A&S NEXT
Turn Your Education into a Career with Purpose
Students work on case studies as part of a cross-disciplinary team to:
- Discover connections between academic interests and the future of work
- Develop high-demand strategic thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and presentation skills
- Gain an expansive view of how an Arts & Sciences education can lead to meaningful career opportunities
Open Data, Open Planning
Effective regional planning increasingly depends on accessible, high-quality data, yet significant barriers limit participation in the Richmond region’s data ecosystem. Students will build knowledge of data governance, crowdsourcing methodologies, and regional planning while assessing the tensions between data quality, accessibility, and community participation. Students will propose specific pilot programs and partnership models that address both immediate regional needs and long-term data infrastructure goals.
Facilitators:
Dr. Kyle Redican, Director, Spatial Analysis Lab, Department of GeographyDr. Derek Miller, Associate Director of Community-Engaged Research, Scholarship, and Relationships, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement
Library Renaissance in the Information Age
Henrico County has hired your consulting firm to help its library board reflect on the future of its network of nine public libraries. As libraries transition from book to byte, the board is considering the implications of shifting the focus from physical collections to digital resources. It also wants libraries to offer access to AR, VR, and AI tools to all members of the community. Help the library board better understand the needs of its patrons, propose a ten-year plan for incorporating new technologies in its collections and physical spaces, and take into consideration that limited funding is available for new projects.
Facilitators:
Dr. Oliver Delers, Professor of French
Dr. Michael Marsh-Soloway, Director, Global Studio
Fenceline Communities
This case study introduces students to the concept of fenceline communities—neighborhoods situated near polluting industries such as landfills, oil, refineries, biomass processing facilities, and power plants. Fenceline communities often face elevated risks of air and water contamination and environmental degradation, which contribute to existing health disparities. Furthermore, affected communities are frequently excluded from the decision-making processes that govern the permitting and siting of toxic facilities. Students will explore what a career in environmental justice (EJ) looks like by stepping into professional roles, identifying challenges, and proposing community-centered solutions.
Facilitators:
Dr. Shannon Jones, Senior Professor, BiologyBeth Zizzamia, GIS Operations Manager - Spatial Analysis Lab
Maternal & Infant Racial Disparities
Despite far higher healthcare spending, maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. exceed those of other high-income countries. Racial disparities in maternal and child health in the U.S. are particularly stark. Richmond’s historically segregated neighborhoods, high poverty rates, and limited healthcare access for communities of color intersect with generational trauma and systemic inequities. This case study challenges students to design an intervention or policy proposal aimed at addressing maternal and infant mortality disparities in Richmond.
Facilitators:
Dr. Solis Winters, Assistant Professor, Health StudiesDr. Hemali Oza, Assistant Professor, Health Studies
AI-Ready RVA
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, workplaces, and communities, raising both opportunities and challenges for students preparing to enter a dynamic professional landscape. The Richmond region, like many others, is in the early stages of adopting AI across industries and civic institutions. However, there is currently no centralized platform for aggregating and communicating these developments to diverse audiences. Students will explore how a liberal arts approach can prepare them to navigate—and help shape—the ethical and practical dimensions of AI adoption.
Facilitators:
Dr. Lauren Tilton, Professor, Digital HumanitiesAndrew Ilnicki, Director, Experiential Education + Emerging Technology
Multilingual Student Success
The city of Richmond, Virginia is home to 22,000 students currently in the public school system. The overall graduate rate is significantly lower for Hispanic and English Language Learners. While multiculturalism is often celebrated in the public schools, bilingualism is often looked as a hindrance to teachers and students, especially with the current emphasis on standardized testing given in English. Through this case study, participants will come up with ways to improve outcomes for this population of students and brainstorm tangible ideas for harnessing the multilingual population in a positive way.
Facilitators:
Dr. Emmy Ready, Visiting Lecturer, Latin American, Latino & Iberian StudiesDr. Tom Shields, Associate Professor, Education & Leadership Studies
Jada Butler, ’28
Biology Major
Gender & Sexuality Studies, Spanish Minor
Jada is a junior majoring in Biology with minors in Gender & Sexuality Studies and Spanish. At UR, they are part of the will program, an RA for Residence Life & Housing, and a campus tour guide. Outside of UR, she works out, watches anime, and spends time with friends. Jada participated in A&S NEXT her freshman year and loved doing research on her case study. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wanted to support students in navigating networking with alumni and learning to collaborate with others.
Daniela Leyva Castro '28
Psychology & Cognitive Science Major
Anthropology Minor
Daniela is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Cognitive Science. At UR, she serves as a mentor at Scholars Latino Initiative and is a member of Ritmo Latino and Alpha Psi Lambda. Outside of UR, she volunteers at the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and enjoys traveling. Daniela participated in A&S NEXT in 2025 and enjoyed the opportunity to work collaboratively with students and engage in real-world problem-solving. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wants to contribute to the program's growth and help students feel comfortable exploring/developing their professional interests.
Alejandra Trochez, '27
Rhetoric & Communication Major
Entrepreneurship Minor
Alejandra is a senior majoring in Rhetoric and Communication with a minor in Entrepreneurship. At UR, she serves as the vice president of Spider Ventures. Outside of UR, she has built her digital marketing expertise as an intern for Allpa Foods and Greenbox Storage. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through lifting, hiking, and going to the gym. Alejandra participated in A&S NEXT during her junior year and enjoyed connecting with mentors and peers who shared her mindset and professional interests. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador to help guide students who are in her former shoes as they explore their own academic and career paths.
Rachel Havey, ’28
Leadership Studies; PPEL
Rachel is a junior double-majoring in Leadership Studies and PPEL, currently studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. At UR, she previously served as president of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, director of first-year experience for Delta Delta Delta, and on the fundraising committee for Relay for Life, while also working at the Weinstein Center for Recreation. In her free time, she competes on the UR Women's Club Volleyball team and enjoys playing piano and traveling. Rachel participated in A&S NEXT last year and was surprised how the experience sharpened her problem-solving and networking skills in a collaborative, case-study setting. She decided to become an ambassador this year, helping others build the same confidence navigating their academic and professional paths.
Sara Tewelde, ’28
Cognitive Science and Health Studies Major
Sara is a sophomore double majoring in Cognitive Science and Health Studies. At UR, they are part of a cognitive neuroscience research lab. Outside of UR, they can be found reading, taking long walks and at her various jobs on campus. Sara participated in A&S NEXT in 2024 and learned so much about the integration of business and healthcare. They decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because they learned so much about leadership while working on the presentation with their teammates and wanted to facilitate a comfortable environment in the upcoming year.
Brianna Johanson Ylaita Huallpa, '29
Environmental Studies Major
Business Administration Minor
Brianna is a sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Business Administration At UR, she is a new member of the ABSAT team and is actively involved with Spider Board, the Spider FLI program, and the Modlin Center for the Arts. She also enjoys painting with watercolors, watching movies, and spending time with friends. In 2026, Brianna participated in A&S Next, where she learned about the challenges faced by fenceline communities in Henrico and worked collaboratively with other students to propose solutions. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador to step out of her comfort zone by helping other students to gain a clearer perspective on their career paths and collaborate with fellow ambassadors to create a meaningful experience for every participant.
Sarah Leiva, '29
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
LALIS minor
Sarah is a Sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minoring in Latin American, Latino, and Iberian Studies. At UR, she is vice president of service of Alpha Phi Omega and a student researcher in Dr. Leopold’s chemistry lab. She also enjoys playing tennis in her free time and is on the UR club tennis team. Outside of UR, she volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital through Ronald McDonald House Charities and is a clinical intern at Virginia Physicians for Women. Sarah participated in A&S NEXT in 2026 and felt she grew tremendously in her confidence, problem solving skills, and presentation skills. She wanted to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because of the impact and guidance provided by her ambassadors and the desire to help new participants.
Nakiah Smith, ’29
Biochemistry Major
Nakiah is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry on the Pre-Medicine Track. At UR, she is part of URNAACP, a SpiderBoard general board member, and a recipient of the Renee Elmore Scholarship. She also completed summer research with Dr. Shannon Jones. Outside of UR, she works out, watches TV shows, and spends time with her friends. Nakiah participated in A&S NEXT her freshman year and loved researching her case study. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wanted to be a helping hand to students navigating networking and becoming her best professional self.
Tatiana Hlinka, '29
Business Administration & Political Science Major
Tatiana Hlinka is a Richmond and Oliver Hill Scholar in the class of 2029 pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in International Political Science. Her experiences span policy research, consulting, nonprofit work, and international events, including teaching English in Slovakia and interning with Vogue Czechoslovakia. Tatiana is passionate about helping students connect their interdisciplinary interests with meaningful professional opportunities. Outside of Career Services, she leads Linking Through Language and Technology at Bonner Center for Civic Engagement and is active in campus leadership and service through positions with Westhampton College Government Association and Robins School of Business Student Government Association.
Addy Gove, ’29
Political Science & Environmental Studies Major
Addy is a sophomore majoring in Political Science, Environmental Studies, and minoring in LALIS. At UR, she is part of Off the Cuff acapella and GreenUR. She also works at Rethink Waste. Outside of the classroom she loves to read, run, thrift, and spend time with friends. Addy participated in A&S NEXT as a freshman and had such a positive experience she wanted to come back as an ambassador! Something she loves about A&S NEXT is the opportunity to work with your peers on a subject you are passionate about.