Three Radford University art history students, Jessica McCann, Kalyn Pinner and Patrick Kielawa, traveled to Washington last week with Professor Carlee Bradbury to participate in the Council on Undergraduate Research 2025–26 Scholars Transforming Through Research Program.
The program brings undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors to the nation’s capital for professional development, networking and opportunities to discuss student research with policymakers.
Monday, Bradbury and the students began the day at the National Museum of Asian Art, where they explored Buddhist art connected to coursework from Radford’s Elevate Research program. Two of the students, Pinner and Kielawa, had previously studied the subject in Bradbury’s Asian Art course, allowing them to apply concepts and theories from the classroom to artworks in a museum setting.
Later that afternoon, the Radford group attended training and networking sessions organized through the program. During those events, they connected with another Virginia cohort from University of Mary Washington, establishing a collaborative relationship with fellow undergraduate researchers from the state.
Tuesday focused on research advocacy and engagement with congressional offices. Before heading to Capitol Hill, the students visited the Library of Congress to obtain official Reader Identification Cards. The group then walked through the underground tunnel to tour the historic Thomas Jefferson Building, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world.
The Radford students later met with staff members from the offices of U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. During the meetings, the students discussed their original research projects and explained the impact undergraduate research opportunities have had on their academic development.
Bradbury and fellow faculty mentors encouraged the students to lead the conversations.
“The meetings were conversational, and the students represented Radford with grace, eloquence and professionalism,” Bradbury said. “Each student used their voice in an impactful way, and I am beyond proud of them.”
Outside the formal schedule, the group spent much of their free time visiting museums throughout the city. By the end of the trip, Bradbury and the students had visited 10 museums, reflecting the group’s shared interest in art and cultural research.
Tuesday also proved to be the most active day of the trip, with the group logging more than six miles of walking across Washington. Along the way, they also encountered several service and police dogs stationed throughout the city.
The visit highlighted how undergraduate research can extend beyond the classroom, connecting academic study with real-world experiences in museums, research institutions and national policy conversations.
Radford University
