National Science Foundation
COMPASS Center
We are tackling the grand challenge of uncovering the genetic, molecular, cellular, and chemical rules of life underlying virus-host interactions through community-based and ethically grounded research.
Research
We bring together experts from Virginia Tech, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, and Wake Forest University to tackle the grand challenge of uncovering the genetic, molecular, cellular, and chemical rules of life underlying virus-host interactions through community-based and ethically grounded research. These research pioneers will train the innovators of tomorrow, converging around the four thrusts: Jump, Replicate, Persist, and Empower.
Recent News
National Dialogue on ethics in pandemic science brought researchers and community together
Collaborators from the Virginia Tech-led National Science Foundation Center for Community Empowering Pandemic Prediction and Prevention from Atoms to Societies brought together dozens of scientists, scholars, and community partners.
Center Welcomes Erin Smith
Erin Smith began her work at the center as project coordinator for community engagement initiatives, a role that will boost the center’s mission to create and support experiences for scientists, engineers, scholars, and health professionals to build their muscles of connection, communication, and collaboration.
Virginia Tech researcher receives collaborative grant to improve cancer therapies
Chemical engineering Professor Padma Rajagopalan is designing 3D liver organoids to test the effects of chemotherapy. Developing more effective treatment options for various diseases, including cancer, has become a top priority for researchers today.
Upcoming Events
2026 Undergraduate Summer Program
Summer 2026
The NSF COMPASS Center—a collaboration of scientists and engineers across Virginia Tech, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, Wake Forest University, Meharry Medical College, and Northern Arizona University—is seeking undergraduates from across the country to join our 2026 Summer Internship Program. Each summer, COMPASS interns bring new ideas, creativity, and energy to our interdisciplinary community. We hope you’ll consider applying to help advance the science—and the workforce—needed to prepare for tomorrow’s pandemics.
