Posted on by lbarron

November 20-26, 2023

This Week’s Events:       

  1. Ongoing Services – updated 8/22/23 
  2. Q&A SESSION: ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER IN SUSTAINABILITY WITH AN EXECUTIVE MASTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES – November 21
  3. THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH – November 21

Administrative Announcements: 

  1. FALL 2023 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY –1st posting
  2. CAREER ADVISING DROP IN HOURS IN GLC – 1st posting
  3. LEADERSHIP COURSES SPRING SEMESTER REGISTER NOW – 1st posting
  4. NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP COURSE AVAILABLE SPRING SEMESTER: OPEN TO ALL GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
  5. ADDITIONAL FOOD SECURITY SUPPORT –  POP UP PANTRY IN NEWMAN LIBRARY – 1st posting
  6. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UP TO FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH EXPENSES – 2nd posting
  7. FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING THROUGH END OF SEMESTER – 2nd posting
  8. BLACK GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE – 2nd posting
  9. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY – 2nd posting
  10. PLEDGE TO BE A GREEN GRADUATE – 2nd posting
  11. CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS – CLAHS WINTER ENRICHMENT – 2nd posting
  12. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
  13. GRADUATE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK CLOSING – 3rd posting

Jobs

  1. PART TIME COMPUTER SCIENCE WAGE EMPLOYEE – 2nd posting
  2. GA POSITION FOR SUMMER OUTREACH PROGRAMS IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE – 3rd posting

Funding Opportunities

  1. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE DECEMBER 1, 2023
  2. VIRGNIA SEA GRANT GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 8, 2023 – REGISTER BY DECEMBER 1, 2023
  3. 2024 NMFS-SEA GRANT FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 25, 2024 BEFORE 5PM EST
  4. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 9, 2024
  5. 2025 KNAUSS MARINE POLICY FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2024 BEFORE 5PM EST

Volunteers and research participants sought:

  1. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A JOB MARKET RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
  2. UNDERSTANDING THE ENGINEERING PHD ADVISOR ADVISEE EXPERIENCE – 1st posting
  3. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN IN VEHICLE INTERVIEW – 1st posting
  4. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS STUDY – 2nd posting
  5. THE CONNECTION PROJECT – 2nd posting
  6. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 3rd posting
  7. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON PROCESSED FOOD – 3rd posting
  8. RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EASY CAPTION STUDY – 3rd posting
  9. ECHOLAB STUDY: HOW LIVE SERVICE GAME MODEL AFFECTS PLAYER BEHAVIOR – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:

  1. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP – November 27
  2. ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSION – November 28
  3. BOV POSITION INFORMATION SESSION – November 29
  4. GRADUATE SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS  DESTRESSING DURING FINALS – November 30
  5. PERFORMANCE: DEANTONI PARKS – November 30
  6. KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY EN ESPAÑOL – December 2
  7. GRADUATE ENGINEERING ALLIANCE (GEA) END OF THE SEMESTER EVENT – December 3
  8. HOW WE GROW! EARLY ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL  EVENT – December 5
  9. RAMEN FOR READING DAY – December 7
  10. FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – December 7

 0. Ongoing Services – updated 08/28/23    

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL: In-person advising, drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials, and a space to study and take a break! Visit SHIP (120 GLC) Monday -Friday 9am-4pm. The Graduate School offices will be open 9am – 4pm. Staff will be available by phone 540 231-8636 or email grads@vt.edu.  If you prefer Zoom advising: request one-on-one assistantship or academic advising by using our online request form to set-up a Zoom session.
  • CAREER ADVISING: schedule career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html ; GLC drop-in hours in GLC 120/SHIP will be held on Wednesdays 1-4pm beginning September 6, 2023.
  • COOK COUNSELING: Drop-in hours for consultation begin on 8/22. Location is Room 49 at the GLC. Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm and Fridays 1 to 3 pm. For consultations by Zoom e-mail hkatie19@vt.edu. Students seeking services can schedule a triage appointment by calling 540-231-6557. You may request first available appointment at our Gilbert Place office, or to be seen at the GLC. We also have embedded counselors in Engineering, College of Science, and Pamplin School of Business available. **Please note Cook Counseling’s main office has moved Gilbert Place, 220 Gilbert Street, suite 2400, beginning September 6, 2023.
  • WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
  • GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT BOV REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE HOURS Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours! Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Every Monday 9-10am, GLC 36D or Virtual: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell.

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

1. Q&A SESSION: ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER IN SUSTAINABILITY WITH AN EXECUTIVE MASTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Tuesday, November 21, 12-12:30pm, Zoom
Do you want to improve your performance at work, advance your career, and lead change that matters? If your answer is “Yes!” then you might be ready for Virginia Tech’s Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR), an accelerated graduate program focusing on leadership for sustainability. The XMNR program combines the best of in-person and online learning in a hybrid, cohort-based format that is completed within one year.  Watch the XMNR Intro video (03:25): https://youtu.be/5ANt5K-LAZg?si=i3DjthkTjLb9c9Sm. Register below for an upcoming virtual Q&A session with Program Director Dr. David Robertson: Tuesday, November 21, 12pm: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdO2uqD0tHtQ2NgU8ZIdN6twmHfwknuA8#/registration. For more information or questions, contact program coordinator and admissions advisor Amy Hubbard at ahubb09@vt.edu.

2. THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH
Tuesday, November 21, 11:30am-1:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
You are not alone! Join others who don’t get to leave for Thanksgiving Break for some chili (chicken, vegetarian/vegan/GF versions), dessert, and conversation in graduate community! Please let us know if you are planning to attend so that we can prepare the right amount of food: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/tbreak23. Sponsored by the Graduate School

ADMINISTRATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS

3. FALL 2023 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY –1st posting
The fall 2023 Graduate School commencement ceremony is scheduled on Friday, December 15th at 2:30pm in Cassell Coliseum. All graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than December 1st. Doctoral students wanting to participate must meet the participation deadlines listed at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/what-you-need-to-graduate/deadlines-for-academic-progress.html. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to attend and the Graduate School ceremony will be live streamed on the University website as well. Additional information on the fall ceremony can be found online at https://vt.edu/commencement.html. Questions may be directed to Graduate Admissions and Academic Progress staff at grads@vt.edu.

4. CAREER ADVISING DROP IN HOURS IN GLC – 1st posting
The final opportunity this semester for drop-in career advising at the GLC will be on Wednesday, December 6th from 1-4. There is no drop-in advising on 11/22 or 11/29. Drop-in hours will resume on January 10th. 

5. LEADERSHIP COURSES SPRING SEMESTER REGISTER NOW – 1st posting
All graduate students are encouraged to enroll in Leadership courses for Spring 2024 during add/drop: LDRS 4514 CRN 17116 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders; LDRS 4984 CRN 21917 Toxic Leadership; LDRS 5454 CRN 17121 Leadership Diverse Contexts; LDRS 5464 17122 Leadership in a Global Society; LDRS 5544 21245 Leading Teams through Change; LDRS 5554 17123 Leading Social Change. Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.

6. NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP COURSE AVAILABLE SPRING SEMESTER: OPEN TO ALL GRAD STUDENTS – 1st posting
LDRS 4514 CRN 17116 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders. This online course examines the skills require to successfully lead a nonprofit organization. Synchronous class meets once per week for 75 minutes with guest speakers and dynamic discussion. Other coursework completed asynchronously. Obtain the skills necessary to lead in community, civic, charitable, or religious organizations. For more information contact: Dr Jerald Walz, jhwalz@vt.edu.

7. ADDITIONAL FOOD SECURITY SUPPORT –  POP UP PANTRY IN NEWMAN LIBRARY – 1st posting
The Market at Virginia Tech has opened a free pop-up pantry in Newman Library Room 427 through December 15. This is open to all Virginia Tech students needing food during this busy time of the semester. Bread, heat-and-eat pasta, rice, and other nonperishable food items and snacks are available. The pantry is open during library hours and accessible through card swipe. Additional details about The Market’s Pop-Up Pantry initiative have been covered in VT News, and you can review previous listserv postings for more information about their Open Market Hours. For more information about food assistance, please visit https://foodaccess.vt.edu/.

8. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UP TO FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH EXPENSES – 2nd posting
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is now accepting applications for the senate’s Graduate Research Development Program. The application deadline is January 19th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Master’s students are eligible to receive $1000 and doctoral students are eligible for receive up to $1500. Funds may be requested for travel, lab analyses, supplies and other expenses incurred for degree-contingent research. $10,000 will be distributed. Application materials and full instructions can be found here: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html. Please e-mail Aran Garnett-Deakin at acgarnet@vt.edu with any questions.

9. FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING THROUGH END OF SEMESTER – 2nd posting
The HNFE Counseling Service at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services (In-person or Zoom) to any interested students, faculty, or staff. The service is still accepting a few new clients for the fall semester – visits will extend through the end of the semester. To learn more about the service and sign up, visit:  https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html.     

10. BLACK GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION – HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE – 2nd posting
Accepting donations for those in need during the holiday season through November 20. All types of food are accepted, no expired food, please. Food donation boxes will be located in: Price Hall, Litton Reeves, Fralin Hall, West AJ, Fralin Hall, and GLC room 36C. If you do not have food to donate but want to donate other items feel free to place those in the box as well.

11. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY – 2nd posting
Two important changes to Google Workspace at Virginia Tech are happening on Jan. 16, 2024. First, access to the Google Photos app will end. If you have any data in the Photos app, you MUST export the photos you wish to keep, and then delete all contents from the app. After Jan. 16, you will not be able to access the app or remove data, and the data will continue to count against your storage limit. The Google Photos guide https://it.vt.edu/google-photos/ offers more information on exporting Photos data. Also, on Jan. 16, students will have a 5 GB storage limit in Google Workspace; accounts over this limit will go read-only until storage is reduced. Check your storage, and move or delete files from Drive if needed. Again, empty ALL contents from Photos, regardless of your storage total. See the Google changes student information page for more information: https://it.vt.edu/google.

12. PLEDGE TO BE A GREEN GRADUATE – 2nd posting
Graduating soon? Become a Green Graduate at Virginia Tech by pledging to foster a sustainable world! To honor students who take the pledge, the Office of Sustainability awards all pledge signers with a FREE green cord to wear for graduation. Take the pledge here: https://forms.gle/fFEaWd7RUj2FLDfbA. Visit the Green Graduates at Virginia Tech website for more info http://tinyurl.com/greengrads and email giaha@vt.edu if you have questions.

13. CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS – CLAHS WINTER ENRICHMENT – 2nd posting
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the Center for Rural Education are partnering to offer a new enrichment opportunity in the New River Valley for gifted, high achieving, and eager middle school youth! Currently, we are looking for graduate students and faculty to propose courses for a new CLAHS/CRE initiative, https://rural.vt.edu/winter-enrichment-initiative-we-vt/ , to take place four consecutive Saturdays this February. More information can be found with https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZz3gyJ2h8tAAWujeogIw3jBL3ci0BOp7Al_mKF2kF7DBPyw/viewform! The deadline is November 17th. Please email rural@vt.edu for any questions. The possibilities are unlimited in the humanities!

14. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes 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 student applications is 11:59pm on January 16, 2024. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/bouchet-society.html. For questions from the Blacksburg campus, please reach out to Dr. Catherine Cotrupi, Interim Assistant Dean and Director for Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships, at Cotrupi@vt.edu. For questions from the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area, please reach out to Dr. Chontrese Hayes, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, at chontresehayes@vt.edu.

15. GRADUATE SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK CLOSING – 3rd posting
The Graduate School will be closed for walk-ins and phone calls on Wednesday, November 22, please email grads@vt.edu if you need assistance. Virginia Tech (and the Graduate School) will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.  Have a wonderful break!

JOBS

16. PART TIME COMPUTER SCIENCE WAGE EMPLOYEE – 2nd posting
Assist with technical aspects of creating an online version of an educational instrument that can be hosted on our website. Assist with technical aspects of data collection, storage, and analysis. Assist with generating data-driven reports. Work with a team to identify inefficiencies and provide guidance on improvements through technology resources. Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal investigator and project manager. Qualifications: enrolled student at Virginia Tech, excellent organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong analytical skills.
Experience with computer programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, Julia). For more information and instructions on how to apply: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14dMfMzxHcBNqIuxJ1hU9wkZyt_OFX-lxFRYZbBZstLQ/edit#gid=0.

17. GA POSITION FOR SUMMER OUTREACH PROGRAMS IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE – 3rd posting
The GA will work closely with the Assistant Dean for Outreach to help administer summer programs held during June and July of 2024. The programs include five residential, science camps for middle and high school students and one professional development workshop for high school science teachers. Duties include managing and/or assisting with: scholarship applications, registration sites, recruit/select camp counselors, reserve classrooms, write workflows for camp counselors, registration/sign-out at start/end of each program, assign roommates/dorm rooms, correspond with teachers, parents, and campers by email and phone; collect/manage health and safety forms, logistics before/during events; design online surveys to capture the impressions of program participants; collate survey results after end of each program. Qualifications: Strong verbal/written communication, professional, responsible and trustworthy, highly organized, strong attention to detail; ability to prioritize tasks and successfully manage multiple assignments; responsible and timely; must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable and safe driving record; must be willing to drive self and campers as needed. Apply here: https://forms.gle/yMVBzyS3wA9XEVXV9.
VBzyS3wA9XEVXV9.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Funding opportunities sponsored by the graduate school can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html
All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html.

18. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE DECEMBER 1, 2023
The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship is a science policy fellowship for Virginia that is hosted by the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM). COVES fellows are graduate students or postdoctoral researchers in science, technology, engineering, math and health (STEM-H) fields at Virginian Universities who spend 12 weeks over the summer working with Host Offices in the Virginia legislative and executive branches or in the policy offices of NGOs and scientific industries in Virginia. In addition to their work in their Host Offices, fellows are paired with a science policy mentor from VASEM, trained through an orientation at the start of their fellowship, and participate in networking and career development activities throughout the fellowship. The application deadline for Virginia Tech is December 1, 2023. More information can be found on our website https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html.

19. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: REGISTRATION – DECEMBER 1, 2023, 11:59 PM EST, APPLICATION – DECEMBER 8, 2023, 11:59 EST
Gain Hands-On Experience Working With A Professional Mentor. Graduate Fellows address issues relevant to Virginia communities and of importance to coastal and marine resources – including but not limited to: natural or social sciences, engineering and design, policy and legal analysis, architecture, business, education, arts and humanities, etc. The fellowship builds skills and competencies through professional development training and provides hands-on experience in translating research results to stakeholders through a professional mentor.  The fellowship provides up to $40,000 per year for two years and professional development opportunities. VASG expects to fund up to eight fellowships for the 2024–2026 academic years. For more information: https://vaseagrant.org/graduate-fellowships/.

20. 2024 NMFS-SEA GRANT FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 25, 2024 BEFORE 5PM EST

Population and Ecosystem Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics
The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) support a Ph.D. graduate fellowship in two specific areas. Population and Ecosystem Dynamics: Sea Grant anticipates funding at least four new Ph.D. fellowships in 2024 to students who are interested in careers related to marine ecosystem and population dynamics, with a focus on modeling and managing systems of living marine resources.  Marine Resource Economics: Sea Grant anticipates funding one new Ph.D. fellowship in 2024 to students who are interested in careers related to the development and implementation of quantitative methods for assessing the economics of the conservation and management of living marine resources. The fellowship provides up to $62,500 per year (total of federal plus matching funds) for up to three years. For more information: https://vaseagrant.org/nmfs-fellowship/. NMFS-SG Fellowship 2024. Informational Webinar 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1627158896647410528

21. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 9, 2024.
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is accepting applications for its Graduate Research STEM Fellowship program. A major goal of VSGC is to help produce the engineers and scientists of the future and to promote diversity in the STEM workforce. The consortium provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM, have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance, and are not graduating sooner than May 2025. For more information and to apply, visit https://vsgc.odu.edu/graduatefellowships/.  

22. 2025 KNAUSS MARINE POLICY FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2024 BEFORE 5PM EST
The 2025 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is sponsored by NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP). Applicants must have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources Fellows are matched with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of government located in the Washington, D.C. area. All eligible applicants enrolled at a Virginia institution planning to apply are strongly encouraged to contact Virginia Sea Grant prior to submitting an application.  . FUNDING: $93,900 in federal funding, includes  $71,400 stipend, $5,000 for allowable expenses, $2,500 for placement process travel, and up to $15,000 for host office-related travel. For more information: https://vaseagrant.org/knauss-fellowship/.

VOLUNTEERS AND RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A JOB MARKET RESEARCH STUDY –1st posting
Students are facing difficulties in the job-seeking process. There is some evidence that students across a multitude of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and genders face discrimination in the technology job market today. Unethical approaches in job recruiting and offering processes create an unfair playing field for students, many of whom study in the same schools/curriculums and have the same technological skills. We are trying to survey students with their experiences of job-seeking process as well as employment discrimination. Participant qualifications: anyone who is seeking for jobs in the Tech industry. For more information: https://forms.gle/hNMXCM15xuDCP6As5.

24. UNDERSTANDING THE ENGINEERING PHD ADVISOR ADVISEE EXPERIENCE – 1st posting

Are you a PhD student who has an advisor and has completed your first year of an engineering program? Are you interested in taking a 15-20 minute survey about your experience and receiving a $20 gift card? If you answered yes to both of these questions, we’re interested in learning about your experience! We’re doing a study that looks at your experiences with your advisor and how your relationship has developed and would love your feedback.  What this entails: One survey 15-20 minutes, possible (optional) follow up interview. If you are interested we invite you to take our survey to share your experiences. This survey will close December 8th, 2023. In addition to the $20 gift card you may receive invitations to participate in future interviews with our team, which will include additional compensation. More details can be found at the survey link: https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y2RBcdYlAJXBga. If you have any questions please reach out to Mark Huerta at markhuerta@vt.edu. This research study is approved under the UM IRB HUM00230743.

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AN IN VEHICLE INTERVIEW – 1st posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study (IRB# 23-922) to understand how drivers interact with advanced in-vehicle driver assistant systems (e.g., autopilot). During the study, you will be interviewed while driving in your own vehicle on routes that you would typically drive. Eligible participants must be above 18 years old, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, and have at least 2 years of driving experiences. Participants also needs to have vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control + lane centering). Participant compensation $50 in cash. If you’re interested or want to seek more information, please fill out this initial screener: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/xaiscreening. Please contact Manhua Wang manhua@vt.edu for any questions.

26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS STUDY – 2nd posting
We are conducting a study (IRB Protocol # 22-507) to learn if consuming artificial sweeteners has any impact on glucose levels in adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Participants will come to the lab and be provided breakfast with and without artificial sweeteners to determine if two commonly consumed artificial sweeteners have an impact on glucose levels. In addition to receiving these meals, and information regarding your health, you will be compensated a total of $45 for completing all study visits. Participants must be at least 40 years old. Screening survey to determine eligibility:  https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/acuteNNS.

27. THE CONNECTION PROJECT – 2nd posting
The Connection Project (TCP) brings together groups of students to get to know one another while discussing the key components of making meaningful connections. Led by two trained graduate student facilitators, this group of 6-10 students will engage in activities and discussions that delve into what brings us together, what can keep us apart, and how these things manifest at Virginia Tech. The Graduate TCP group will be held weekly Wednesday 6-7:15 pm in the GLC Wellness Room.
Enrollment in the group is first-come, first-served and is open to graduate students who are able to participate weekly over the course of 12 weeks. If interested, please sign up at: https://forms.gle/7G5XBS2Wr9Qnzy1E6   

28. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 3rd  posting
Graduate student volunteers are needed for the 2024 GPSS research symposium. Duties may include abstract review, assisting with day-of operations (e.g., set up, tear down, registration, etc.), and writing social media posts. Participant must be a current graduate or professional student at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. For more information contact, Jennifer Phillips jennphill@vt.edu.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON PROCESSED FOOD – 3rd posting
The major purpose of this research project is to learn if consuming processed or less processed foods has an impact on how a person’s brain responds to processed foods. Briefly, the full study is 10-12 weeks long with two 14-day periods of controlled feeding where we will provide ALL foods and beverages for you to eat during those times. If you choose to participate, the study will consist of approximately 34 visits and require approximately 33-35 hours of your time. Most of these visits take place in Blacksburg with some taking place on the Roanoke campus. Participants must be 18-25 years of age. Participants can receive up to $400 and a 3D printed brain for completion of study! For more information and to take the pre-screening eligibility survey: https://fralinbiomed.info/yaeh.

30. RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR EASY CAPTION STUDY – 3rd posting
EasyCaptions Investigating the impact of prolonged exposure to captioning on Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display (AR HMD) and its effect on user experience, cognitive load, and comprehension. VT IRB-23-820.  Captions are used in watching TV, video on YouTube and social media, phone calls, and in education through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and speech-to-text transcription mobile applications, and on AR HMD devices.  This study investigates the impact of prolonged exposure to captions in terms of user experience, cognitive load and comprehension. The goal is to inform captions design and enhance user experience.  The study will take 60 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked to read passively captions on AR HMD,  interact with a ChatGPT driven avatar as you read captions using an AR HMD while your eye gaze, EEG and comprehension could be recorded. Participant qualifications: have little or no knowledge on the history of African Languages; have used captions in the past either as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) or general user who may use captions to complement the audio information; understand English For more information and participation, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/Aq96APvn6n.

31. ECHOLAB STUDY: HOW LIVE SERVICE GAME MODEL AFFECTS PLAYER BEHAVIOR – 3rd posting
In this study, participants will be invited to participate in an interview about their experience playing live service games. The interview will be approximately 40 minutes long, conducted with our researchers. The session will be recorded and transcribed, with all personal details redacted. Participant qualifications: fluent in English, 18 years old or older; participated in a battle pass period of a live service game, played through a season of;  Fortnite’s Battle Pass, Valorant’s Battle Pass, Destiny’s Season Pass, Dota 2’s Compendiums, Overwatch’s Season Pass, etc. Interested participants can review and fill out this survey: https://forms.gle/5868NccBE1JXf6AY7.  Selected participants will receive a follow-up email with scheduling information. Participants will be compensated with a $15 Amazon Gift Card for their time. The study is currently being reviewed by the IRB (# 23-1202) and will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sang Won Lee sangwonlee@vt.edu.  For more information contact Andy Luu at andyluu@vt.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS

32.  APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, November 27, 12-1pm, APIDA Center and Zoom
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore THEME. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants. Register here: https://bit.ly/3t8fXeF.

33. ITHENTICATE TRAINING SESSION
Tuesday, November 28, 6pm, Zoom
The Graduate School is offering training sessions to graduate students and faculty on how to use iThenticate, a newly available software system to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. In this training you will learn how to: navigate the iThenticate software, submit a document for review, evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion. Please contact Jenn Million at jennjw@vt.edu  with any questions. Register here: https://forms.gle/dh23kiHHbt8asPDc6.

34. BOV POSITION INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, November 29, 6-7pm, Goodwin 241 and Zoom
Our current graduate BOV representative will be hosting an information session for students to learn more about the positions and application process! Join us in person in Goodwin 241 or via Zoom at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85380772279.

35. GRADUATE SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS  DESTRESSING DURING FINALS
Thursday, November 30, 6:30-7:30pm, GLC Meeting Room F
Join the Graduate Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (GradSHPE) & Cook Counseling for a social workshop about stress management. For more information: https://www.instagram.com/shpe_vt

36. PERFORMANCE: DEANTONI PARKS
Thursday, November 30, 7pm and 9pm, Moss Arts Center
Using the creative moniker “Technoself,” experimental composer and percussionist Deantoni Parks blends technology, hip-hop, sampling, and electronica to create fascinating sonic experiences covering a variety of progressive styles. Tickets are $10 for students with ID and youth 18 and under, or sign up for our free last-minute rush seats for students by texting “arts” to 833-966-1838. https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances/deantoni-parks.html

37. KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY EN ESPAÑOL
Saturday, December 2, 9:30am-3:30pm, Steger Hall
Do you and your family speak Spanish? Do you have children between the ages of 9-12? Would you like your family to interact with the Hispanic community and learn about STEM at the same time? Register for ¡Kids’ Tech University en Español! The event will take place in Steger Hall at Virginia Tech, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. A Virginia Tech professor will give an interactive lecture on the topic of entomology. The children will attend lunch at Virginia Tech and return for an afternoon filled with hands-on activities. The presentation and activities will be ENTIRELY in Spanish. We require parents to attend and supervise their children at the event. We can accommodate 30 children for this event. First come, first serve. Please email ktu-g@vt.edu to register! https://fralinlifesci.vt.edu/education-and-outreach/Kids-Tech-University-en-Espanol.html.

38. GRADUATE ENGINEERING ALLIANCE (GEA) END OF THE SEMESTER EVENT
Sunday, December 3, 6-8pm, Breakzone
FREE FOOD! Graduate Engineering Alliance (GEA) invites you to the GEA End of the Semester Event. Please join us for an evening of relaxation and fun as we celebrate the end of yet another semester over bowling, pool, ping-pong, foosball and all the other games at the Breakzone. Free burritos till supplies last. All grad students are welcome!
FREE FOOD! Graduate Engineering Alliance (GEA) invites you to the GEA End of the Semester Event. Please join us for an evening of relaxation and fun as we celebrate the end of yet another semester over bowling, pool, ping-pong, foosball and all the other games at the Breakzone. Free burritos till supplies last. All grad students are welcome!

39. HOW WE GROW! EARLY ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL  EVENT
Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Virtual
Early Childhood Education Initiatives is collaborating with Wolf Trap teaching artist Maria Tripodi to present, How We Grow! Early Arts for Children and Families. Maria will guide children and families through movement experiences that provide an interactive opportunity to experience children’s literature and the work around them. You can register until December 1 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0hPDLjlousGXNgg5WJ79bckVTO0RPPaJITR49TGJIT139lQ/viewform. If you have further questions, please contact Kim Thomason, Program Director of the Early Childhood Education Initiatives, at kimbe74@vt.edu or by visiting caregiving.vt.edu.

40. RAMEN FOR READING DAY
Thursday, December 7, 11am-2pm, APIDA + CENTER (140 SQUIRES) AND OTHER CCCS
Get fueled up for finals at the APIDA + Center along with the other Cultural and Community Centers with ramen! This Ramen for Reading Day tradition offers participants a wide variety of ramen (and pho), along with delicious toppings to sustain them through final exam preparations. Toppings and ramen are available on a first come first serve basis. Hot water provided by Au Bon Pain. Join us for community and mouthwatering noodles!  Feel free to explore the other Cultural and Community Centers once you retrieve your bowl of ramen at the APIDA + Center. For questions and/or accommodations, please contact Dr. Nina Ha at nha@vt.edu.

41. FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Thursday, December 7, 5-6pm, APIDA+ Center (140 Squires) and Zoom
Come and join the Asian American Student Union (AASU) and the APIDA + Center to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all graduating students, whether or not you are from the APIDA community. At this event, the achievement of Fall 2023 graduates will be celebrated. The APIDA community will be wishing all graduating students all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate and receive a free cord and certificate should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked below. Light refreshments provided. Register here: https://bit.ly/45Enwaz. For questions and/or accommodations, please contact Dr. Nina Ha at nha@vt.edu.