1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC – updated Feb 17
- Career Services walk-in advising: Wednesdays 2:00-5:00pm, GLC Lobby – CANCELLED THIS WEEK!
- Cook Counseling walk-in services: Thursdays and Fridays 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room
- GLC Café: 3:30-5:00 every Thursday, Reading Room – year round!
- Graduate School business hours: M,Tu,Th,F: 8:00am-5:00pm; W: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Writing Center walk-in assistance: Thursdays 4:30-7:30, Room D (additional hours in the Library)
2. SHORT STAT COURSE FOR GRADS: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN R
Tuesday and Thursday, Feb 18-20, 4:00-6:00pm, 3060 TORG LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. IMPORTANT: NLI is still entering courses into their registration system. If you are unable to register for an early course, please still attend and sign in there. Follow LISA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Statistical.collaboration or visit their website at www.lisa.stat.vt.edu. Remaining Spring 2014 Schedule:
- Tuesday & Thursday, Feb 25 & 27: Graphics in R;*
- Tuesday & Wednesday, Mar 4 & 5: Introduction to JMP;*
- Tuesday, Mar 18: Advanced Topics in R: parallel processing, structural equation modeling, and the bootstrap;
- Tuesday, Apr 1 (no kidding): Survey Design and Analysis;
- Tuesday, Apr 10: Accelerating statistical calculations using inexpensive graphics cards;
- Tuesday, Apr 15: Multiple Imputation and Missing Data;
*Two sessions of the same course to accommodate more attendees.
3. GENDER AROUND THE WORLD: REFLECTIONS FROM PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
Tuesday, Feb 18, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Room B Grad students are invited to an interactive returned-Peace-Corps-volunteer panel to hear what volunteers learned about gender issues while serving abroad. Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to help a community in need, immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Volunteers also come face to face with many cultural distinctions. Hosted by Peace Corps Recruiter and returned volunteer Rachael Kennedy (Uzbekistan, ’00-’01) and Peace Corps Ambassador, Cassandra Carver. For more info contact Rachael at kennedy3@vt.edu.
4. THE ARMSTRONG LIE
Wednesday, Feb 19, 7:00pm, GLC Auditorium The Gamma Omega chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society will host a screening of this documentary film that chronicles the story of the American former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong. Free and open to the public. Phi Beta Delta supports and promotes diversity through recognizing achievements and activities in international scholarship, teaching, and service by faculty, staff, and students.
5. GLC CAFÉ FEATURING SOME HOME-BAKED GOODS
Thursday, Feb 20, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room The GLC Café is offered throughout the year with free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your graduate-student and Grad-School colleagues. This week’s special: some home-baked goods. Bring your own mug if you can.
6. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Do you want to help raise awareness about diversity and cultural differences? If so, consider collaborating for the “A day in the life…” project. Participants will be asked to provide information about a typical day and to send a current picture; posters will be shown around the University. For more information, email grad student Homero Murzi at hmurzi@vt.edu.
7. MEMBERS NEEDED FOR GRAD BOV REP NOMINATION COMMITTEE – 2nd posting The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) helps select the three graduate student nominees to recommend to the Board of Visitors for their final selection. The GSA seeks one student from each college as well as one student from a VT satellite campus. These students do not need to be associated with or have any prior involvement with the GSA. If you are interested in helping to select the next Graduate BOV Representative, please send an email to Greg Purdy (gtpurdy@vt.edu), including the name of your college.
8. GSA EXEC BOARD OPENINGS FOR REST OF SPRING – 2nd posting
If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA), two positions within the Executive Board are now open for applications. The GSA is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to fill the Vice President of Membership and Treasurer positions. Specific duties and responsibilities for these positions can be found in the bylaws at http://www.gsa.graduateschool.vt.edu/about/bylaws. If interested, send an email to Greg Purdy (gtpurdy@vt.edu), along with a one-page cover letter outlining your previous experience and goals for the position. Lastly, elections will be occurring at the February delegate meeting, 2/27/2014, 5:30-7:00pm, GLC Room F. Those interested will need to prepare a two-minute speech about why they are interested and what their goals are for the position.
9. CITIZEN SCHOLAR APPLICATIONS INVITED – 2nd posting
Have you used your research to benefit society in any way? If so, consider applying for the Citizen Scholar award. If not, consider designing a Citizen Scholar project! Program requirements are described on the CSE website at http://graduateschool.vt.edu/gs/cse/requirements. Applications are due by end of the day on Mar 3, 2014. For more information, email the GA in charge at citizenscholar@gs.vt.edu.
10. NEW GLC LOCKER RENTAL POLICY -2nd posting
For the remainder of the SPRING 2014 semester, the GLC’s lockers will be available to rent on a short-term, weekly basis. To rent a locker, see a building manager at the GLC Welcome Center to receive a key. Keys will no longer be left on lockers; instead they are secured by the GLC staff and issued to a student once requested. One locker per person. The maximum time period of reservation is from Monday 7:30am to Saturday 9:00pm, at which time the key must be returned to the Welcome Center. Those who still have keys from the previous semester are asked to turn in the key immediately and empty the locker. Contact GLC welcome center staff with any questions, comments or concerns at glcinfo@vt.edu.
11. LEARN TURKISH AT VT – 2nd posting
Experienced teachers are offering Turkish language classes through the Intercultural Understanding Club (ICUC). You don’t need to know any Turkish to start Turkish classes, the ICUC offers courses from elementary to advanced levels. Schedule: An hour class per week and four classes in a month (Days will be selected based on the applications). For registration: http://www.icuc.org.vt.edu/turkish-class/.
12. THREE GRAD RESIDENT FELLOW POSITIONS OPEN IN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE – 1st posting
Three grad students are sought to work as resident fellows in the Residential College at West AJ, a community of 850 students. Responsibilities include being present in the house, knowing each student, coordinating activities and experiences, serving as role models, offer mentoring, serve as liaison and advisor, conduct room selection process, participate in trainings and more. Must invest at least 10 hrs/wk in house community. Must be in good academic standing and have strong affinity for working with people and the residential experience. Compensation: Single room at no cost. If you have any questions or want to apply, email letter of interest, resume and contact info for three references by Monday, Mar 3 to Joe Wilder, wilder@vt.edu.
13. LGBQ YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS WANTED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
VT researchers are recruiting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer youth and young adults age 13-21 to participate in a project exploring the decision to come out to family as gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer. The questionnaire and in-depth interview will take about 2-2.5 hours and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their feedback. The PI is in the process of developing a program to help youth make safe and successful disclosure decisions to family; this research will help inform that project. Researchers would like to hear from youth that have and have not yet come out to family. Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential (VT IRB 13-331). If you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility, email VTProjectSMYLE@gmail.com or call (540)-231-4235, or visit https://www.facebook.com/VTProjectSMYLE.
14. PARENTS OF LGB YOUTH/YOUNG ADULTS WANTED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT -1st posting
Researchers are recruiting parents who have had a child disclose to them in the last five years that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual when the child was 13-21. The brief questionnaire and in-depth interview will take approximately 1-2 hours and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their feedback. The PI is in the process of developing a program to help youth make safe and successful disclosure decisions to family; this research will help inform that project. Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential(VT IRB 13-331). If you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility, email VTProjectSMYLE@gmail.com or call (540)-231-4235, or visit https://www.facebook.com/VTProjectSMYLE.
15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MENTAL WORKLOAD STUDY – 2nd posting Participants are needed for a study to investigate how mental and postural demands affect our overall mental workload. You’ll be asked to do some simple mental tasks while researchers measure your postural stability, heart rate, and brain activity using EEG. Study participants must be right-handed, between the ages of 18-30 with no history of low back pain. The study will take 2 hours and you will be compensated $10 per hour of participation. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Please contact Ralph at rhcullen@vt.edu or (404) 913-1486.
16. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MUSCULAR IMBALANCE STUDY – 2nd posting
Participants needed for a study that assesses muscular imbalances in the neck and shoulder area in patients with postural deficiencies. Participants must be 18 or older and show postural changes such as: forward head posture, elevated and protracted shoulders, and winging of the scapulae. Common symptoms include: neck pain, shoulder pain, and cervical headaches. Participants must be free of diseases that prevent physical loading, and should not have had prior surgery involving the cervical or thoracic spine and shoulders. Participants are required to perform muscle strength, muscle endurance, and range of motion exercises. There will be one experimental session which lasts approximately 2 – 3 hours. You will be compensated $10/ hour. For more information please contact Matthias Treff at matreff@vt.edu.
17. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR STUDY ON DRIVING DISTRACTIONS – 2nd posting
VT-SCORE (VT Signal Control & Operation Research and Education Systems lab) researchers are conducting a survey to investigate the relationship between transit operator’s driving behavior and on-board transit distractions. The results of the study will be used to improve the safety of transit occupants. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and confidential. All participants must be at least 18 years old. Access the survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13kOgv4Lm4259Dexu4Rb4zNFzdXhyFEp-KvyC6kaI5Wk/viewform. Contact Nurlayla Arbie at 540-577-1676 or arbien@vt.edu with any questions.
18. GRAD STUDENT BIKE COMMUTING SURVEY – 2nd posting
At the last GSA delegate meeting there was a great discussion regarding bike transportation as it pertains to graduate students. Based on this, a survey has been created to get feedback from graduate students regarding increasing bike parking, and whether or not a large bike parking lot is good for the graduate community. Bike commuters, potential bike commuters, and non-bike commuters are urged to give any comments. Please complete the survey by Feb 14 at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1390361722551. Contact Sarah Mazza (mazza@vt.edu) with any other comments or concerns.
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE STUDY – 2nd posting
VT-SCORES is conducting a study to investigate user behavior during simulated experience of riding inside of self-driving vehicle. The study will take around 30 min, and your participation can contribute to the development of novel self-driving vehicle control technology. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Participants will get a first-hand experience dealing with self-driving vehicle technology. You can opt out of the experiment at any time if you experience any minimal risks, or for any other reason. Must be at least 18 years of age. If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact Milos Mladenovic at 540-553-5949 or at milosm@vt.edu.
20. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED REGARDING FUTURE BT BUS ROUTES – 2nd posting
As part of the planning for future routes, Blacksburg Transit recently developed a short survey to help identify the transportation needs of Town of Blacksburg residents and students. The purpose of the route analysis is to improve bus service in the Town of Blacksburg and on the VT campus. Responses to this survey will help highlight existing deficiencies, identify future opportunities, and ultimately help decision-makers develop an improved transit system. The survey will remain open online until February 12, 2014. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three $25 gift cards. Access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BTSurvey1. For more information, contact Ken Tucker at ktucker@blacksburg.gov or (540) 443-7100 ext. 2055.
21. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR USER STUDY OF BIOINFORMATICS RESOURCE – 2nd posting
Participate in a study to investigate the underlying processes of bioinformatics experiments. The study will take approximately 2 hours and will involve eye-tracking with think-aloud while you perform tasks using a computer. Preferred participants are proficient in the use of bioinformatics resources, are familiar with the process of functionally analyzing a gene sequence.We will compensate participants at a rate of $10 per hour for a maximum of 2 hours, or a maximum of $20 total. The protocols in this study have been approved by the VT IRB (14-055). If you are interested, please contact Jongsoon Park via email babirong@vt.edu or call 540-558-8369.
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are needed for a study on manual material handling tasks. The study consists of two sessions for about 1-2 and 3-4 hours, respectively. Requirements: male or female with no recent history of musculoskeletal disorders within the age range of 18-40. Participants will be compensated $10/hr. If interested, please contact Alireza Sedighi at sedighia@vt.edu for further details.
23. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR METABOLISM STUDY – 3rd posting
Volunteers are needed for a study examining how cocoa influences metabolism in individuals with pre-diabetes (high glucose levels). Participants must be: adults between the ages of 40-75; overweight or obese (body mass index 25-40); not currently taking any blood pressure or diabetes medications; non-smokers; without any major medical problems; willing to eat a controlled study diet for 4 weeks; Pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant or have taken antibiotics in the past 3 months are not eligible for this study. Participants will receive information about glucose and cholesterol levels, body composition, and blood pressure, and may receive up to $300 compensation for their time. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact Karen at the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email: heartlab@vt.edu.
24. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT – 3rd posting
Clemson-University doctoral student Younsuk Kong invites you to participate in this research study that examines leisure-time physical activity behavior of graduate students in order to identify factors that influence physical activity behavior. The questionnaire will take approximately 10 minutes to complete: https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6DXcU3PdFlLtQSp. Contact Younsuk Kong at younsuk@clemson.edu with questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
IDR DAY 2014
Thursday, Feb 27, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Learn about how to form and work in an interdisciplinary team, explore the importance of interdisciplinary graduate education, and come together with a diverse array of participants to solve real-world problems important to our local and regional area. Enjoy a poster session and free buffet dinner! Keynote: Dr. Michelle Bennett, NIH, Interdisciplinary Teams and Toolkits. VT speakers: Drs. Peter Vikesland, CEE, Director of VT SuN IGEP and Ben Knapp, Director of ICAT. Register at www.idrsociety.org/idr-day-2014. Contact Bahareh Estejab at bestejab@vt.edu for more info.
VT CHOICES AND CHALLENGES FORUM: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Thursday, Feb 27, 9:30am-4:00pm, GLC and The Lyric
This day-long forum asks how we can promote creativity and ensure the free flow of information while protecting the rights of creators. Join the discussion and debate with a range of experts from history, law, sociology, communications, and political activism. For a full schedule visit http://www.choicesandchallenges.sts.vt.edu/.