Acting or TA2404- Intro to Applied Collaborative Techniques (I-Act) at time of application.

Student Requirements & Expectations

  • Complete the specially designed Theatre STEM workshop(s) in late Spring (workshops will be offered ~1 month before the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference).
  • Present research at the first Undergraduate Nutshell Games, to be featured at the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference.
  • Register for and present research as a poster at the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship conference.

Application Requirements

  • Proof of major- unofficial transcript submission.
  • Paragraph describing why the student would like to build their communication skills.
  • Confirmation of active research engagement from research mentor.
  • Provide evidence of completing/enrolling in one of the required courses, if relevant.
Apply Now

NOTE: You must be logged in to O365 to access the application form.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 2, 2026. Students will be selected and informed of their status in the program in mid-February.