Posted on by lbarron

January 13-19, 2025

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. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORKSHOP- Monday
  2. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE – Monday
  3. GLC CAFÉ – Thursday
  4. SPECIAL ORIENTATION GLC CAFÉ – Friday

Administrative Announcements:  

  1. LEADERSHIP COURSES – SPRING SEMESTER – REGISTER NOW – 1st posting
  2. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MONTHLY UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES RESEARCH SERVICES NEWSLETTER – 1st posting
  3. STUDENT INPUT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES – 1st posting
  4. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION – 1st posting
  5. UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE CIRTL NETWORK – 1st posting
  6. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS AND OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD – 2nd posting
  7. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 2nd posting
  8. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVES JANUARY/FEBRUARY PROGRAMS – 2nd posting

Jobs:

None at this time

Funding Opportunities: 

  1. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CORNELL INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION RESEARCH (CIDER) POSTDOC POSITIONS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 13, 2025
  2. CENTER FOR RETIREMENT RESEARCH DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2025
  3. RUNWAY STARTUP POSTDOC PROGRAM AT CORNELL TECH – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2025
  4. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIP – April 1, 2025

Volunteers and research participants sought:

  1. RAPID MODEL REFINEMENT NAP STUDY – 1st posting
  2. INVESTING ALGORITHMIC BIASES FOR ML/AI- BASED BIOMECHANICAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS USING WEARABLE SENSORS – 2nd posting

Upcoming Events:  

  1. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY MARCH – January 20
  2. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CIRCLES – January 21
  1. “I HAVE A DREAM’: CREATING CONDITIONS FOR BELONGING AS ‘ONEVT’ COMMUNITY” January 22
  2. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LATASHA MORRISION – January 22
  3. PARENTS CONNECT LUNCH – January 24,
  4. 14TH ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR – DR. GENTRY PATRICK: “ A TALE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: HOW SEPARATE JOURNEYS BECAME ONE”– January 24
  5. JANA KOO “CUCKOO” – January 31 & February 1
  6. BEOWULF: THE EPIC IN PERFORMANCE – February 6 & 7
  7. LAKECIA BENJAMIN – February 14

 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. 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

2. 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

3. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, January 16, 3:30-5pm, GLC Reading room
Enjoy coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Bring your own mug if you can! The GLC Café occurs every Thursday and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

4. SPECIAL ORIENTATION GLC CAFÉ – NEW & RETURNING STUDENTS WELCOME!
Friday, January, 17, 4-5pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Please join us immediately following graduate orientation for a special GLC Café.  New and returning students are welcome! Enjoy coffee, tea, cookies and conversation with graduate students and Graduate School staff. Bring your own mug if you can! The GLC Café is regularly scheduled every Thursday and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Administrative Announcements  

5. LEADERSHIP COURSES – SPRING SEMESTER – REGISTER NOW – 1st posting
All graduate students are invited to enroll in Leadership courses for Spring 2025: LDRS 4514 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders (CRN 17187); LDRS 4984 Toxic Leadership (CRN 21157); LDRS 4984 Leading with Humility (CRN 22065); LDRS 5454 Leadership Diverse Contexts (CRN 17193); LDRS 5464 Leadership in a Global Society (CRN 17194); LDRS 5554 Leading Social Change (CRN 17196); ALCE 5224 Team Science & Cooperative Processes for Interdisciplinary Work (CRN 10313). Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.

6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MONTHLY UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES RESEARCH SERVICES NEWSLETTER – 1st posting
The monthly University Libraries Research Services newsletter is designed specifically for faculty and graduate students who conduct research. The newsletter highlights upcoming research and data management workshops, library services and resources, and news researchers and graduate students can use to increase their work’s global impact and dissemination. Make the most of University Libraries’ expertise and resources. Subscribe today! https://t.send.vt.edu/lp/ulrs-subscribe.

7. STUDENT INPUT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES – 1st posting
Do you have thoughts on the cost of living in the community? Or what restaurant or retail options you’d like to see? Partnership for Progress, an initiative bringing together key stakeholders from Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, the New River Valley, and Virginia Tech, has just launched a survey! We want to hear about graduate student experiences living and/or working in our community. The survey is open until February, 28, 2025. Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RQ7M68X   For more information, visit https://www.partnershipforprogress.org  or email p4p@linksp.com, or reach out to William Poland whpoland@vt.edu.

8. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION – 1st posting
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors (BOV) is looking for a student to serve as the Graduate/Professional Student Representative for the 2025-2026 academic year. The selected student will serve at the highest level within the university’s shared governance system to provide reports to BOV members, as well as working with GPSS, the Graduate School, and other university administrators. Join us for an info session about this position on Monday February 3rd at 6:30PM at USLB 212 or on Zoom (https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/81984960513). Students interested in applying can find the application and more information at https://bov.vt.edu/StudentReps. Applications are due by February 16th. Please contact whpoland@vt.edu with any questions.

9. UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE CIRTL NETWORK – 1st posting
Virginia Tech is a member of the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network, which offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including online workshops and courses (non-credit bearing), available to graduate students and postdoctoral associates at institutions in the CIRTL Network at no cost. This spring, the CIRTL Network schedule includes programming focused on evidence-based teaching fundamentals, academic professional development, and teaching as research. You can find the full CIRTL Network spring programming schedule, including descriptions and registration information, at https://cirtl.net/events/. To learn more about CIRTL, which includes a network of 45 research universities, visit its website at https://www.cirtl.net/. For more information about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu/ or email cirtl@vt.edu.

10. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS AND OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD – 2nd posting
The Graduate School is seeking nominations for a variety of graduate student awards: excellence in teaching and service, outstanding dissertation, thesis and interdisciplinary doctoral student, and graduate student of the year. Learn more about these awards here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. In addition, a new award was created this year to honor A/P faculty and staff for their outstanding efforts in graduate advising and mentoring. Learn how to make a nomination here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-advising-mentoring-award–a-p-faculty-staff-.html. The deadline for all of these awards is January 24.

11. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124 – 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 in any discipline will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Questions should be directed to Kat Brown at katbrown@vt.edu.

12. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVES JANUARY/FEBRUARY PROGRAMS – 2nd posting
All programs run 12-1pm via Zoom and require registration. For more information and to register, go to https://caregiving.vt.edu/childcare/programs.html
January 22 – Balancing Act: Managing Screen Time for Healthy Child Development – Empowering Families with Strategies for Digital Wellness
January 23 – How to Talk to Your Children About Mass Traumatic Events They Encounter Through Social Media
February 6 – Finding the Right Fit: Choosing Quality Child Care for Your Family
February 20 – Community Resilience Model (CRM) for Caregivers of Children
February 26 – Self-Care Sanctuary: Prioritizing Parent Well-being for Family Harmony – Nurturing the Caregiver’s Soul for Resilient Parenting

Jobs  

None at this time

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

13. 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

14. CENTER FOR RETIREMENT RESEARCH 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/

15. RUNWAY STARTUP POSTDOC PROGRAM AT CORNELL TECH – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2025
This program is designed for recently graduated PhDs from deep tech backgrounds who have a startup idea. It is open for domestic and international PhDs. For more information: https://tech.cornell.edu/programs/phd/startup-postdocs/

16. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2025
In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship payment through payroll at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current PhD students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those: toward the end of their program, with personal financial need, and with a strong record of accomplishment from previous funding. Applications will be accepted until April 1, awards will be announced soon thereafter, https://forms.gle/TKBELmmzE9KjwyHA9
*Fellowships are not considered employment, no taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.

Volunteers and Research Participants Sought  

17. RAPID MODEL REFINEMENT NAP STUDY – 1st posting
This nap study will last approximately 4 hours investigating the dynamic changes in brainwave patterns that are known to occur during sleep. At the beginning of the study, you will be given a brief survey to fill out asking questions about your general sleep patterns and any potential alcohol or caffeine taken prior to the study. Following this, the researchers will place a cap fitted with electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, along with eye and chin electrodes, on you. In addition, subjects will wear a watch-like device that can record a variety of variables, including arm movement, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, a standard way of measuring the electrical resistance of the skin, and a somatic stimulation device, where this device will be mechanical or electrical based where the device will fit snug on the hand and arm area. During the nap, we will covertly play auditory or somatic stimulations such that you will not wake up. Participant qualifications: Must be 18-65 years old;  Must not have and mental or sleep disorders. Compensation: $15 or 5 SONA Credits For more information please email: ndnestudies@gmail.com

18. INVESTIGATING ALGORITHMIC BIASES FOR ML/AI- BASED BIOMECHANICAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS USING WEARABLE SENSORS – 2nd posting
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), such as back pain and strains during manual material handling tasks pose a significant economic burden in the U.S. Biomechanical exposure assessments using wearable sensors and ML/AI algorithms are gaining popularity in the field of ergonomics. However, the proprietary nature of these algorithms raises concerns about fairness and potential biases related to worker demographics (e.g., age, sex) and anthropometry (e.g., strength). This study aims to investigate such biases in ML/AI-based biomechanical assessments using wearable sensors and depth cameras. Participation involves a single 2-2.5 hour visit to perform simulated industrial tasks (e.g., lifting, pushing/pulling) and complete a questionnaire. Results will help identify algorithmic biases and propose strategies to develop fairer ML/AI tools. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. Participant qualifications: Be between 18 to 65 years old; Do not have any self-reported musculoskeletal issues or injuries within the past 12 months, nor have undergone back surgery; Be comfortable with wearing close-fitting clothes [white t-shirts and shorts for both males and females]. Compensation: You will be provided an honorarium of $15/hour or equivalent course credits for your time upon successful completion of the study. Prorated amount ($15/hour) will be provided if withdrawn prior to completion of the study.  For more information please contact Ajit Gopal ajitagm@vt.edu

Upcoming Events  

19. 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.

20. 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

21. “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

22. 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

23. PARENTS CONNECT LUNCH
Friday, January 24, GLC Multipurpose Room
This Parents Connect Lunch is intended for graduate students with children to gather and share their experiences. There will be an informative and learning element to the program, along with time for attendees to mingle and exchange. Please RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/cJ05JyG7Ji

24. 14TH ANNUAL MLK SEMINAR – DR. GENTRY PATRICK: “ A TALE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: HOW SEPARATE JOURNEYS BECAME ONE”
Friday, January 24, Steger Auditorium
14th annual MLK Jr. Seminar of the Biological Sciences Department welcomes Dr. Gentry Patrick, Endowed Chair in Neurobiology and Director of the Center for Empathy & Social Justice in Human Health. For disability accommodations, contact Ignacio Moore at itmoore@vt.edu prior to the event. 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

25. JAHA KOO “CUCKOO”
Friday, January 31 & Saturday, February 1, 7:30pm, Moss Arts Center
South Korean artist Jaha Koo brings theatre that inspires reflection with a play about how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today. To purchase tickets visit: https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances/jaha-koo-cuckoo.html

26. BEOWULF: THE EPIC IN PERFORMANCE
Thursday, February 6, & Friday, February 7, 7:30pm, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church
Savor this epic tale of terrifying monsters and courageous heroes as it was meant to be experienced — performed live on medieval harp by one of the best in his field. https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances/beowulf-benjamin-bagby.html

27. LAKECIA BENJAMIN
Friday, February 14, 7:30pm, Moss Arts Center
This charismatic, tour-de-force saxophonist and her sizzling band offer up a remarkable night of jazz you won’t want to miss. https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances/lakecia-benjamin.html