Posted on by lbarron

November 18-24, 2024

To see full descriptions for any item in the summary list please click on the continue reading link below the summary list.   

0.   Ongoing Services – updated 8/26/24   

This Week’s Events:   

  1. KEEPING THE PACE – WRITING RETREAT –  Monday
  2. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS QUEER, QUESTIONING, AND ALLIES SUPPORT GROUP – Monday
  3. LEVERAGING LINKEDIN: NETWORKING – Tuesday
  4. HOW TO GET HIRED: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW – Tuesday
  5. DROP IN CAREER ADVISING  – Wednesday
  6. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN IDENTIFYING SUPPORT GROUP – Tuesday
  7. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN IDENTIFYING SUPPORT GROUP – Wednesday
  8. MASK ON MASK OFF SERIES: KARAOKE AND TRIVIA NIGHT – Wednesday
  9. QGPA FALL YAPPY HOURS: LUNCH IN TOWN -Thursday
  10. GLC CAFÉ – Thursday
  11. SCIENCE ON TAP NRV: HOKIE SCIENCE SHOWCASE – Thursday
  12. CANCELLED – KIDS NIGHT OUT  – FREE CHILD CARE – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 –  Thursday

Administrative Announcements:  

  1. FALL 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 1st posting
  2. APPLICATIONS FOR THE GPSS SPRING 2025 GRDP OPEN NOW – 1st posting
  3. MOSS ARTS CENTER SPRING SEMESTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE -1st posting
  4. CALL FOR NOMINEES FOR GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK AWARDS – 2nd posting
  5. FOOD ACCESS RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS – 2nd posting
  6. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting

Jobs:

  1. WAGE – BUILDING MANAGER POSITION AT THE GRADUATE LIFE CENTER (SPRING 2025) – 2nd posting
  2. GA COSTUME SHOP (THEATRE) – 2nd posting

Funding Opportunities: 

  1. VT TEACHING FELLOWS PILOT PROGRAM
  2. HAGAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – DEADLINE DECEMBER 1, 2024
  3. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE DECEMBER 12, 2024
  4. 2025-2026 CHATEAUBRIAND FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025    
  5. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CORNELL INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION RESEARCH (CIDER) POSTDOC POSITIONS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 13, 2025

Volunteers and research participants sought:

  1. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR IN-LAB STUDY: UNDERSTANDING GROUP COLLABORATION IN SMALL CODING CONTEXT – 1st posting
  2. RESEARCH ON STUDENTS WITH KIDS – 1st posting
  3. RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON 360-DEGREE VIDEOS ON 2D SCREEN – 1st posting
  4. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGEMENTED REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
  5. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN AI-POWERED AR STUDY AT VIRGINIA TECH – 2nd posting
  6. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY – EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE – 2nd  posting
  7. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A USER STUDY ON A SEARCH AND RESCUE WEB APPLICATION – 2nd POSTING

Upcoming Events:  

  1. THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH – November 26
  2. MASTER YOUR FUTURE: MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION –  November 26
  3. GPSS END OF SEMESTER SOCIAL – December 6
  4. CAN HUMOR BE TAUGHT? AN IMPROVISATIONAL WORKSHOP – December 12
  5. APIDA + FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – December 12

 0. Ongoing Services – updated 08/05   

  • GRADUATE SCHOOL: Graduate School hours: In-person advising, drop-off or pick-up of documents and materials, and a space to study and take a break! Visit 120 GLC, walk-in hours  Monday – Friday. 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 
  • COOK COUNSELING: Beginning the Week of 10/14/24, Drop in hours for Cook Counseling will be provided on Fridays from 1 to 3 only. Students can call 540-231-6557 to schedule an appointment with the Embedded Counselor at the GLC or the embedded counselor with their program.
  • WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/  
  • GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573  

This Week’s Events  

1. KEEPING THE PACE – WRITING RETREAT
Monday, November 18, 8:30-5pm, GLC or Virtual
Work on your next conference paper, master’s thesis, dissertation, or job application materials in great company! Join The Graduate School for Keeping the Pace, a FREE writing retreat! Learn or actively implement SMART goals for your writing, techniques for budgeting your time, and get some good work done. We have morning (8:30am – 12:30pm), afternoon (1pm – 5pm) and full-day (8:30am – 5:00pm) options for participation. Lunch will be provided for the full-day in-person option. Virtual/Zoom option also available. This is a graduate student only event. Registration required. https://forms.office.com/r/CmxR4RxMzL.

2. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS QUEER, QUESTIONING, AND ALLIES SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, November 18, 5:30-6:30pm, Location will be provided upon registration
Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group will discuss ideas around culture and how to view wellness from a decolonizing lens. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/uitnDMp1sr    

3. LEVERAGING LINKEDIN: NETWORKING
Tuesday, November 19, 12-1pm, Zoom
November’s session of our Leveraging LinkedIn Series will focus on how to utilize LinkedIn to find professionals to schedule informational interviews to aid in your career exploration and job search process. https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2024/leveraging-linkedin–networking.html.

4. HOW TO GET HIRED: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW
Tuesday, November 19, 2-3pm, Zoom
Landing a job and thriving in the workplace takes more than having subject matter knowledge. Learn from employers the essential skills every graduate needs, no matter the discipline or position. Three employers will discuss the importance of leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and communication skills in the work environment. Panelists include Zackory Biggers, GE Aerospace; Wayne Epps, Torc Robotics; and Chris Morales, Genesco Sports Enterprises. Sponsored by the Graduate School. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/w5b7NSdGJJ.

5. DROP-IN CAREER ADVISING
Wednesday, November 13, 1-4pm, GLC 120
Drop in to GLC 120 for career advising – no appointment necessary. To schedule an appointment for a time other than drop-in hours please visit:  https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html 

6. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN IDENTIFYING SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, November 19, 5-6pm, APIDA+ Center and Zoom
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore ideas and issues around decolonizing wellness. 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 is required. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfumtqD8oEtRc5qdxXoSfuwx_vsKTWzjm.

7. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN IDENTIFYING SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, November 20, 2-3pm, APIDA+ Center (Squires 140)
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore ideas and issues around decolonizing wellness. 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 is required. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoceChrz4vHND8q8QFU330xCfkdXXM4QKF#/registration.

8. MASK ON MASK OFF SERIES: KARAOKE AND TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesday, November 20, 7-9pm, APIDA + Center, (Squires 140)
The Mask On/Mask Off series promotes self-care within the APIDA community and develops connection and encourages engagement. The APIDA + Center will offer Korean spa masks and provide tips to promote self-care. To develop connections and educate students about the APIDA experience, we will be hosting APIDA trivia as well as bonding through performing karaoke songs from APIDA artists and songwriters.

9. QGPA FALL YAPPY HOURS: LUNCH IN TOWN
Thursday, November 21, 12pm, Green’s College Ave., Blacksburg
Join the Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies (QGPA) to take on the town for lunch and a good yap session! Meet other queer grad students and professionals, chow down on delicious meals, and chat about whatever you please all while enjoying the ambience of Green’s, a local sushi bar and grill. Can’t join but want to stay up to date on events? Join our listserv: https://forms.gle/F3N5RiLjadHA9PZr7. If you have any questions or would like to join our GroupMe, please contact Paige paige6@vt.edu or Dan dshong@vt.edu.

10. GLC CAFÉ 
Thursday, November 21, 3:30-5PM, GLC Reading Room
Please join us to  enjoy coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Your Bring own mug if you can!

11. SCIENCE ON TAP NRV: HOKIE SCIENCE SHOWCASE
Thursday, November 21, 5:30-7pm, Rising Silo Brewery
Please join us to engage with graduate students working on a variety of projects who have planned some great activities for our audience! You’ll have an opportunity to learn about freshwater mussels, soil carbon, hellbenders, disease distribution, invasive species, and our broken water cycle. Led by Sharif Islam, Meredith Snyder, and Katie Mayer, this showcase of graduate student research will have something for everyone. https://communicatingscience.isce.vt.edu/css-events/upcoming-events/november-24-science-on-tap.html

12. CANCELLED:  KIDS NIGHT OUT  – FREE CHILD CARE – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Thursday, November 21, 6:30-8pm, Virginia Tech Women’s Center 206 Washington St. Kids night out will not be held this week! Have a great Thanksgiving break!

Administrative Announcements  

13. FALL 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 1st posting
The fall 2024 Graduate School commencement ceremony for all masters and doctoral students is scheduled on Friday, December 20th 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.

14. APPLICATIONS FOR THE GPSS SPRING 2025 GRDP OPEN NOW – 1st posting
The GPSS Spring 2025 Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now taking applications! Master’s students are eligible for up to $1000 in funding and doctoral students are eligible for up to $1500 in funding. Past and future GRDP guidelines will differ. For more information and application link, please visit: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html. Please submit applications by January 6th at 11:59 p.m. EST.  If you have already submitted an application and would like to amend it, if you have any questions, please contact Julia Shapiro juliams22@vt.edu before the application deadline.

15. MOSS ARTS CENTER SPRING SEMESTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE -1st posting
Explore the list of upcoming performances presented by the Moss Arts Center: https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances.html  To see all events happening in the Moss Arts Center, including guest-presented events, visit our calendar found here: https://artscenter.vt.edu/calendar.html

16. CALL FOR NOMINEES FOR GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK AWARDS- JANUARY 24 DEADLINE – 2nd posting
The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March. This year we’ve added a new award honoring an A/P faculty or staff member for their outstanding contributions to graduate student advising and mentoring. Nominations for these awards is January 24, 2025. Learn more about all of these awards here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards.html.

17. FOOD ACCESS RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS – 2nd posting

Did you know that the Dean of Students Office and other programs on campus offer food access resources to you? If you or someone you know needs assistance accessing food, connect with the Dean of Students (https://dos.vt.edu/) office. Watch this video (https://youtu.be/kVLfn-iz9Q8?si=tB5327UwHHbdWmfe) for more information Check out a full list of resources offered: https://dos.vt.edu/office/basicneeds.

18. GRAD 5124: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 2nd posting
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is an asynchronous, one-credit, fully-online course offered by the University Libraries in Spring 2025. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Register for the course in HokieSPA. Questions should be directed to Lisa Becksford Russell at lisab5@vt.edu.

Jobs  

19. WAGE – BUILDING MANAGER POSITION AT THE GRADUATE LIFE CENTER (SPRING 2025) – 2nd posting
SECL building managers oversee daily operations of the GLC by monitoring service, safety, and security of this space created for graduate students. Duties include walking rounds, responding to issues, and completing reports, in addition to the facilitation of the co-curricular and administrative programs of the student center services and their events. GLC building managers are directly responsible for event management bookings, opening & closing of the building, and submitting of facility work orders and daily reports. Building managers must possess strong communication and customer service skills, along with the ability to move event equipment (tables and chairs). Currently we are looking for flexible staff members that are willing to work at least ten hours a week and have weekend availability. Building managers are paid $15/hr. To apply, please visit Virginia Tech’s Handshake page https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html. Search for the “SECL – Graduate Life Center Building Manager” position. If you have any questions, please email Steve Buchner satlbuch@vt.edu.

20. GA COSTUME SHOP (THEATRE) – 2nd posting
Assistantship for Spring Semester 2025. The costume Graduate Assistant is responsible for building and altering costumes for theatre productions and assisting undergraduate instruction in costume construction. The Assistantship is 20 hours/week, and occurs from 1:00-5:30, Monday through Thursday, and 2:00 to 5:00 on Friday. Work over breaks and weekends may be required and is planned in advance. Graduate Assistant expectations:
-Assist Shop Supervisor to instruct undergraduate students in costume construction
-Build/alter costumes under the direction of Shop Supervisor and Costume Designer
-Maintain clean and organized Costume Shop and Costume Storage
-Complete Virginia Tech’s E.H.S. training courses
Please send letter of interest and current resume to Stacy Blackburn at sblackburn1@vt.edu by November 22, 2024.

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

21. VT TEACHING FELLOWS PILOT PROGRAM
Applications for the VT Teaching Fellows Pilot Program are now open! NVCC has created “Invitation Only” application links for the Adjunct Faculty positions available to VT Graduate Students. You must use the links in the file linked here, not those on the general NVCC Employment webpage. The file contains instructions and guidelines for applying, along with all the position-specific links. Read carefully through the position descriptions and apply for any that you are interested in and qualified for. Reach out to Dr. Cathleen Cogdill (ccogdill@nvcc.edu) with any NVCC application or process questions. Reach out to Dr. Barbara Hoopes (bhoopes@vt.edu) with any VT Co-Op, CPT, or related questions. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eKZa8GD9z8r5tUx17BK3Re4U9SkXjH-6/view?usp=sharing.

22. HAGAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – DEADLINE DECEMBER 1, 2024
The Hagan International Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for first semester international students who received their baccalaureate degree from their home country and are currently enrolled in graduate school or post baccalaureate professional program in the United States. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to four consecutive semesters or $30,000. The application deadline is December 1, 2024. Awards will be made by January 1, 2025 and retroactive to include the Fall 2024 semester. The scholarship application and information can be found at https://haganscholarships.org/.

23. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE DECEMBER 12, 2024
Interested graduate students may apply for the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) summer fellowship until December 12, 2024. The COVES Fellowship is a 12-week full-time summer fellowship program (May 17-August 6) operated by the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (the Academy) and open to STEM graduate students. According to the Academy, the aim of the program is to strengthen ties between the scientific community and Virginia’s state government, and to encourage and train more scientists and engineers to be effective advisors for public policy and programs in the Commonwealth. During the program, fellows will receive training in science policy and science communication, spend time in legislative offices, executive agencies, companies or nonprofits in the state, and will be paired with an Academy mentor and involved in briefings, meetings and the Academy’s annual summit in August. The program begins with a week-long boot camp on science policy, governance and policy making in Virginia. Thereafter, fellows spend their time with the entity with which they are matched, and also are paired with a mentor. The program includes a stipend. The Graduate School will submit five finalists for the fellowship program to the Academy, which will then choose one to represent the university in the program.
To learn more about the program and to access the application materials, visit the COVES Fellowship webpage on the Graduate School website: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html.

24. 2025-2026 CHATEAUBRIAND FELLOWSHIP –WEBINAR NOVEMBER 14 – DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025      
Call for applications for the Châteaubriand Fellowship program, open since October 7, 2024, will close on January 10, 2025. The Chateaubriand Fellowship is offered by the French Embassy in the United States. It supports doctoral students from American institutions who wish to carry out part of their doctoral research in France for a period ranging from 4 to 9 months. It helps initiate or strengthen collaborations, partnerships and joint projects between French and American research teams. The fellowship is divided into two sub-programs:

  • A fellowship in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Biology-Health (STEM), offered by the Office for Science & Technology (OST) of the Embassy of France in partnership with American universities and French research organizations such as the CNRS, Inserm and Inria.
  • A fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), offered by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and supported by Campus France.

For more information visit the website, https://chateaubriand-fellowship.org/, or on November 14th, 2024, the Office for Science and Technology will be holding an online information session about the fellowship for prospective applicants, professors, and administrators. If you would like to attend, the Zoom registration link can be found here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eRCvRCLMSOWJ6RY_OLHvrA. 

25. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CORNELL INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION RESEARCH (CIDER) POSTDOC POSITIONS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 13, 2025
We are excited to announce three Cornell InterDisciplinary Education Research (CIDER) postdoc positions https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29002. Application review starts in January 2025, for a summer 2025 start date. The CIDER postdocs will have at least two research mentors who span disciplines, allowing them to approach questions about student learning and experiences across disciplinary boundaries and use techniques and approaches from multiple fields. The CIDER postdocs will also engage in a comprehensive professional development program that includes research mentoring and development, network building, leadership, teaching opportunities, and career planning.
More information including links to upcoming online information sessions, can be found here: https://cder.as.cornell.edu/cider-postdoctoral-fellows.

Volunteers and Research Participants Sought  

 26. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR IN-LAB STUDY: UNDERSTANDING GROUP COLLABORATION IN SMALL CODING CONTEXT – 1st posting
The Programming with Intelligent Machines & Environments Lab (PRIME Lab) at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in an in-lab study focused on understanding group metacognition in small-group coding exercises. We are specifically looking for individuals with problem-solving experience or who have taken some problem-solving courses. Participants should be familiar with Python programming too. In this study, you will be grouped up by research team and you will be asked to solve some simple computer science problems within the group context. After the group collaboration, we will ask you to do an interview to help us understand your thoughts The study will take place primarily in person at Gilbert Place, Blacksburg, between Nov 11 – Nov 27. The study will last about 60 minutes, and participants will be compensated with a $25 Amazon gift card for their time. The research protocol for this experiment has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #24-1084).
Please fill out the form https://forms.gle/phQvhNZRMjFxCsJ29 if you are interested in participating. To know more about the study, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information, please contact Adeline Li adelineli@vt.edu. This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Yan Chen ych@vt.edu.

27. RESEARCH ON STUDENTS WITH KIDS – 1st posting
We are conducting a survey as part of a project titled, Navigating Dual Roles: Challenges, Impacts, and Resource Needs of Student-Parents under IRB #24-116, focused on the unique experiences of students who are also parents, and we would greatly appreciate your input. Our goal is to better understand the challenges student parents face, the resources you use, and the additional support that would improve your academic and personal experiences. Participants must be over 18, and have at least one dependent child. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjesmnzeEiwTdBrif11eupIXxUMjFKT0dGMjlRUkgzVkhLQzM5QU5FR1FEVC4u&route=shorturl

28. RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON 360-DEGREE VIDEOS ON 2D SCREEN – 1st posting
Project on Control Methods in 360-degree Video Players on 2D Screens. Participant qualifications: 18 and up; Able to understand English and fill out a survey; Have access to a computer and a stable internet connection. Compensation: Raffle of $10 gift card (1 in 10 chance).  https://robinlu51.github.io/360YouTubePlayer/Recruitment.html

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGEMENTED REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
The 3D Interaction group is inviting you to participate in a research study with mixed reality (MR) technologies. This study compares various methods of interaction with virtual data and information in Magic Leap 2 AR Headset. Participants in the study will come to Room 3215, Gilbert Place, 220 Gilbert St, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Participants will try out several interaction techniques while seated, standing, or moving around in an indoor area. The entire experimental session will take about 75-90 minutes. Participation is entirely voluntary. Participants need to be English speakers, at least 18 years old, and have normal vision with contact lens (glasses not supported). Participants should not have any symptoms or known recent exposure to COVID-19. Participation will be on a first come first serve basis. For more information, contact Logan Lane at logantl@vt.edu. To schedule a session, visit this link https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjerohaRPrhcJKpjPdJnlEACVUNllLWjVYSEhWUEVZU0VGOVM1WE9ZTzRWSC4u to see if you are eligible to participate. The project is supervised by Dr. Doug A. Bowman in Computer Science. This experiment has been approved, as required, by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board under protocol #24-655.

30. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN AI-POWERED AR STUDY AT VIRGINIA TECH – 2nd posting
The Distributed Virtual Environments Lab is conducting an in-person research study, and we’re looking for participants! This study explores user experience and immersion in AI-powered augmented reality (AR). Participants will perform tasks involving speech commands to generate 3D objects, converting images to 3D, and receiving context-aware recommendations in an AR environment. Participants must be familiar with English. Participants will be compensated with a $10 Amazon gift card upon completion of the study. For more information on how to participate please email Majid Behravan, behravan@vt.edu.

31. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY – EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE – 2nd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study (IRB# 23-1154) to determine the effects of emotions on driver behaviors. During the study, you will be asked to drive in a driving simulator and fill out several questionnaires regarding your experiences.
Please fill out the following form to register: https://outlook.office365.com/bookwithme/user/d6238b3b0e7f4af99f0d00b050aba887@vt.edu/meetingtype/-Kn3UZfAfUGLwlG-unbP2Q2?anonymous&ep=mcard. The study will last no more than 1.5 hours. Each participant will receive a compensation of $15 per hour via cash or payment apps (Venmo/Paypal/Zelle/CashApp), or course credit if you are enrolled in a class that requires research participation.  Participant qualifications: Did not participate in phase one of the study; minimum age 18 years, Fluent in English, Hold a valid driver’s license. (does not have to be U.S. issued), at least 1 year of driving experience, no active electrical implant devices, such as a pacemaker, artificially impose regular cardiac contractions, Are not pregnant(or think they may be pregnant);  none of the following impairments: Visual, Hearing, Fine motor, Intellectual. You are eligible if your hearing/vision is not at the level requiring device correction, or if you have successful device correction that you can bring and use during the study (e.g., eyeglasses, hearing aid).

32. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A USER STUDY ON A SEARCH AND RESCUE WEB APPLICATION – 2nd posting
Seeking participants for a study on dynamic task allocation designed to aid Search and Rescue professionals in search and UAV assignment. You will experience a total of three distinct scenarios. The study will be conducted in Whittemore 529 using a web-based application. The research protocol for this experiment is approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #23-121). Participant qualifications: Virginia Tech student; Normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Compensation: Base payment: $15 (for completing the full study); Performance bonus: Up to $15 ($5 per scenario); Total potential earnings: Up to $30. For more information contact Anirudh More at anirudh1@vt.edu. 

Upcoming Events  

33. THANKSGIVING BREAK LUNCH 
Tuesday, November 26, 11:30am-1pm, 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 correct amount of food: https://forms.office.com/r/dJSyzA8Kyp.

34. MASTER YOUR FUTURE: MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION
Tuesday, November 26, 12-1pm, Virtual
Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. https://shorturl.at/OjMVH

35. GPSS END OF SEMESTER SOCIAL
Friday, December 6, 5:30-7pm, GLC Graduate Student TV lounge
We’re bringing together graduate students from diverse backgrounds for an evening of mingling, networking, and community-building, all while enjoying a free dinner! This event will create a welcoming space where students can connect, unwind, and engage in a relaxed, supportive environment. Grad students often face significant stress, especially as the semester winds down. This social gathering offers a chance to check in with peers, build new relationships, and offer mutual support as the semester comes to a close. RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/MenhnBkpbN.

36. CAN HUMOR BE TAUGHT? AN IMPROVISATIONAL WORKSHOP
Thursday, December 12, 1-3pm, the Rehearsal room (second floor in Theatre 101 on College Avenue)
Heather Winslow, a second-year interdisciplinary PhD student and the Center for Communicating Science presents a two-hour experimental workshop! We will expand our perceptions, learn the comfort of failing, find presence and reliability in one another, and most importantly, we will play! You can take these tools with the hopes of finding the ability to tell your stories and research with the digestible linguistic tool that is humor! Sign up soon! Space is limited to 16! I look forward to working with you! https://forms.office.com/r/yFkW39g40d.

37. APIDA + FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Thursday, December 12, 5pm, APIDA + Center and Zoom
The APIDA + Center and the Asian American Student Union celebrate the achievements of December graduates at this event. Come and join the community to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Fall graduates, whether they are undergraduate and graduate students, along with professional students. Virtual participation is also encouraged! Let us wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate, and who would like a cord and/or certificate, should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked above. Light refreshments provided. Register here: https://bit.ly/43UNgi.