Posted on by lbarron

December 9, 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. LAST DROP IN CAREER ADVISING OF THE SEMESTER – Wednesday
  2. GLC CAFÉ  – Wednesday
  3. GPSS HOT COCOA & CRAFTS – Wednesday
  4. QGPA STUDY HALL AT THE PRIDE CENTER – Wednesday
  5. CAN HUMOR BE TAUGHT? AN IMPROVISATIONAL WORKSHOP – Thursday
  6. TRAVEL SIGNATURE EVENT – Thursday
  7. COOKIE DECORATING – Thursday
  8. GLC CAFE – Thursday
  9. APIDA + FALL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY – Thursday
  10. LGBTQ+ CAUCUS HAPPY HOUR – Thursday
  11. KIDS NIGHT OUT THURSDAY 12/12/2024, 6:30-8pm -Thursday

Administrative Announcements:  

  1. GRADUATE SCHOOL HOLIDAY HOURS AND CLOSINGS – 1st posting
  2. FREE FOOD FOR VT STUDENTS – EXTENDED HOURS – 1st posting
  3. THE POWER OF STORY: CRAFTING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL NARRATIVES (TA 5984, CRN 21997) – 1st posting
  4. WORKING PARENTS AT VT FACEBOOK GROUP – 1st posting
  5. NEW GRADUATE SEMINAR ON TEACHING COMPUTING AND DATA – 1st posting
  6. REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING 2025 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 1st posting
  7. GRADUATE SEMINAR IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION MGT 6984 Spring 2025 – 1st posting
  8. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS—NOW OPEN – 2nd posting
  9. CENTER FOR HUMANITIES GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWS PROGRAM – 3rd  posting
  10. FINANCE PhD INFORMATION SESSION –  3rd posting

Jobs:

  1. SUMMER GA IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS – 2nd 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 – 2nd  posting
  2. EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND INTERACTION METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – 3rd posting
  3. THERAPY GROUP FOR DISORDERED EATING – 3rd posting
  4. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN-MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 3rd posting
  5. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 3rd posting
  6. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON LEARNING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH GENERATIVE AI – 3rd posting
  7. TESTING THE ETM: EXAMINATION AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT METHODS – 3rd  posting
  8. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT FOR SPATIAL ORIENTATION TRAINING IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 3rd  posting

Upcoming Events:  

  1. FREE COMPUTING AND DATA WORKSHOPS – January 9
  2. ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK TRIP (JAN 11-18); COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – January 11-18
  3. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOP- January 13
  4. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE – 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 ‘ONEVT’ COMMUNITY” January 22
  8. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LATASHA MORRISION – January 22
  9. 14TH ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR – DR. GENTRY PATRICK – January 24

 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 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. LAST DROP IN CAREER ADVISING OF THE SEMESTER – Wednesday
Wednesday, December 11, 1-4pm, GLC 120
Wednesday, December 11th will be the last session of drop-in career advising at the GLC for the fall semester. Drop-in career advising will resume next semester.

2. GLC CAFÉ 
Wednesday, December, 11, 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! On Wednesday, the GPSS Hot Cocoa and Crafts event (see posting below) will overlap with the café and start at 4:30 in the Reading Room. Don’t miss Thursday’s Café which will feature a hot cocoa bar.
Please join us to  enjoy coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Your Bring own mug if you can! On Wednesday, the GPSS Hot Cocoa and Crafts event (see posting below) will overlap with the café and start at 4:30 in the Reading Room. Don’t miss Thursday’s Café which will feature a hot cocoa bar.

3. GPSS HOT COCOA & CRAFTS
Wednesday, December 11, 4:30-6pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy warm hot cocoa while getting creative—paint your own mug to take home or make a festive snow globe. It’s the perfect way to de-stress and unwind as the semester wraps up. Come relax, have fun, and take a break from the end-of-semester hustle with GPSS and SECL!

4. QGPA STUDY HALL AT THE PRIDE CENTER
Wednesday, December 11, 5pm, The Pride Center, Squires Student Center, Room 227
Stressed out about finals week? Come out to the Pride Center on December 11th for coffee, snacks, and a quiet place to study! Queer Grads, Professionals, and Allies is hosting a Study Hall in collaboration with the Pride Center as a way to find community while also holding space for the many projects, deadlines, and exams to come. All are welcome, and we hope to see you there! Can’t come but want to stay in touch? Email Paige paige6@vt.edu or Dan dshong@vt.edu  to join the listserv and GroupMe.

5. 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.

6. TRAVEL SIGNATURE EVENT
Thursday, December 12, 2-3:30pm, GLC Room C
Cranwell International Center will be providing travel signatures in the GLC. Stop by, get your travel signature, and join us for some fun de-stressing events that will be going on in the GLC: Decorate a cookie at the Cookie Decorating event next door in GLC Room B, 2-4:30pm; and visit the Holiday Hot Cocoa bar at the GLC Café, 3:30-5pm, in the Reading Room. 

7. COOKIE DECORATING
Thursday, December 12, 2-4:30pm, GLC Room B
Take a break from studying and de-stress by crafting a delicious masterpiece at the Cookie Decorating event! This event is co-sponsored by Cranwell International Center and the Graduate School. Stop by the GLC café from 3:30-5pm in the reading room, featuring a deluxe Hot Cocoa Bar!

8. GLC CAFÉ – SPECIAL EVENT: HOT COCOA BAR
Thursday, December 12, 3:30-5PM, GLC Reading Room
Thursday’s Café will feature a holiday hot cocoa bar!. Please join us to  enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Bring own mug if you can! Be sure to also stop by the Cookie decorating event sponsored by Cranwell International Center and the Graduate School, held in around the corner in GLC room B from 2-4:30pm.

9. 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.  

10. LGBTQ+ CAUCUS HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, December 12, 5:30-7pm, The Maroon Door (418 N. Main St. in Blacksburg)
Join us for the last LGBTQ+ Caucus happy hour of 2024!

11. KIDS NIGHT OUT THURSDAY 12/12 6:30-8pm
Thursday, December 12, 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!
Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AAAAC28A31-53851192-kids#/. The sign up link will also be posted each week on the Women’s Center webpage on Monday afternoons: http://womenscenter.vt.edu. 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  

12. GRADUATE SCHOOL HOLIDAY HOURS AND CLOSINGS – 1st posting
Friday, December 13, 2024, closed 11am-2pm.
Friday, December 20, 2024, closing at 12pm for commencement.
Monday, December 23, 2024, open regular business hours; 9am -4pm.
Closed for winter break from Tuesday, December 24, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Thursday, January 2, 2025, regular business hours resume; 9am-4pm

13. FREE FOOD FOR VT STUDENTS – EXTENDED HOURS – 1st posting
The Market of Virginia has extended Open Market Hours this finals season! Open Market Hours are open to ANY Virginia Tech student and require no appointments, forms, or registration – simply walk in! We are located at 801 University City Blvd. next to the Himalayan Curry Cafe. Please bring your own bag when visiting, if possible. Find the updated list of extended hours on our website at: https://foodaccess.vt.edu. 

14. THE POWER OF STORY: CRAFTING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL NARRATIVES (TA 5984, CRN 21997) – 1st posting
It is said the “The shortest distance between two people is a story.” In this one-credit special study course, students will learn to shape and share their personal narrative, tell true stories that communicate their values, and entertain and inspire audiences. This experiential course is perfect for researchers who need to make presentations or connect with others, and for students of leadership, business, entrepreneurship…or any field where ideas matter. Students will explore the art of personal narrative storytelling, focusing on the techniques and strategies for crafting compelling true stories drawn from personal experiences. Writing exercises, peer workshops, and discussions will emphasize the power of narrative in shaping identity and connecting with others. The class will meet 3:30-6:15 p.m. on five consecutive Wednesdays starting 1/22/24. For more information, please contact Patty Raun praun@vt.edu.

15. WORKING PARENTS AT VT FACEBOOK GROUP – 1st posting
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child or adolescent? Join the official Facebook group for faculty, staff, and graduate students that are parents, where you can access and share information, and connect with the broader community of Virginia Tech working caregivers. You can join in this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1187623245103198. For more information on this and other resources for parents, visit https://caregiving.vt.edu/.

16. NEW GRADUATE SEMINAR ON TEACHING COMPUTING AND DATA – 1st posting
VT University Libraries are excited to announce GRAD 5984: Data and Computing Pedagogy, a 3-credit elective open to students in any graduate program launching Spring 2025 on the VT Blacksburg campus. This course combines Carpentries Instructor Training and Collaborative Lesson Development Training with discussion and hands-on practice with both teaching and lesson design. Both the course and the internationally-recognized instructor certification provide training and evidence so you can better teach computing and data-related courses at VT and beyond!

17. REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING 2025 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 1st posting
All graduate students are invited to enroll in the following Leadership courses for the Spring 2025 semester: LDRS 4514 Skills Nonprofit Org Leaders (CRN 17187) online: Understand the skills required to be a successful leader in nonprofit organizations. LDRS 5454 Leadership in Diverse Contexts (CRN 17193) face-to-face: Identification and definition of leadership in formal and non-formal education settings, communities, & organizations. LDRS 5554 Leading Social Change (CRN 17196) online: Theories, processes and strategies employed to facilitate social and organizational change. ALCE 5224 Team Science, Cooperation, and Interdisciplinary Work (10313) online: Theoretical and conceptual basis for thinking about, guiding, and supporting team science and cooperative processes for interdisciplinary research, programming, and outreach. If you have questions about these courses, contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.

18. GRADUATE SEMINAR IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION MGT 6984 Spring 2025 – 1st posting
ALL FIELDS ARE WELCOME. This course offers a systematic, multi-disciplinary overview of the research literature on entrepreneurship and its applications, building on economics, management, sociology, psychology, history, and other academic disciplines, covering both the classic contributions from economics and sociology and more recent work from the leading journals in entrepreneurship, strategy, management, and technologies [including digitalization, AL, ML, and DL]. This is a research-oriented course designed to help students understand the research literature, formulate their own research questions, and begin their own independent analysis. Time Slot: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
Format: In-person. Classic seminar-style, discussion-driven exploration of the field.
Professor: Dr. Richard Hunt rickhunt@vt.edu.

19. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS—NOW OPEN – 2nd 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

20. CENTER FOR HUMANITIES GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWS PROGRAM – 3rd 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

21. FINANCE PhD INFORMATION SESSION – 3rd 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

Jobs  

22. SUMMER GA IN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS – 2nd 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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/

27. 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

28. 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/
Volunteers and Research Participants Sought  

 29. MASTERS ENDURANCE AND ULTRA-ENDURANCE ATHLETES NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY – 2nd 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

30. EFFECT OF SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE AND INTERACTION METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – 3rd 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.

31. THERAPY GROUP FOR DISORDERED EATING – 3rd 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.

32. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN-MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 3rd 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

33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 3rd 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

34. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY ON LEARNING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH GENERATIVE AI – 3rd 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.

35. TESTING THE ETM: EXAMINATION AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT METHODS – 3rd 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

36. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT FOR SPATIAL ORIENTATION TRAINING IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 3rd  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.

Upcoming Events  

37. FREE COMPUTING AND DATA WORKSHOPS
Thursday, January 9, (additional dates below), 9am-5pm, In-person at TLOS or on Zoom|Interested in improving your research data and computing skills? Join us for a hands-on workshop in January 2025 in Blacksburg or online. Workshops are 9am to 5pm with lunch from 12:30 to 1:30. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for in-person participants. The workshops are open to all VT community members. You do not need any experience with the software to participate, but you will need access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Workshops offered:
– Thursday, 9 January 2025: Intro to Unix and Git: Working at the command line
– Friday, 10 January 2025: Intro to Python and JupyterLab
– Monday, 13 January 2025: Intro to R and RStudio
– Tuesday, 14 January 2025: Intro to Excel and OpenRefine: Working with spreadsheets
Register: Library events page: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu  or PDN page: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=carpentries

38. ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK TRIP (JAN 11-18); COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – January 11-18
Want to do something fun and rewarding over winter break? Look no further! Sign up to participate in the Alternative Break in Columbia, South Carolina Jan 11-18th, 2025. Alternative Break trips are designed to connect students with community members through engaging in experiential service and learning opportunities. All students are welcome to register regardless of major (undergraduate AND graduate). Cost estimates include transportation, lodging, and food for the entire trip. There is more information below, and please reach out to Jett Sable jettls24@vt.edu with any questions or concerns. Estimated cost $350. Travel grant applications are available to assist with partial to full funding! Apply here: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbaseline.campuslabs.com%2Fvpiasu%2Fab25&data=05%7C02%7Cakshayanil%40vt.edu%7Ccc484e1d9a6345a6213608dd14ae10e7%7C6095688410ad40fa863d4f32c1e3a37a%7C0%7C0%7C638689460019564066%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yLLo3jqwQnay7%2FlyxqBR6nCPH7pron%2F6mqe%2F9bNjxDQ%3D&reserved=0

39. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOP
Monday, January 13, 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

40. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE
Monday, January 13 – Thursday January 16, 10am-3pm, Virtual
During this four-day workshop participants will become familiar with the major required steps of this methodology, practice relevant skills, and consider the many decisions necessary for a successful comprehensive review and synthesis. Participants are welcome to bring a systematic review or meta-analysis that they are pursuing or plan to pursue to work on throughout the session. It is not required to have a project to participate. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/13408118

41. 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.

42. 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

43. “I HAVE A DREAM’: CREATING CONDITIONS FOR BELONGING AS ‘ONE VT’ 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

44. 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=shorturl

45. 14TH ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR – DR. GENTRY PATRICK
Friday, January 24, , 12pm, Steger Auditorium
Our 14th annual MLK Seminar will be given by Dr. Gentry Patrick on Friday January 24th at 12:00pm in the Steger Auditorium. Dr. Patrick is a Professor and Endowed Chair in Neurobiology at UC San Diego, the Director of the Center for Empathy & Social Justice in Human Health and the founder of the PATHways to STEM through Enhanced Access and Mentorship scholar’s program for under-resourced and underrepresented students. His seminar title is “A Tale of Neuroscience and Social Justice: How Separate Journeys Became One”. https://www.biol.vt.edu/Diversity/Annual_Dr_MLK_Jr_Webinar.html