Spotlight on Kayla Bolen
SBIO Outstanding Senior for Spring 2024
Kayla Nolen (at far left) with a group from Virginia Tech in the Apuan Alps in Italy during an experimental learning abroad program to study ecological economics.
Kayla Bolen was named the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials Outstanding Senior for Spring 2024. She is a candidate for graduation after fall semester, majoring in Sustainable Biomaterials with the society track.
Getting to know Kayla Bolen
I grew up on a family farm in a small town, attending a small high school where I participated in various sports, mainly volleyball and track & field.
After high school, I started at Frostburg State University studying Life Cycles Facilities Management and being part of the track and field team. However, due to various reasons, I transferred to Northern Virginia Community College for a semester before beginning my undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech in the fall of 2022.
Outside of class, I enjoy working out, nature walks, attending local live music events, hiking, and working at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School.
Why Virginia Tech? Why Sustainable Biomaterials?
I transferred to Virginia Tech for its academic opportunities, community, and the natural beauty of Blacksburg. The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials appealed to me because it combined my interests in construction, business, and the environment. The Sustainable Society track offered intriguing classes and flexibility with my transfer credits. I've stayed in this department because of the dedication and passion displayed by the professors every day.
Throughout my life, I've always enjoyed outdoor activities, fostering a deep appreciation for nature. Sustainable Biomaterials appealed to me because it provided a business and construction approach to sustainability. I aim to teach others how to be sustainable and successful, guiding them to be better for the environment, more efficient, and profitable.
Kayla (at left) was digging thru waste produced at a retirement community for her undergrad research project. The research conducted a waste, energy, and carbon emission analysis for the company that operates the community.
What knowledge and skills have you found to be the most useful?
The two classes that provided me with highly applicable skills for my future goals were Circular Economy and Green Building. Dr. Russell’s circular economy class demonstrated how sustainable practices can be realistically applied in society and the economy. Dr. Hindman’s green building class taught us how to improve construction to increase efficiency and decrease waste, water, and electricity usage.
What do you consider the high points of studying sustainable biomaterials?
The best part of Sustainable Biomaterials is the staff. They are welcoming, hardworking, and deeply passionate about what they do. It makes you want to go to class and learn what they have to say. My advice to future students is to focus on what you love and find a professor who shares that passion. Most professors in this program would love to be mentors and help during your professional life.
To what do you attribute winning this semester’s award?
I've received these scholarships due to the constant support and encouragement from the SBIO department, CNRE resources, and the Blacksburg community. I have also been on the Dean's List for the last three semesters and received the Morgan Lumber Co. Scholarship.
Kayla on McAfee Knob.
