July 19-25, 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

  • Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
  • Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. SHORT STAT COURSE: REGRESSION USING BAYESIAN STAT IN R
Wednesday, Jul 21, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Taught by Nels Johnson, this course addresses the use of an alternative paradigm called Bayesian statistics in which to perform statistical analyses. The presenter will explain some of the basic terminology of Bayesian statistics (prior distributions, posterior distributions, credible intervals, conjugacy, etc.), some software options to perform the analyses, and how interpretations of results change in this new paradigm. Participants will use the R software language to run some examples of multiple linear regression and probit regression using the bayesm package that will illustrate these concepts. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this short course to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Learn more or read registration instructions.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course.

3. WOOF, WOOF: GSA DOG HIKE!

Saturday, Jul 24, 9:00am, Gateway Trail- Jefferson National Forest
Get out for a morning hike in the Jefferson National Forest with Cinnamon and Lyle! It should be a fun play time for 4-legged friends and also a nice hike for people (with or without a dog). Detailed information, directions, and optional RSVP are located here. Questions: contact Brian Templeton.

4. GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PC VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) seeks a returned Peace Corps volunteer to serve as a full-time Graduate Assistant (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Monthly stipend, tuition scholarship and insurance subsidy. The successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin Fall 2010 and run through Spring 2011. Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Mike Bertelsen, 540-231-9655.  Application reviews will begin on July 30, 2010 and continue until a qualified candidate is found.  For further information, see OIRED website.

5. GSA RE-OPENS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FOR 2010-11—APPLY NOW!
The Graduate Student Assembly is re-opening the 10 hour assistantship executive assistant position for the 2010-2011 academic year, effective immediately. A brief description of this position can be found on the GSA website. If you are interested, please send inquiries, your CV/resume, AND a cover letter to GSA President, Michelle McLeese by Friday, Jul 23, 2010 at 5pm.

6. ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROPEDOLOGY-3rd posting
Two research assistantships are available for students in ag, engineering, science and natural resources, beginning January 2011 or sooner: for projects supported by the NSF at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. The study focuses on feedbacks between hydrology, soil characteristics, and catchment biogeochemistry and is aimed at explaining the spatial and temporal variation in stream water chemistry at the headwater catchment scale. The project has an intensive field component that will require extensive travel. Students work with VT faculty, as well as with federal and other university scientists. Strong background in hydrology, forest soils, and/or geospatial analyses is highly desired; M.S. degree in hydrology, soil science, ecology or related field is required. The student may enroll in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation or in the interdisciplinary Geospatial and Environmental Analysis program in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. PhD assistantships will start at approximately $20,000 per year, plus tuition and health insurance subsidy. Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the departmental teaching program. If interested, contact Dr. Kevin McGuire, Research Assistant Professor of Forest Hydrology, 231-6017.

7. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 1st posting

Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

8. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more.

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SHORT COURSE IN STATISTICS: LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR MIXED EFFECTS MODELS 
Tuesday, Jul 27, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Many times researchers take measurements on experimental units (i.e. subjects) at given time intervals. Most of the time subjects are set on different conditions (treatments) and the measurements (response) are expected to change due to the effect of these conditions. Two concepts are important when such experiments are run: longitudinal and repeated measurements. This short course presents some of the analysis techniques when either situation is present and highlight the differences between the two concepts. Taught by Ciro Velasco-Cruz. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this short course to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Learn more or read registration instructions.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course.

GROOVE TO BOLLYWOOD MOVES
Tuesday, Jul 27, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
RAINDATE: Wednesday, July 28, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
Get your groove on with Bollywood Dance!  Burn a few calories in grace, style, and rhythm and spice up your personal dancing style by learning some classic Bollywood dance moves. Join this FREE dance session organized by GSA. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please register by filling out this survey.  Questions? Contact Ranjana Mehta.

GSA SUMMER 2010 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Jul 30, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club
Join GSA and your fellow grad students at a favorite annual summer event—the GSA Summer Wine Social! Wine service will stop at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $10 and can be pre-purchased online or at the door. GSA Delegate and Cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.