William & Mary's Global Research Institute Charts Its Next Chapter with Alumni Input

As the William & Mary Global Research Institute prepares for its next phase of growth, alumni from the past two decades gathered in Washington, D.C. to reflect and discuss its next chapter. The networking event at City Tap brought together former students and current faculty to discuss an exciting expansion of the Institute's mission.

GRI Director Mike Tierney, along with Professors David Trichler, Ryan Musto, and Kelly Houck, led discussions about the Institute's evolution following a day of strategic planning meetings in the capital. The initiative, launched by Provost Agouris's invitation for GRI to be a research incubator for campus, aims to significantly expand multidisciplinary applied research opportunities at William & Mary.

"A highlight was gathering together with GRI alums from the past 20 years," GRI’s Associate Director David Trichler reflected in a LinkedIn post following the event. "Who, as always, asked probing questions, provided great insights, and helped make us even more excited for the 20 years to come."

The GRI plan centers on spinning out mature research labs to other university departments while focusing Institute resources toward incubating new cross-disciplinary projects involving faculty and students from a broader range of disciplines. This approach is designed to increase both research impact and student opportunities across campus.

Alumni attendee Lauren Boyes ‘22 reflected on the significance of the gathering: "It was great to take a break from everyday life to reconnect with my GRI family. This group of peers and mentors has seen me grow throughout my college and postgrad careers and I'm excited to see the community continue to thrive in its next chapter!"

The collaborative spirit evident at the D.C. gathering reflects the Institute's commitment to maintaining strong connections with its alumni network as it evolves. The faculty team present at the event also collaborates on the Global Scholars Program, a three-course sequence offered through a partnership between GRI, the DC Center, and the Reves Center, with many alumni serving as guest lecturers and student mentors.

As GRI prepares for its next chapter, the Institute also received feedback from W&M alums during an August trip to London and plans to host similar alumni gatherings in New York City in late September and in San Francisco in early October. GRI will also host a town hall to discuss GRI’s next chapter during Homecoming Weekend on campus, another meet-up in early November in DC, as well as an online option in mid November as the Institute continues to leverage its community of graduates to inform and inspire the next 20 years. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with GRI!

The Global Research Institute has been fostering interdisciplinary research and student engagement at William & Mary for over 20 years, and now enters an exciting period of expansion and renewal.