Posted on by lkeister

November 1-7, 2021

This Week’s Events:       

0. Ongoing Services – updated 10/04/21  
1. NEGOTIATING AN OFFER
2. MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION WEBINAR
3. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT SERIES EVENT: TEAM SCIENCE
4. GENDER AND CASTE WON’T KEEP ME FROM SCHOOL WEBINAR
5. GLC CAFÉ
6. FALL-PREVIEW OF THE SUPPORT HUB OF INCLUSIVE PRACTICES (SHIP)
7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
8. VIRGINIA TECH GRADUATE ACADEMY FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
9. HOLISTIC SKY HAPPINESS MEDITATION RETREAT
10. MASQUERADE NIGHT CULTURE SHOW

Administrative Announcements:    
11. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATIONS—NOW OPEN! – 1st posting
12. PANELISTS SOUGHT FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S LUNCH PRESENTATION – 1st posting
13. PHI KAPPA PHI SURVEY – 3rd posting
14. BEARS EYE VIEW CROWDSOURCING CAMPAIGN – 3rd posting
15. FIWGSA 2022 WILDLIFE CALENDARS ARE ON SALE NOW – 3rd posting
16. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM FALL CYCLE OPENING OCT 25 – 3rd posting

Jobs:   
None at this time.


Volunteers and research participants sought:  
17. LITTLE HOKIE™ HAND ME DOWN (LHHMD) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – 1st posting
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON EVALUATING INTERACTION METHODS OF NON-DRIVING-RELATED TASKS IN DRIVING CONTEXTS – 1st posting
19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN IN ATHLETES – 1st posting
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON VIDEO CONFERENCING SYSTEMS AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS – 1st posting
21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON AUGMENTED REALITY STORYTELLING – 1st posting
22. PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 3-5 NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS – 1st posting
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ABOUT USER NEEDS FOR POST-MORTEM FUNCTIONALITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS – 1st posting
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PARENT/CHILD STUDY ON POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES AS CHILDREN GROW – 2nd posting
26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ABOUT THE EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND ITS DELIVERY ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS – 2nd posting
27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING STUDY – 2nd posting
28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY INVESTIGATING GAZE-BASED ALARM ACKNOWLEDGMENT – 2nd posting
29. RECRUITING MALE PARTICIPANTS FOR LOW SPEED SLED TEST RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events: 
30. CRITICALLY APPRAISING LITERATURE FOR EVIDENCE SYNTHESES REVIEWS 101 – November 8
31. STARTING YOUR ETD – November 8
32. 8TH ANNUAL LITTLE HOKIE ™ HAND-ME-DOWN – November 9 and 10
33. GRADUATE STUDENT FORUM FOR CONFERENCE PREPARATION – November 10
34. CONFLICT COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP: GET UNSTUCK – HOW TO STOP TALKING PAST EACH OTHER AND START TALKING WITH ONE ANOTHER – November 11
35. QUEER GRADS, PROFESSIONALS AND ALLIES MEETING – November 11
36. WOMEN IN TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR (WTS) TOUR AT TORC ROBOTICS AND SOCIAL HOUR AT EASTERN DIVIDE BREWING – November 12
37. GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN – November 17
38. GRADUATE STUDENT GRATITUDE CONNECT LUNCH – November 17

  0. Ongoing Services – updated 10/11/21       

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL: In person drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials M-F 9:00-4:00pm, 120 GLC. Request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session or come by during our office hours. 
  • CAREER ADVISING: schedule career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html ; In-person drop-in advising every Wednesday, 2-4pm in the Graduate School (120 GLC). 
  • COOK COUNSELING: Drop-in Zoom hours, Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-5pm, Zoom links found here. To make an appointment, visit: https://vt-ucc.titaniumhwc.com/ScheduleGraduateFirstCookConnect (Students must pay the summer health fee or daily use fee which can be reimbursed through Aetna. Students must be in Virginia) 
  • WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/         
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradstudentombud@vt.edu, 540-231

1. NEGOTIATING AN OFFER
Monday, November 1, 4-5pm, Zoom
Learn the art of negotiating a job offer, including but not limited to salary! Graduate students attending this virtual workshop will understand the negotiation process, how to research their market value, and the professional etiquette in negotiating a job offer. Register here

2. MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION
Tuesday, November 2, 12:30-4pm, North End Center 2470
Conflict is inevitable in our world. It permeates the boundaries of our professional and personal domains and is a natural part of these relationships. Being equipped with the skills to engage in conflict along with the awareness of when to focus on applying these skills is the key to fostering the beneficial outcomes that can result. This seminar provides the opportunity to focus on conflicts relevant to the collaborative research relationships we experience and seeks to provide participants with the understanding of how to employ the appropriate skills as conflict starts to influence the interpersonal relationships we rely on for success in our research endeavors. Enroll here: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/researchdiscovery/courses/sirc19-110221

3. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT SERIES EVENT: TEAM SCIENCE
Tuesday, November 2, 3-4:30pm, Zoom
Today, modern research methods are more specialized and the world’s problems are more complex, requiring minds from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to come together in the form of team science. At this event, researchers are invited to learn how to succeed in the new landscape of team science, where true collaboration requires joint ownership and collective responsibility. Michelle Bennet, director the Center for Research Strategy in the National Cancer Institute’s National Health Institute and internationally recognized expert in team science, will join virtually and share what she has learned about high-performing, highly integrated research teams, and how to thrive in a collaborative environment. Discussion will be followed with Q&A. Learn More and Register >>>

4. GENDER AND CASTE WON’T KEEP ME FROM SCHOOL WEBINAR
Wednesday, November 3, 12-1:30pm, Zoom webinar
The ACEC (Asian Center of Cultural Engagement), College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences, Women and Gender Studies Program, and the Sociology Department are presenting a talk by Mr. Anoop Kumar and Dr. Sheetal Kamble – “Gender and Caste Won’t Keep me From School.” Zoom Link:https://rb.gy/hlpj7n

5. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, November 4, 3:30-5pm, 120 Graduate Life Center
In place of this week’s GLC Café – please attend our fall preview of the SHIP space, 120 GLC. See the blurb directly under this one! We will still have coffee, tea and snacks!

6. FALL-PREVIEW OF THE SUPPORT HUB OF INCLUSIVE PRACTICES (SHIP)
Thursday, November 4, 3:30-5pm, 120 Graduate Life Center
Join the Graduate School to check out our newly remodeled space in the Graduate Life Center, Room 120. We invite you to visit during this time to learn about resources and upcoming events, and meet other graduate students! Please complete this brief RSVP form at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TUW3t7uiKKeqeq by Tuesday, November 2nd. Refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, please email ordi@vt.edu.

7. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, November 4, 6:30-8pm, VT Women’s Center
Please join us for an evening of fun, free childcare for kids age 2 (potty trained) to 10. There will be toys, games, activities, and sitters with lots of energy. Location is at VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington Street. KNO is held every Thursday during the semester from 6:30 to 8. Please share this information with those who would be interested. Details at the sign up at:  https://doodle.com/poll/26ipq2wg4657aq9d?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link

8. VIRGINIA TECH GRADUATE ACADEMY FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
Friday, November 5, 3-4pm, Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89332206078  
Join this informational workshop for graduate students and faculty on all campuses of Virginia Tech, especially Roanoke and NOVA campuses, to introduce you to our peer-mentoring program and the ways that we support graduate students who are interested in teaching. We hope that you will join us, whether you work with or mentor graduate students or if you are a graduate student that aspires to be a GTA or in a teaching position in the future. If you have questions, please contact http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/

9. HOLISTIC SKY HAPPINESS MEDITATION RETREAT
Friday, November 5 – Sunday, November 7, Various Times, Online
Participants will learn a breath-based meditation practice called SKY that has been scientifically documented to increase immunity, battle stress, and relieve anxiety and depression. This 9-hour long workshop will be led by trainers with thousands of hours of experience under their belts, and is available to VT students for a discounted fee of $20. Fill in the interest form: http://tiny.cc/vtsky Read more about SKY: http://campushappiness.org/impact/#research

10. MASQUERADE NIGHT CULTURE SHOW
Saturday, November 6, 6-9pm, Haymarket Theatre, Squires Student CenterCome see AASU’s annual free culture show where we feature our constituent organizations. There will be performances ranging from modern to traditional dances. In addition, there will also be a raffle with prizes throughout the event! We hope to see you there. Doors open at 5:30 PM EST!!

11. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY NOMINATIONS—NOW OPEN! – 1st posting
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promote a diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who serve as examples of the five pillars, scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. The deadline for department nominations is November 29, 2021. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/bouchet-society.html Questions? Please contact Dr. Shernita Lee at ordi@vt.edu.

12. PANELISTS SOUGHT FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S LUNCH PRESENTATION – 1st posting
International graduate students who identify as women are sought for a panel discussion in honor of International Women’s Day to take place on March 1, 11:30 – 1:00 in Owens Banquet Room.  The event is being called Our Bodies, Ourselves and will focus on sexual freedom, gender roles, sexual expression, sex education, rights/laws, and access to OBGYN healthcare. We are seeking 5 – 6 students representing different cultural perspectives. Panelists will be asked to share a personal comparative perspective on the gender challenges and opportunities they have experienced and are aware of both in their home country and here. If you are interested in contributing to the dialogue as a panelist, or would like to find out more about this event, contact Dr. Pamela Serota at the Cranwell International Center, pamelas@vt.edu.  We are hoping to select student panelists by the end of November.  

13. PHI KAPPA PHI SURVEY – 3rd posting
Are you a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society? The Virginia Tech Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi is looking to identify current VT graduate students, faculty and staff who have been initiated elsewhere, and ask that you complete this brief survey here: VT PKP Survey Questions, or want to get involved? Please email us at vt@phikappaphi.org or contact Chapter President, Christina McIntyre, at cmcintyre@vt.edu. 

14. BEARS EYE VIEW CROWDSOURCING CAMPAIGN – 3rd posting
Insight into the everyday lives of American Black Bears! The Wildlife Habitat & Population Analysis Lab’s crowdsourcing campaign is up and running! This research project works to better understand American Black Bear behavior and foraging ecology with camera collars (more information here!). Any support (including sharing this information!) is greatly appreciated to have a paid undergraduate student position over the coming summer. To find out more about the project (and see some cool videos) or donate, check out the project page here! The campaign will take place until November 12.

15. FIWGSA 2022 WILDLIFE CALENDARS ARE ON SALE NOW – 3rd posting
The Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association (FIWGSA) creates an annual calendar that highlights students’ work both in Virginia and around the world. Proceeds from the calendar sale support a guest speaker visit and fund professional outreach and events. FIWGSA works to mentor new graduate students, engages in outreach, and serves as an intermediary between graduate students and faculty. The pre-sale of these calendars is going on now, and they should come in by Thanksgiving for pickup or can be mailed. Please help support FIWGSA – pre-sale for calendars can be found here! 

16. GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM FALL CYCLE OPENING OCT 25 – 3rd posting
Have you presented or plan to present at a conference between July 1, 2021 and October 31, 2021? The VT GPSS Travel Fund Program (TFP) will partially support the monetary costs associated with presenting at conferences including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Awards this year are ranging from $300-$500 per person for in-person attended conferences, and up to $200 for virtual attendance. The Fall Cycle application will be open beginning Oct 25 — the deadline for application is Nov 5th. For further details, updates, and the application, please see our website at https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/tfp.html.  For questions, support, or insights, please email gsa-tfp-g@vt.edu.

17. LITTLE HOKIE™ HAND ME DOWN (LHHMD) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – 1st posting
We still need volunteers for LLHMD! Please consider signing up to help with set-up or tear down. Little Hokie ™ Hand Me Down is a free event for people who need children’s items to take what they need. Thanks so much for volunteering! Volunteers are needed on these dates: Monday, November 8th: 5:00pm-7:30pm (FREE PIZZA & SODA) and Tuesday, November 9th: 8am-Noon (FREE BAGELS & COFFEE) Please email Emily Burns at emilyb16@vt.edu with access needs or questions. 

18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON EVALUATING INTERACTION METHODS OF NON-DRIVING-RELATED TASKS IN DRIVING CONTEXTS – 1st posting
Volunteers needed for the Mind Music Machine Lab’s study on “Evaluating Interaction methods of non-driving-related tasks in driving contexts”. During the study, you will be conducting the simulated driving tasks and non-driving related tasks (e.g., menu navigation) using gesture-based interaction with different auditory feedbacks. This project protocol was reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protections Program (#19-923). If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Moustafa Tabbarah at tabbarah@vt.edu.

19. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY ABOUT HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN IN ATHLETES – 1st posting
Volunteers needed for a study evaluating the effect of a 10-wk diet and exercise regimen designed to promote healthy weight gain (IRB # 21-561). Participants must be: 18-40 years of age, interested in gaining at least 5 pounds of body weight, willing to participate in a supervised 10-week strength training program, not taking medications or dietary supplements that influence the study results, non-smokers, not pregnant, without any major medical problems (including high blood pressure or coronary heart disease) and without any allergies to legumes, peanuts, nuts or tree nuts. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in participating in this research study, please contact the Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Laboratory at Virginia Tech by email: NEMLab@vt.edu or by phone: 540-231-1025.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON VIDEO CONFERENCING SYSTEMS AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS – 1st posting
The Distributed Virtual Environments Lab (DVE Lab) is looking for participants to complete a study on presence and engagement in virtual environments and video conferencing systems. This study will comprise of a single session which will be held at 2202 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, 24060. The study seeks to understand the differences in engagement, attention and the feeling of being “present” in video-conference-based and virtual-environment-based meetings. During the study you will be asked to perform three virtual meeting room tasks on Zoom and in Mozilla Hubs. Your participation will help us better understand the utility and the effectiveness of these two platforms in remote collaboration. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old and you must be a student at Virginia Tech. Participation is voluntary and all responses that you provide will be kept confidential. You will be provided with a $10 Amazon gift card as compensation for your participation in this study. If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Mark Manuel at mmark95@vt.edu. This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Denis Gračanin from the Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech. This study has been approved, as required, by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB 20-841).

21. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON AUGMENTED REALITY STORYTELLING – 1st posting
An interdisciplinary team from the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech is looking for participants for an Augmented Reality (AR) study that aims to better understand multi-user experiences in AR storytelling. In the study, you will wear the Microsoft HoloLens AR headset to experience three narrative stories. Afterwards, we will ask you to provide feedback. This research study will be held in The Cube at the Moss Arts Center and will take about 45 minutes (Nov 10, 11, or 12th). The study will include two participants, so pairs are encouraged, although not required. No compensation will be provided for those who complete the experiment. Your participation is voluntary. Participation will be on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact ericcades@vt.edu. This research study has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech IRB (#21-788).

22. PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 3-5 NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
The Learning and Development Lab in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at VT is looking for parents of preschool-aged children (3-5-year-old children who have not started Kindergarten) to participate in a new research study focusing on the home math environment of children with and without disabilities. Participants can choose to receive a $10 Amazon gift card if they meet the eligibility criteria and complete the survey. If there is a secondary caregiver at home they are eligible to be added to a drawing of a $10 Amazon gift card at the completion of the survey. To receive more information or a unique link for this survey email our lab at learnlab@vt.edu. 

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL MONITORS – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in an “Augmented Reality Virtual Monitors” study at the Moss Arts Center (IRB 21-773). Participants in the study will have a chance to experience a Microsoft HoloLens 2, while performing a few tasks on a computer, which include reading, finding information, and filling out forms and questionnaires. The experiment is expected to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you’re interested in more information about being a participant, please contact Leonardo Pavanatto at lpavanat@vt.edu. Or schedule the appointment directly by answering the screening questionnaire available at the following link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rkuseyef5JPtGe

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ABOUT USER NEEDS FOR POST-MORTEM FUNCTIONALITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS – 1st posting
You are invited to participate in an interview about how you want your social media account to be managed when you pass away. The interview will be conducted via Zoom. Only the audio of the interview will be recorded, and only the researchers involved will have access to the audio files. This study is for a graduate class and its findings will not be published. Participants are required to be 18-25 years of age and regularly use 3 social media platforms. All participants will receive compensation of a $10 Amazon e-gift card at the end of the study. If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please contact Mia Taylor taylormr@vt.edu.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR PARENT/CHILD STUDY ON POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES AS CHILDREN GROW – 2nd posting
The CALMER Lab located at the Child Study Center at Virginia Tech is conducting a research study for children and adolescents (ages 4-15) and their families (IRB #19-834). This study focuses on how parents can help foster more positive development of social and emotional competencies as children grow. Participants in the study will complete ratings and behavioral tasks on two occasions, approximately one year apart (visit lengths = ~2.5 hours), and parents will complete daily ratings for a two-week period following the visits. Parent questionnaires involve questions on their child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and medical functioning, and their own stress, emotions, and parenting practices. Families will be provided with feedback and a report detailing the findings of the mental health and academic evaluation following the visits (30-minute feedback visits). Your family will be compensated up to $200 for completing all parts of the study, and your child will be given a small prize at each visit. If you would like to learn more about the study, please contact the CALMER Lab at calmerlab@gmail.com or 540-231-8511.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ABOUT THE EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND ITS DELIVERY ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a usability study about how information affects the productivity of workers doing assembly tasks with a voice information system. The usability study asks you to perform a set of simulated construction activities at the BuildLab at Bishop Favrao Hall at Virginia Tech. The usability study takes between 60 and 90 minutes of your time to be completed, including preparation, experiment, surveys, and a quick interview.  Eligibility is for students older than 18-years old and capable of providing consent to participate in the study. No risks are associated while participating in this study. If you agree to take part in this research study, we will reimburse you $10 in total for your time and effort for the in-person session. This study was reviewed by the VT IRB under protocol IRB-21-204. To express interest in participating in this study, please contact Daniel Linares at dlinares@vt.edu.

27. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING STUDY – 2nd posting
Are you interested in an entirely remote 5-week research study to help learn about continuous blood glucose monitoring? Would you like to receive compensation up to $500 for completion? If yes, please complete the screen online at https://redcap.vtc.vt.edu/surveys/?s=PWKFM9DKJR to learn if you are eligible! Please note that participation includes wearing a continuous blood glucose monitor,
wearing a physical activity monitor and computer assessments and brief dietary recalls over Zoom. Eligibility criteria include: adults with prediabetes or at risk of type 2 diabetes and having a body mass index of 25 or greater. For more information, please call (540) 739-5101 or email vtmindd@gmail.com. IRB 19-899.

28. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY INVESTIGATING GAZE-BASED ALARM ACKNOWLEDGMENT – 2nd posting
Under the supervision of Dr. Nathan Lau, the VACSE laboratory is conducting a study to develop a greater understanding of the effects of gaze-based alarm acknowledgement in reducing nuisance alarms (IRB #21-005). Participants will be asked to monitor parameters of a chemical plant simulator located on a computer monitor and indicate any impending alarm to occur. Participants’ eye movements will be collected using a remote eye tracking device. Qualifications needed to participate are being 18 years or old, having normal or corrected-to-normal vision, and no history of photosensitive epilepsy. No prior knowledge or experience of industrial operations is needed! The study will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants will receive compensation of $15 at the end of the study. If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please contact tkatherine19@vt.edu. 

29. RECRUITING MALE PARTICIPANTS FOR LOW SPEED SLED TEAST RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
The VT Center for Injury Biomechanics is recruiting male subjects (18-28 yrs) to participate in a research study investigating the effects of muscle bracing on occupant motion and forces during low speed sled tests, similar to pre-crash braking events and low-speed car crashes (IRB #17-1008). Participants will be asked to come in for one pretest visit (~1 hr) and two testing visits (~5 hrs each). During each testing visit, participants will be exposed to 4 sled tests while wearing a sleeveless t-shirt, tight fitting shorts, socks and shoes, a seat belt, mouth guards, and instrumentation attached to the skin with adhesive patches (all of which will be provided). These tests are similar to bumper car impacts. Compensation rate is $20/hr. Participants should be males approximately between 5’7″-5’11” and 160-177 lbs. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, be able to show valid proof of full vaccination, and be willing to wear a mask each visit. All members of the research team are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, can provide valid proof of full vaccination, and will be masked during the duration of each visit. If interested, please email Dr. Andrew Kemper (akemper@vt.edu) to receive additional details about the study, including the full inclusion criteria, or if you have any questions.  

30. CRITICALLY APPRAISING LITERATURE FOR EVIDENCE SYNTHESES REVIEWS 101
Monday, November 8, 2- 3:30pm, Online via Zoom
Critical appraisal is a universally useful skill, applicable during a literature review, while assessing an article you’ve found. In this 1.5-hour session, we’ll introduce you to why critical appraisal is important, specifically in the context of evidence synthesis reviews. Participants will be introduced to several critical appraisal tools to evaluate the risk of bias in individual studies and larger evidence synthesis reviews. We’ll also discuss how you may consider approaching critical appraisal in your own review, including how to find and create appropriate risk of bias tools. To sign up and learn more, go to the library events page: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/7989684 | To sign up and receive PDN credit, go to the PDN events page: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/browse/researchdiscovery/courses/lib33-110821 

31. STARTING YOUR ETD
Monday, November 8, 7pm, Zoom
Learn how to format and structure your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD) so that you can submit it after your defense and best meet Graduate School formatting guidelines. This presentation is aimed at students in the early stages of writing their thesis or dissertation but is relevant to students at any stage of the process. Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83655463064 Meeting ID: 878 0236 7719

32. 8TH ANNUAL LITTLE HOKIE ™ HAND-ME-DOWN
Tuesday, November 9, 12-5pm and Wednesday, November 10, 10am-2pm, Owens Ballroom
Graduate students will be able to pick-up new/gently used items for children ages 0-10 for free at this event. Sponsored by the Graduate School, Women’s Center and Graduate and Professional Student Senate. Learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/student-services/spouses-partners-and-children/littlehokie-handmedown.html

33. GRADUATE STUDENT FORUM FOR CONFERENCE PREPARATION
Wednesday, November 10, 7pm, Zoom
The Center for European Union, Transatlantic, and Trans-European Space Studies is presenting this conference. Link to meeting registration: Here Contact Caleb Gore, cgore3@vt.edu or Hannah Gignoux, hgignoux@vt.edu with questions.

34. CONFLICT COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP: GET UNSTUCK – HOW TO STOP TALKING PAST EACH OTHER AND START TALKING WITH ONE ANOTHER
Thursday, November 11, 12-1:30pm, Zoom
Communication begets understanding, understanding begets collaboration, and collaboration begets respect. The major challenge to respect is obstructed quality communication. To meet this challenge, answers to the following questions are needed: What are the underlying reasons for obstructed communication, what are some examples of obstructed communication, and what can be done to either preempt or dissolve obstructions. This virtual workshop is open to up to 30 graduate student participants. To ensure participants walk away with answers to the aforementioned questions and a basic understanding of skills capable of helping one get unstuck, participants will engage in two short practical exercises. To that end, participants will be randomly paired with one another in groups of two or more. This workshop is facilitated by Robert Polanco, practicum student in the Graduate School’s Office of the Ombuds. Robert is completing his MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Creighton University. Register:https://bit.ly/3jv15PW

35. QUEER GRADS, PROFESSIONALS AND ALLIES MEETING
Thursday, November 11, 8-9:30pm, Squires Student Center – Williamsburg Room, Zoom option
Come meet fellow queer members of the VT grad and professional community. We will go over announcements, have some small group and large group discussions, and play some games. Feel free to bring some games to the meeting. All are welcome! 😊 Feel free to reach out to our new member coordinator Kelsey (she/they/any pronouns) at kjennings@vt.edu to get information about the organization and how to join our discord server. Zoom Meeting ID: 868 6198 5858 | Zoom Link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/86861985858?pwd=UnIzZEpjSzhmaFlJQ2ZZMkg1dVR2QT09 | Zoom Passcode: QGPAgroup

36. WOMEN IN TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR (WTS) TOUR AT TORC ROBOTICS AND SOCIAL HOUR AT EASTERN DIVIDE BREWING
Friday, November 12, 3pm, 405 Partnership Dr SE Blacksburg
The Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) at Virginia Tech is pleased to announce a very exciting opportunity for networking and learning more about businesses involved in the transportation industry! We are hosting a tour and Q&A at Torc Robotics. There will also be a social hour at Eastern Divide Brewing right after the event at 4pm. Eastern Divide is a 4-minute walk from Torc Robotics and has food and drinks available for purchase (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Please note that transportation will not be provided. Everyone attending the tour MUST wear close-toed shoes for the entirety of the event. Masks are required as well and will be provided by Torc for anyone who forgets one. If you plan on attending please fill out this quick questionnaire (https://forms.gle/r8GerPNxHDmEyzcE8) — registration is free, we’re just looking to get a headcount. We look forward to seeing you there!

37. GUAC TALK WITH THE DEAN
Wednesday, November 17, 12-1pm, GLC Room F/Zoom
Don’t miss out on our first Guac Talk with Dean Surprenant! Come enjoy a FREE Qdoba chicken taco bar and ask Dean Surprenant about any questions or concerns you have! If you will attend in person, please RSVP by Friday, November 12th at 9:00am. If you plan to attend on Zoom, please register by 11:30am on Wednesday, November 17th to receive the Zoom link and meeting ID. Hosted by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. Please email Emily Burns at emilyb16@vt.edu with access needs or questions.

38. GRADUATE STUDENT GRATITUDE CONNECT LUNCH
Wednesday, November 17, 12:00 pm–1:00 pm, Graduate Life Center, Room B.
The Graduate School’s Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion cordially invites you to the Graduate Student Gratitude Connect Lunch! Learn gratitude and mindfulness practices while encouraging and supporting fellow graduate students, faculty, and staff. Lunch will be provided for in-person participation. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. Please register at  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4PFI4cDl6dyhnUO. For accommodations related to disabilities, please contact Dr. Shernita Lee at ordi@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.