Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies

Founded in 2020, the Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies is a research center focused on the humanistic and interdisciplinary study of forced relocation and large-scale population movement to provide evidence-based data to inform decision-making for sustainable and equitable solutions. With a recognition that human, plant, and animal populations are affected by worldwide displacement, we work to understand displacement on a global and local scale. The center aims to provide a number of experiential learning opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate and engage in research concerning displacement. For instance, the center supports Elimisha Kakuma, a college access program for refugee students from Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Virginia Tech students get involved with the Elimisha Kakuma students as tutors, providing mentorship, especially during the college application period. The center is generously supported by the Cranwell Foundation, the College for Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Office of the Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs, and the Institute for Society, Culture, and the Environment, all at Virginia Tech.