Posted on by lbarron

December 2, 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. UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 12/2 – Monday
  2. GRADUATE STUDENT PARENT SUPPORT – LUNCH & LEARN CONVERSATIONS WITH NRV CARES – Wednesday
  3. GRADUATE STUDENT PARENT SUPPORT – CHOOSING QUALITY CHILD CARE WORKSHOP – Thursday
  4. GLC CAFE – Thursday
  5. KIDS NIGHT OUT THURSDAY 12/5 6:30-8pm – Thursday
  6. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE MEETING – Thursday

Administrative Announcements:  

  1. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS—NOW OPEN – 1st posting
  2. CENTER FOR HUMANITIES GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWS PROGRAM – 2nd posting
  3. FINANCE PhD INFORMATION SESSION – 2nd posting
  4. FALL 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 3rd posting
  5. APPLICATIONS FOR THE GPSS SPRING 2025 GRDP OPEN NOW – 3rd posting
  6. MOSS ARTS CENTER SPRING SEMESTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE – 3rd posting

Jobs:

  1. SUMMER GA IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS – 1st posting

Funding Opportunities: 

  1. VT TEACHING FELLOWS PILOT PROGRAM
  2. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 12, 2024
  3. CREATIVE COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY FOR VT STUDENTS WITH HOWARD UNIVERSITY – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18, 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
  6. DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2025

Volunteers and research participants sought:

  1. MASTERS ENDURANCE AND ULTRA-ENDURANCE ATHLETES NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
  2. EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND INTERACTION METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – 2nd posting
  3. THERAPY GROUP FOR DISORDERED EATING – 2nd posting
  4. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON PASSIVE HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS – 2nd posting
  5. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN-MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 2nd posting
  6. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 2nd posting
  7. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON LEARNING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH GENERATIVE AI – 2nd posting
  8. TESTING THE ETM: EXAMINATION AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT METHODS – 2nd posting
  9. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT FOR SPATIAL ORIENTATION TRAINING IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 2nd posting
  10. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR IN-LAB STUDY: UNDERSTANDING GROUP COLLABORATION IN SMALL CODING CONTEXT – 3rd posting
  11. RESEARCH ON STUDENTS WITH KIDS – 3rd posting
  12. RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON 360-DEGREE VIDEOS ON 2D SCREEN – 3rd posting
  13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGEMENTED REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:  

  1. GPSS END OF SEMESTER SOCIAL –NEW DATE –  December 8
  2. CAN HUMOR BE TAUGHT? AN IMPROVISATIONAL WORKSHOP – December 12
  3. APIDA + FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – December 12
  4. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOP- January 13
  5. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY MARCH – January 20
  6. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CIRCLES – January 21
  7. “I HAVE A DREAM’: CREATING CONDITIONS FOR BELONGING AS ‘ONE VT’ COMMUNITY” January 22
  8. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LATASHA MORRISION – January 22

 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. UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: 12/2
Monday, December 2, 3:30pm, 240 North End Center and Zoom
Interested in formulating and implementing university policies, join the University Council meetings. The 2024-25 University Council meetings will be in a hybrid format starting at 3:30pm. In-person meetings will take place at 2420 North End Center and Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/81399517891?pwd=c5ZahaHuMS1M0iWZuqB9NddoiJVbVV.1
Meeting ID: 813 9951 7891. For more information: https://governance.vt.edu/BodyDetails/UC

2. GRADUATE STUDENT PARENT SUPPORT – LUNCH & LEARN CONVERSATIONS WITH NRV CARES
Wednesday, December 4, 12-1pm, Zoom
The Early Childhood Education Initiatives in partnership with NRV CARES will host a monthly lunch & learn for parents and soon to be parents. The December topic is: “Mindful Moments: Cultivating Presence and Peace in Children – Engaging Mindfulness Practices to Nurture Inner Balance”. Sign up for the December session or any of the upcoming sessions which will include the following topics: January –  managing screen time; February – parent self-care and wellbeing; March – supporting children with anxiety through building resilience. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yk8yjm6d.

3. GRADUATE STUDENT PARENT SUPPORT – CHOOSING QUALITY CHILD CARE WORKSHOP
Thursday, December 5, 12-1pm , Zoom
Kim Thomason, Program Manager for Early Childhood Education Initiatives, will host a discussion-based seminar to support graduate students that are, or are about to become, parents in choosing high quality early care and education that is a good fit for their family. Registration needed: https://tinyurl.com/mr48k84w.

4. GLC CAFÉ 
Thursday, December 5, 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!

5. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE MEETING
Thursday, December 5, 5-7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room and online
As a graduate student enrolled at Virginia Tech, you’re automatically a member of GPSS! You’re welcome to attend any and all of our GPSS Senate Meetings, throughout the academic year. Meetings run from 5:30-7:00pm (open forum 5-5:30pm) in a hybrid format. Our upcoming meeting takes place this Thursday. In-person: GLC Multipurpose room. Registration required to attend via Zoom: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirginiatech.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FtZ0oduGprj8oHdZKaxJ6rzXPYMSniOv8w7vL%23%2Fregistration&data=05%7C02%7Cqmurphy%40vt.edu%7C849666466c62414b7df108dcdbf3f20a%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638627088052780544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aaznGgAp4fzJR4wF6UGfh6OEGFsSW%2BZ%2FKGOX98DRiAM%3D&reserved=0

6. KIDS NIGHT OUT THURSDAY 12/5 6:30-8pm
Thursday, December 5, 6:30-8pm, 206 Washington Street, VT Women’s Center

Free childcare for graduate student families at the VT Women’s Center, 6:30-8:00 on Thursday evenings when classes are in session. Advance sign-up is required, and there are limited spaces. Childcare provided by volunteers from the Chi Delta Alpha sorority, and children must be toilet trained. There will be games, crafts, snacks, maybe a movie, and fun with the sitters!
A sign up link will be available each week on the Women’s Center webpage: http://womenscenter.vt.edu on Monday afternoons. For additional info or questions, please contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu. Event will take place at 206 Washington Street, enter up the stairs in the back of the parking lot.

Administrative Announcements  

7. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS—NOW OPEN – 1st posting
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet 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 applications is 11:59pm on January 15, 2025. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-services/bouchet-society.html.

8. CENTER FOR HUMANITIES GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWS PROGRAM – 2nd  posting
We invite applications for the Spring 2025 Center for Humanities Graduate Student Fellows program. Who is eligible? Any currently enrolled Virginia Tech graduate student working in a humanities field and/or on a humanities-related research project. What office space is available? One of three desks in a shared office in War Memorial Hall. What are the responsibilities? Graduate student fellows agree to participate in the intellectual life of the Center, contributing to Center programs and attending Center events as their schedules permit. How does one apply? Please complete a brief online form by Thursday, December 12, 2024: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjesaUjwtlMK5OlyOD8W_Th1RUN0cyRVZJTUJNOFpZNzRKOE8wV0NVR1lKTS4u
Questions? Please contact Center for Humanities director Paul Quigley: pquigley@vt.edu

9. FINANCE PhD INFORMATION SESSION – 2nd posting
The Finance PhD program in Pamplin College of Business is inviting applications for the fall 2025 enrollment. We welcome applicants with strong quantitative backgrounds and an interest in financial economic research. Our PhD program is fully funded with tuition waiver and stipends. Interested students please come to our information session on December 3rd, at 5:30 pm in Pamplin 3008. For more information visit https://finance.pamplin.vt.edu/graduate.html.

10. FALL 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – 3rd 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.

11. APPLICATIONS FOR THE GPSS SPRING 2025 GRDP OPEN NOW – 3rd 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.

12. MOSS ARTS CENTER SPRING SEMESTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE – 3rd 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

Jobs  

13. SUMMER GA IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS – 1st posting
The job is to help with all aspects of running our summer 2025 programs, including a teacher workshop and six residential camps. See https://www.science.vt.edu/get-involved/outreach.html  for descriptions. You must be on campus for this job. The ability to drive as needed and experience working with Raspberry Pi computers would be helpful. Details and estimated hours below. May 10 through the end of June (up to 10 hours per week): Work with team to develop a lesson plan to build Raspberry Pi computers and assemble into a mini-supercomputer with campers; Take supplies to instructors; Train to work with minors. Help with the teacher workshop (June 24-26, 2025)June 29 to August 5 (camp season; up to 20 hours per week): Help with camper check-in and check-out; Supervise campers as needed; Help teach Raspberry Pi project; Help instructors with AV systems; Drive as needed; August 6-9; Help evaluate camps (4 hours). Desired Qualifications: Attention to detail, Communication, Responsibility, Problem solving, Eagerness and ability to learn; Willing to work independently and manage multiple tasks and deadlines with minimal supervision; Familiarity with Raspberry Pi computers; Familiarity with Microsoft/Google programs (Word, Excel, Forms, Drive, etc.); Ability to handle sensitive materials and maintain strict confidentiality. Apply here by December 11, 2024: https://forms.gle/jWJ5hneoq6YycQzP8

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. CREATIVE COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY FOR VT STUDENTS WITH HOWARD UNIVERSITY – DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18, 2024
This award is open to graduate students at Howard University and Virginia Tech who would like to create work that combines the spoken word with immersive sound. Participating students will receive hands-on experience with leading-edge immersive audio technologies. We are particularly interested in projects that elevate unique perspectives. Awardees will receive a $500 stipend to work on a creative project with support from faculty members at Howard University, Virginia Tech, and an external industry partner, Roshmond SUM Patten. This program will also provide travel and lodging to both Blacksburg, VA and Washington, DC. Deadline: Dec 18th, 2024. Students admitted to this award program will participate in in-person sessions at both the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA, and at Howard University in Washington, DC, from Monday, March 31st to Friday, April 4th. We will also hold virtual sessions as necessary. This engagement will require approximately 50 hours of your time. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSca0A3ShTNEbbHSSeF5LO3ykzIfl1OvtE1bo2cPFeLneuZDNg/viewform

17. 2025-2026 CHATEAUBRIAND FELLOWSHIP – 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/.

18. 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.

19. DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2025
The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College sponsors the annual Dissertation Fellowship Program in the field of retirement or disability research. The program is funded by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and provides funding opportunities for doctoral candidates to pursue cutting-edge research on retirement or disability issues. Individuals from historically underserved or underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. For more information: https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/opportunities/dissertation-fellowship-program-2/
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Volunteers and Research Participants Sought  

 20. MASTERS ENDURANCE AND ULTRA-ENDURANCE ATHLETES NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY – 1st posting
We need highly active athletes (older than 60 years of age) for a study examining the relationship between physical activity and total number of calories expended each day (IRB #21-567). This study will require 1 virtual meeting and 2 visits to the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory at Virginia Tech, which will take approximately 6 hours. We are looking for endurance athletes who have competed in marathons, ultra-marathons or Ironman triathlons in the past year, with sustained high levels of training for the past 6 months and with no recent injuries or other reasons that have changed the training volume. Participants must be free of cardiovascular, lung, metabolic, kidney disease or cancer with a stable body weight over the past year (±5 lb.). Participants will be entered in a drawing for $25 cash (Odds of being selected 1 in 5). Please  fill out the screening questionnaire to determine your eligibility to participate in the study: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVgTuZxuSf

21. EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND INTERACTION METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – 2nd posting
You are invited to participate in a usability study about how easily understandable information (semantic knowledge) affect productivity of fire inspection workers. The usability study asks you to perform a set of simulated fire inspection activities in a lab at Virginia Tech. Labs can be the Mind Music Machine Lab at Virginia Tech or the Structures Lab at Virginia Tech. The usability study takes between 60 and 90 minutes of your time to be completed including preparation, experiment, surveys and quick interview. 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. The contact for this project is Yeaji Lee yeajilee@vt.edu. This study was reviewed by the VT IRB under protocol IRB-21-204.

22. THERAPY GROUP FOR DISORDERED EATING – 2nd posting
This therapy group will use a cognitive behavioral approach for disordered eating. The group will take place in person at the Psychological Services Center on Wednesday evenings starting in January 2025 and will run for 15 total weeks. Cost is $10 per session. For more information contact Brenda Lipes brlipes@vt.edu.

23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A DRIVING SIMULATOR STUDY ON PASSIVE HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS – 2nd posting
Volunteers needed for the Mind Music Machine Lab’s study in determining the effects of in-vehicle multimodal alerts on driver behaviors at passive Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs) on driver state and performance. During the study, you will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment. You will be asked to wear Tobii Pro Glasses 2 eye tracker. Your driving performance will be recorded with the simulator recordings, eye tracking glasses videos, and subjective ratings during the study. Participant eligibility: Active driver with a valid U.S License; More than 2 years of driving experience; Normal, or corrected-to-normal hearing; Normal, or corrected-to-normal vision, through contact lenses only. You will be excluded if you are a minor, a prisoner, or an adult not capable to consent on their own behalf. Compensation: $10/hr., or 1cr/hr. in approved courses. If you are interested in participating, please reserve your appointment using this link, https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/5a65d79dbb874dfea97b994977141a83%40vt.edu/meetingtype/81ff40a5-9728-46a6-900a-70e6c2a7a504?bookingcode=448352db-3b1e-47df-b313-5458b2aa7b20&anonymous.

24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN-MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 2nd posting
This Virginia Tech study (VT IRB # 17-860) aims to uncover what events occur in the brain during sleep that help facilitate the learning of a new task. To meet this goal, we utilize a number of physiological recordings in the lab, such as EEG, EMG, and EOG recordings. The Brain-machine interface learning translates neural data into commands to control external software or hardwire, like controlling a moving ball on a computer screen with your thoughts. Participants that are assigned to the experimental group must sleep in the lab, either by taking a nap or by sleeping overnight. If you are assigned to the control group, you will watch a documentary during nap. Total study time is approximately 11 hours for overnights or 5 hours for naps. Participant qualifications: between 18 and 65 years; no history of significant chronic neurological disease, diabetic problems, severe mental illness, or any DSM-IV axis I disorders, and no hearing or sleep disorders. Compensation is $50 (overnight) or $25 (nap) cash upon completion of the study. Please email ndnestudies@gmail.com for more information!  Submitted by Chinhui Chen chinhui@vt.edu

25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 2nd posting
This Virginia Tech study (VT IRB # 22-923) aims to investigate the effects of various auditory stimuli during sleep. If you participate in this study, you’ll be asked to wear standard polysomnography equipment and sensors to record the galvanic skin response (GSR) during a 3-hour long nap. While you sleep, we will play a series of sounds at a low volume, in order to avoid waking you up. Study length is about 4 hours total. Participant Qualification: People between 18 and 26 years with no history of significant chronic neurological disease, severe mental illness, or any DSM-IV axis I disorders, and no hearing or sleep disorders. Compensation is $15 cash upon completion of the study. Please email ndnestudies@gmail.com for more information. Submitted by Chinhui Chen chinhui@vt.edu

26. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON LEARNING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH GENERATIVE AI – 2nd posting
The Code World, No Blanket Research Lab is seeking participants for a research study supporting student learning software development life cycle with generative AI. Participants will use our proposed system to learn software development life cycle concepts throughout the controlled user study session, completing quizzes, surveys, and interviews to provide feedback on learning experience. The study will be conducted in person and will last about 60-90 minutes. After completing the study, participant will receive $25 compensation. To sign up for the study, please fill out this survey: https://forms.gle/6vfwEL2bAsYbHXRQ6.

27. TESTING THE ETM: EXAMINATION AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT METHODS – 2nd posting
This study will allow us to examine the effects of price changes on purchasing of cigarettes and other tobacco/nicotine products under different scenarios using different methods. Participant qualifications: Cigarette smoker. Compensation: up to $100 in Amazon.com gift card codes. For more information or to complete the screening survey to determine your eligibility: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJCdqc5A0SV5ZIy.

28. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT FOR SPATIAL ORIENTATION TRAINING IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 2nd posting
Determine what recreational basketball players might want in an VR basketball tactic training system. Participant qualifications: must be 18+ years old and currently in or have prior experience in organized team basketball activities (e.g., varsity or amateur leagues). Compensation: 20$/hr. For more information contact: Gram Hsing at ghsing@vt.edu.

29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR IN-LAB STUDY: UNDERSTANDING GROUP COLLABORATION IN SMALL CODING CONTEXT – 3rd 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.

30. RESEARCH ON STUDENTS WITH KIDS – 3rd 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

31. RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON 360-DEGREE VIDEOS ON 2D SCREEN – 3rd 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). For more information: https://robinlu51.github.io/360YouTubePlayer/Recruitment.html.

32. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd 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.

Upcoming Events  

33. GPSS END OF SEMESTER SOCIAL
Sunday, December 8, 5:30-7pm, GLC Graduate Student TV lounge
We’re bringing together graduate students from diverse backgrounds for a late afternoon of mingling, networking, and community-building, all while enjoying free food (first come, first served)! This event will provide a welcoming space where students can connect, unwind, and engage in a relaxed, supportive environment. Graduate students often face significant stress, especially as the semester winds down, and this social gathering offers an opportunity to check in with peers, build new relationships, and offer mutual support as the semester comes to a close. Please note the updated date and time for the event. RSVP required: https://forms.office.com/r/MenhnBkpbN.

34. 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.

35. 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.  

36. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOP
Monday, January 13, 2025, 10:00-11:30am, GLC Room B
You have put a lot of time and effort into pursuing your graduate degree. Now it’s time to focus on how to leverage your expertise into a satisfying and productive career. The Individual Development Plan (IDP) concept is designed to help you define and pursue your career goals. In this interactive workshop, I will first describe what an IDP is, why IDPs are useful, and provide some tools for you to get started on making your own. In the last half of the workshop we will work on creating an IDP together. Please bring a laptop to engage in the exercise. Please note: NSF GRFP grantees are required to have an IDP on file with the Graduate School. Register here: https://gs.vt.edu/1u.

37. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY MARCH
Monday, January 20, 1:30pm, Peddrew-Yates
Join us for a march celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will be a reception immediately following in the Black Cultural Center at 3pm.

38. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CIRCLES
Tuesday, January 21, 4:30-8pm, Black Cultural Center
This event will have a Faculty/Staff only reception from 4:30-5:30pm. Then, from 6-8pm, there will be a facilitated dialogue to reflect on the work of Dr. King, and how we can move his legacy forward.  https://ccc.vt.edu/calendar/mlk.html.

39. “I HAVE A DREAM’: CREATING CONDITIONS FOR BELONGING AS ‘ONEVT’ COMMUNITY”
Wednesday, January 22, 12-2pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Dr. Terrell Strayhorn will lead a keynote session to discuss how academic work can support the cause of advancing equity, removing systemic injustices, and improving the material conditions of our most vulnerable populations in society. https://virginiatech.sharepoint.com/sites/Student_Affairs/SitePages/Jan-22.aspx?csf=1&web=1&e=Y1OcLS&CID=efd565a1-206f-6000-db2c-2b0f568b89a8&cidOR=SPO&xsdata=MDV8MDJ8YS5nb29kZUB2dC5lZHV8NjBkOWFiN2FiNjU0NDU1MjIzZDIwOGRkMDlhZTQ0NGN8NjA5NTY4ODQxMGFkNDBmYTg2M2Q0ZjMyYzFlM2EzN2F8MHwwfDYzODY3NzM2NjI1NzY0OTIxMnxVbmtub3dufFRXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SkZiWEIwZVUxaGNHa2lPblJ5ZFdVc0lsWWlPaUl3TGpBdU1EQXdNQ0lzSWxBaU9pSlhhVzR6TWlJc0lrRk9Jam9pVFdGcGJDSXNJbGRVSWpveWZRPT18MHx8fA%3d%3d&sdata=azNrZXg4dzlROTFCVFo4NkNUbWtOdjRpUEo0OTlPZXJ2N0M1U2xPZGR5dz0%3d&SafelinksUrl=https%3a%2f%2fvirginiatech.sharepoint.com%2fsites%2fStudent_Affairs%2fSitePages%2fJan-22.aspx.

40. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LATASHA MORRISION
Wednesday, January 22, 5pm, Black Cultural Center
LaTasha Morrison is an author, founder, and diversity expert. She will be joining us for a reception at 5pm at the Black Cultural Center, followed by a keynote at 6pm in the GLC.  Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjery6Nt-8wr5ArGzNe-V6k6tURE5PNkw0SE1BU0hXWUJIR09ZSTNIUkdUSi4u&route=short