Posted on by lbarron

August 11-17, 2025

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

0.   Ongoing Services – updated May 2025   

This Week’s Events: 

  1. FREE COMPUTING AND DATA WORKSHOPS – Wednesday
  2. GRADUATE STUDENT MEETUP – MINGLE AT THE MARKET – Wednesday
  3. PREPARING FOR THE FALL FACULTY JOB MARKET AND BEYOND – Thursday
  4. GLC CAFÉ – Thursday
  5. COFFEE WITH CRANWELL – Friday

Administrative Announcements:   

  1. LDRS 5464 LEADERSHIP IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY – 1st posting
  2. GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK AND PLANNERS ARE AVAILABLE – 1st posting
  3. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124! – 2nd posting
  4. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2025 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 2nd posting
  5. VAST’S FAST TRACK TO SEMICONDUCTOR CAREERS PROGRAM REGISTRATION (FALL SESSION) IS NOW OPEN! – 2nd posting
  6. GLC FOOD SHARE CABINET NOW AVAILABLE – 3rd posting

Jobs:

12. WAGE POSITION: VIRTUAL REALITY/WEB PLATFORM INTEGRATED WITH MULTIMODAL LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL AND SYMBOLIC AI DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT – 1st posting

Funding Opportunities:

  1. P.E.O. SCHOLAR AWARD – DEADLINE: August 22, 2025

Volunteers and research participants sought: 

  1. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR THE MEASURE STUDY: MEASURING ENERGY ACROSS SIZES USING RECALLS – 1st posting
  2. PARTICIPATE IN A 45-MINUTE AUGMENTED REALITY EMOTIVE CAPTIONING STUDY – 1st posting (1/2)
  3. SEEKING PARTICIPANTS WITH EXPERIENCE GUIDING OTHERS IN STRENGTH TRAINING – 2nd posting (2/2)
  4. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR DRONE CONSPICUITY PROJECT – 2nd posting
  5. RECRUITING ADULT ATHLETES FOR CLEATS & PLANTAR LOADING STUDY – 3rd posting
  6. SEEKING VOLUNTEER PARTICIPANTS FOR A STUDY ON NEURODIVERGENT MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS – 3rd posting
  7. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MRI STUDY – 3rd posting
  8. AN EXPLORATION INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISABILITIES & SEXUALITIES – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:    

  1. GEARUP! – August 19
  2. HOW DO I GET INFORMATION SOURCES FOR FREE? COME SEE THE MANY WAYS! – August 19
  3. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME - August 21
  4. GPSS WELCOME BACK SOCIAL – FREE FOOD AND FUN! – August 22
  5. DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP COLLABORATION HOUR – August 25
  6. BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES FACULTY SEARCH COMMITTEE PANEL – August 26
  7. NEW FACULTY HIRE CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTO THOMAS – August 27
  8. DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP COLLABORATION HOUR – September 8
  9. COMPS, QUALS, & PRELIMS, OH MY! – September 15
  10. DEFENSE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS  – September 19
  11. OMBUDS FORUM: SETTING EXPECTATIONS- INTEREST FORM – OCTOBER 22

 0. Ongoing Services – updated May 2025 

  • 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, June 2, 2025, through August 1, 2025, walk-in hours will be held on Monday and Thursday, 11am- 3pm. 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.
  • COOK COUNSELING: Students can call 540-231-6557 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
  • 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.  FREE COMPUTING AND DATA WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, August 13 – Tuesday, August 19, 9am-4pm, in person at TLOS or remotely via Zoom
Interested in improving your research data and computing skills before the start of the new academic year? Join us for a hands-on workshop in August 2025 in Blacksburg or online. Workshops are 9am to 4:30pm 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. Take the whole series of workshops or choose the one that best fits your needs., Workshops offered: Intro to Unix and Git (Wed, 13 August), Intro to Python and JupyterLab (Thur, 14 August), Intro to R and RStudio (Mon, 18 August), Intro to Excel and OpenRefine (Tue, 19 August). Register through the Library Calendar: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu or PDN: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=carpentries.

2. GRADUATE STUDENT MEETUP – MINGLE AT THE MARKET
Wednesday, August 13, 4:30-6:30pm, Blacksburg Farmers Market, Corner of Roanoke St. & Draper Rd.
Whether you are a new student, just arrived in Blacksburg, or a returning student, join us for this casual Graduate Student Meet Up at Mingle at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Enjoy live music and browse the Farmers Market vendors. The graduate school will provide a sampling of refreshments made from farmers’ market fresh ingredients. Market vendors will offer food and adult beverages (for those over 21) available for individual purchase. Sponsored by the Graduate School’s Student Services, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships team.  Please register here to help us plan for refreshments! https://forms.office.com/r/harSsMMm51.

3. PREPARING FOR THE FALL FACULTY JOB MARKET AND BEYOND
Thursday, August 14, 3-4:30pm, Zoom
In this talk Chris Smith, postdoctoral affairs program administrator at Virginia Tech, will speak about resources and insights that could be useful to graduate students and postdoctoral associates planning to apply for faculty positions in Fall 2025. He will share data from a faculty applicant survey ran annually from 2018 to the present and highlight a data dashboard the team created to assist applicants in bench marking their competitiveness for faculty positions. https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2025/preparing-for-the-fall-2025-faculty-job-market.html.


4. GLC CAFÉ
Thursday, August 14, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of your grad student and Grad School colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can. If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Barron (lbarron@vt.edu).

5. COFFEE WITH CRANWELL
Friday, August 15, 3-5pm, Community Lounge (1015) in Harper Hall
Drop in for a welcoming, informal space for international students to gather over coffee and snacks. These conversations provide an opportunity to discuss questions, share concerns, and explore strategies for navigating the immigration landscape.
 

Administrative Announcements   

6. LDRS 5464 LEADERSHIP IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY – 1st posting
Are you interested in expanding your leadership worldview in a global, multicultural context? Consider enrolling in LDRS 5464: Leadership in a Global Society, offered this fall.
Why take this course? LDRS 5464 is designed to help you: Understand how culture influences leadership styles; adapt your leadership and communication strategies across diverse cultural contexts; Critically evaluate global leadership theories; Engage in meaningful reflection and discussion on leadership in today’s interconnected world.
What to expect: Interactive workshops and peer-led discussions; Guest facilitators from a variety of contexts; Diverse assignments including video reflection blogs (i.e., “vlogs”), film case studies, and article critiques; A final group project where you’ll design and facilitate a workshop for fellow students and faculty. Class meets Fridays, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in Litton-Reaves Hall 232. Submitted by faculty member Dr. Austin Council (adc@vt.edu)

7. GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK AND PLANNERS ARE AVAILABLE – 1st posting
Come pick up your 2025/2026 Graduate Student Handbook and planner in GLC 120. GLC 120 is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.  

8. 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 Fall 2025. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Three discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Russell at (lisab5@vt.edu).

9. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2025 LEADERSHIP COURSES – 2nd posting
Graduate students—Enroll now in Leadership courses for Fall 2025: LDRS 5454 (CRN 87226) virtual: Leadership Diverse Contexts Identification and definition of leadership in education settings, communities, & organizations. LDRS 5464 (CRN 91823) in-person: Leadership in a Global Society Identification and development of the personal and professional competencies required for effective leadership in an increasingly global, diverse and multicultural society. LDRS 5534 (CRN 87227) virtual: Leading with Cognitive Diversity Theoretical perspectives, processes and techniques utilized in problem solving, both adaptively and innovatively. Individual cognitive preference for working to effect change in institutional structures. LDRS 5544 (CRN 87228) virtual: Leading Teams through Change Theory and techniques for leading tactical, creative, and problem-solving teams through change. Improving leadership within small groups or teams. Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at (jhwalz@vt.edu).

10. VAST’S FAST TRACK TO SEMICONDUCTOR CAREERS PROGRAM REGISTRATION (FALL SESSION) IS NOW OPEN! – 2nd posting
Fall Session: September 8th – November 21, 2025. Registration closes: September 1st
Courses available:
§ Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization (available at UVA, VT (Blacksburg), GMU, ODU, and VCU)
§ Chip Packaging and Characterization (available at VMI and VT – Arlington)
VAST’s new online version of the program, allows students to begin now and complete the hands-on training another season—making participation even more flexible and accessible. Certifications are backed by IEEE micro credentials.
Program Highlights:
§ Job-Ready Skills in 10 weeks
§ Hands-On Training with industry-standard equipment
§ Guaranteed Recruiter Meetings with partner companies (Micron, Northrop Grumman)
§ Tuition: $5,000 per certificate
§ Average Salary $75K+ post-graduation
§ Special Discounts available (Military: $600, Students/Teachers: 60% off) This program is heavily subsidized for students, teachers and military families. Discount information can be found on our website.  Learn more: https://vast-alliance.org/fast-track-to-semiconductor-careers.html?utm_source=social-media&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=ftsc-fall25&utm_content=registration-opens

11. GLC FOOD SHARE CABINET NOW AVAILABLE – 3rd posting
There is a new resource open to Graduate Students with shelf-stable snacks and food called the GLC Food Share Cabinet. The cabinet is located in the GLC Wellness room (room G). This food share cabinet is open to all graduate students, and we encourage you to come by to take what you need and share when you can. Our goal is to share the best of what we have to help all Hokies with food access. To access the GLC Food Share Cabinet, you will need to swipe into the Wellness room with your Hokie Passport.   We welcome contributions to our cabinet using the following guidelines:  
– Factory-sealed, non-perishable foods (e.g. canned goods, pasta, flours, rice, grains, cereal, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, shelf-stable milk, tea)
– Shelf stable produce (e.g. apples, bananas, winter squash, onions, citrus
–  Sealed toiletries and personal items.
Please note: The cabinet CANNOT accept any perishable goods that require refrigeration, prepared foods, or foods with opened packaging. Donations can be dropped off in GLC 120, beginning August 4th Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Barron (lbarron@vt.edu).

Jobs   

12. WAGE POSITION: VIRTUAL REALITY/WEB PLATFORM INTEGRATED WITH MULTIMODAL LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL AND SYMBOLIC AI DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT – 1st posting
The candidate would support the development of proof of concept and build a VR/web-based platform integrated with symbolic AI and multimodal large language models for human-robot collaboration in construction. The role may also include additional related responsibilities as assigned.
Multimodal Large Language Models (e.g., GPT-4o, LLaVA, Claude, Gemini)
• Symbolic AI and knowledge representation techniques
• Web and VR development (e.g., Three.js, WebXR, Unity)
• Prompt engineering, API integration, and lightweight prototyping
• Programming languages: HTML, CSS, Java, and Python.
• Database management.
The role is available for immediate start and will continue through the end of the semester. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please contact Ebenezer Olukanni to apply: (ooebenezer@vt.edu)

Funding Opportunities:

13. P.E.O. SCHOLAR AWARD – DEADLINE: August 22, 2025
P.E.O. Scholar Awards provides substantial merit-based awards for women of the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing doctoral-level degrees at an accredited college or university. The award amount is $25,000. P.E.O. Scholars are those who are at the top of their fields and will have a positive impact on society. They have demonstrated abilities to make significant contributions in their field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, economics, history, literature, government or other demanding fields.
The nomination process in 2025 is for the academic year 2026-2027. Nominees should have a graduation date range of May 2027 to August 2028. Nominations must go through a local P.E.O. chapter. If interested in applying, respond to this notice to, (sandi825@yahoo.com), before August 1st. Final applications to local chapters must be completed by August 22nd to be considered. More information is at www.peointernational.org.

Volunteers and Research Participants Sought    

14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR THE MEASURE STUDY: MEASURING ENERGY ACROSS SIZES USING RECALLS – 1st posting
Are you interested in learning more about your body’s energy needs and helping researchers better measure food intake in participants of varying body sizes? Participants are needed for the MEASURE study (IRB #22-654) seeking to understand how a participant’s weight class can affect measurements of dietary intake. Participants will complete measurements of height, weight, body composition, energy expenditure, and food intake over a period of 5-7 weeks with a total of 5 visits to campus. To be eligible, you must be over 18, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2, weigh under 600 lbs., and not be following a weight control diet. To be eligible, you must be over 18, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, weigh under 600 lbs., and not be following a weight control diet. Compensation of up to $150 is available for this study. If you are interested in participating, please complete this screening survey https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/measurestudy. Submitted by graduate student Olaitan Bobade (olaitanbobade@vt.edu).

15. PARTICIPATE IN A 45-MINUTE AUGMENTED REALITY EMOTIVE CAPTIONING STUDY – 1st posting (1/2)
A research study evaluating real-time captioning systems enhanced with emotional cues (e.g., emojis, and tags) in AR headsets, focusing on cultural differences in interpreting nonverbal emotional cues. Participant qualifications: Adults (18+); Experience using captioning systems (e.g., in classrooms, meetings, videos; Comfortable using wearable devices like AR/VR headsets. Compensation: $20 Amazon Gift Card. Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/mdXKtVsFaq. Submitted by graduate student Sunday Ubur (uburs@vt.edu)

16. SEEKING PARTICIPANTS WITH EXPERIENCE GUIDING OTHERS IN STRENGTH TRAINING – 2nd posting (2/2)
Are you someone who has helped others with strength training—formally or informally? We’re conducting a co-design workshop that pairs people with training experience (like you!) with trainees to help us design future wearable technologies that provide feedback during strength training. If you’re interested, please complete a short survey to help us learn more about your background. Participants should have experience helping/spotting others with strength training (e.g., resistance training, weightlifting, etc.). Compensation $25/hr. Study survey link: https://forms.gle/mScjFugWEhNYgFAd7. Submitted by graduate student Panayu Keelawat (panayu@vt.edu).

17. VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR DRONE CONSPICUITY PROJECT – 2nd posting
VT researchers with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership are recruiting volunteers to participate in research that seeks to identify factors that increase the visual conspicuity of small uncrewed aircraft systems, or drones, to human observers in airport environments. The initial sessions (~2 hours) will be held August 4-6 at Kentland Farms, with additional test events in late August and mid-September. Participation is entirely voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time without penalty. Participants will be compensated $18 per hour, with a minimum of two hours. Compensation will be provided in the form of an e-gift card. All procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Participant qualifications: resident of the U.S. and 18 years of age or older. For more information, contact Matt Delano at (mdelano@vt.edu).

18. RECRUITING ADULT ATHLETES FOR CLEATS & PLANTAR LOADING STUDY – 3rd  posting
The Granata Lab is investigating how cleat type and sex affect plantar loading and performance in adult athletes! Participation consists of a one-time, one-hour commitment that will take place outside on campus to complete two different movement tasks in two different cleat types. To be eligible, participants must 1) be between 18-35yo, 2) wear a shoe size between 7-12M or 8.5-13.5W, 3) currently play a cleated sport at least once a week, 4) have not had any leg injuries in the past 6 months, 5) have not had surgery in the past 3 months and 6) not be pregnant. If you are interested, please submit this form: https://forms.office.com/r/Rzp6yWANzt. Submitted by graduate student Alexandra Stibler (astibler@vt.edu).

19. SEEKING VOLUNTEER PARTICIPANTS FOR A STUDY ON NEURODIVERGENT MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS – 3rd posting
An autistic graduate student is seeking participants for research on the experiences of neurodivergent (i.e., autistic, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, dyslexic, etc.) people who are medical school applicants. [VT IRB# 25-507]. Participants will compete a pre-interview timeline activity and participate in a 60-90 minute, semi-structured interview on Zoom. Participants can be either self- or professionally-diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition. They must currently be working on or recently submitted their medical school application to U.S. based medical schools and speak English. https://virginiatechmy.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/rebecca22_vt_edu/EbFiM9aBe4dHmJ7gdMobxKoBi0OCGxJyOC6twz3-0b-SgA?e=BQbZI1.

20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR MRI STUDY – 3rd posting
Researchers at Virginia Tech are seeking participants for a research study (IRB#24-646) on the relationship between the brain and mental health. This study involves 3 sessions lasting up to 9 hours, one of which involves an MRI scan. To participate, individuals must be between the ages of 14 and 25. Compensation up to $200 is available. Eligibility screening survey: https://redcap.link/brain-mentalhealth.Submitted by Spanlab (spanlab@vt.edu).

21. AN EXPLORATION INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISABILITIES & SEXUALITIES – 3rd posting
Our study, “An Exploration into the Relationship Between Disabilities and Sexualities”, is looking for individuals interested in participating in research based on lived experiences! The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the different ways that disabilities and sexualities can intersect and/or influence one another across people’s lifetimes. This can mean many things as both sexualities and disabilities have multiple ways of impacting individuals! Participants will participate in a 60-90 minute Zoom interview. Individuals must be 18+ years old, identify with at least one disability, and have had previous experiences with romantic/sexual relationships. Participants will receive a $30 electronic gift card after participation! If you are interested in participating in a Zoom interview, please fill out this brief survey to see if you are eligible: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/VT25644Diss. Submitted by graduate student Madelyn Toman (maddie99@vt.edu).

Upcoming Events   

22. HOW DO I GET INFORMATION SOURCES FOR FREE? COME SEE THE MANY WAYS!
Tuesday, August 19, 12:15-12:45pm & 5:15-5:45pm. Virtual
Information abounds, but not all of it is freely available. Fortunately for you, the University Libraries provide access to millions of resources at no cost to you, but do you know how to get to them? This session will cover our Discovery Search, subject databases, LibKey, Get VText, ILL, and other services for you to “dip your toes” into using and finding out just how expansive your access to information resources truly is! All are welcome!
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. registration: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/AugHSLsQTT 
5:15 – 5:45 p.m. registration: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/AugHSLsQTT2nd

23. GEARUP!
Tuesday, August 19, 8:30am-4:30pm, Graduate Life Center
Join us for GearUp!, a full-day workshop of multiple introductory programs for new graduate students. From an overview of the Ombuds office to wellness activities, the sessions in GearUp! are meant to give students the tools to navigate their graduate experience at Virginia Tech. If you have disability accommodation needs, please let us know at least 10 business days before the event. For more information visit https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-services/gearup-fall-2025.html. Register at the link provided. https://forms.office.com/r/kBuwYy2mEJ.

24. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME - August 21
Thursday, August 22, 4:30-6pm, GLC Multipurpose Room  
Connect with new and returning students, Graduate School staff, and resources that can help you settle in and succeed in Blacksburg. Free refreshments for all. Prizes will be given out to help you decorate or make your new home more comfortable and welcoming.  This event replaces the weekly GLC café just this one time. The café will return to the regular schedule next week. Register here for Make Yourself at Home: https://forms.office.com/r/t7EVUbPRGH.

25. GPSS WELCOME BACK SOCIAL – FREE FOOD AND FUN!
Friday, August, 22, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room and Lawn
Doors and lawn games open at 4pm! Calling all new and returning VT graduate and professional students! Join us for free food, karaoke, lawn games, music, and great company. Come hang out, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and have a blast before the semester kicks off. Whether you’re into chill lawn games or ready to grab the mic for karaoke, there’s something for everyone!
Be sure to RSVP at: https://forms.office.com/r/QJNUpFqAU7 and save a copy of your receipt for check-in. If you have any accessibility needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to gpss@vt.edu. We look forward to seeing you there! 

26. DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP COLLABORATION HOUR
Monday, August 25, 12-1pm, recurring every Monday, Newman Library, Room 126, or Zoom
Are you working on a Digital Humanities or Digital Scholarship project? Are you looking to upgrade your scholarly toolbox? Want to learn more about digital scholarship and media production resources at VT? Join us for the weekly Digital Scholarship Collaboration Hour in the Athenaeum Collaboration Room, Newman Library 126, every Monday, 12–1pm. All are welcome to come chat, collaborate, and work with an interdisciplinary group of scholars with interests in the diverse fields of digital humanities and digital scholarship. Join in person or via Zoom by registering on the Library Events page here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15043499.  Please reach out with any questions you might have about the Collaboration hour or Digital Humanities and Digital Scholarship more broadly to dhlibsupport@vt.edu.

27. BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES FACULTY SEARCH COMMITTEE PANEL
Tuesday, August 26, 11am-12:30pm, Zoom
This isthe first in a 3-part Search Committee Panel series. Engineering Panel planned for Sept 5 & Physical Sciences Panel planned for Sept 8. Join faculty from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences and Pathology Department, School of Neuroscience, and Department of Biological Sciences who will share their observations and advice as former assistant professor search committee members at Virginia Tech. Learn more about what search committees look for in competitive faculty applicants. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/DH17xIY5Qnu_DnRJl1ZETg.

28. NEW FACULTY HIRE CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTO THOMAS
Wednesday, August 27, 4-5pm, Zoom
Christo K. Thomas is an incoming assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Prior to this, he served as a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. In this session, he will share his experience on the faculty job market. Come with your questions! https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/zVnnlSraS0mIUngpirZXbw

29. DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP COLLABORATION HOUR
Monday, September 8, 12-1pm, recurring weekly on Mondays, Newman Library 126, Athenaeum Collaboration Room or on Zoom
Are you working on a digital humanities or digital scholarship project? Are you looking to upgrade your scholarly toolbox? Want to learn more about digital scholarship and media production resources? All are welcome to come chat, collaborate, and work with an interdisciplinary group of scholars with interests in the diverse fields of digital humanities and digital scholarship. Join in person or via Zoom by registering on the Library Events page, https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15043501.  Please reach out with any questions you might have about the collaboration hour or digital humanities and digital scholarship more broadly to dhlibsupport@vt.edu and check out the Digital Humanities Library Guide at https://guides.lib.vt.edu/dh

30. COMPS, QUALS, & PRELIMS, OH MY!
Monday, September 15, 3-4pm, GLC F and virtual (additional monthly sessions offered)
Students defending in Fall 2025 are invited to present a 20-minute practice version of their final defense to a small group of Graduate School staff, other students, and faculty from a variety of programs and receive constructive feedback from them. Those attending the session and providing feedback may or may not know the presenter(s) and may or may not be from a related field or discipline, so feedback is focused less on content and more on presentation structure, clarity, style, coherence, etc. Spots are limited, so please only register for one date and we will let you know the details once your participation is confirmed. Virtual and in-person options. Contact the Graduate School at grads@vt.edu if you have any questions. Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/jRM4gCf3LR

31. DEFENSE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS 
Friday, September 19, 10am-12pm, In-person and virtual location options, additional dates offered throughout the semester
Students defending in Fall 2025 are invited to present a 20-minute practice version of their final defense to a small group of Graduate School staff, other students, and faculty from a variety of programs and receive constructive feedback from them. Those attending the session and providing feedback may or may not know the presenter(s) and may or may not be from a related field or discipline, so feedback is focused less on content and more on presentation structure, clarity, style, coherence, etc.  Spots are limited, so please only register for one date and we will let you know the details once your participation is confirmed. Virtual and in-person options. Contact the Graduate School at grads@vt.edu if you have any questions. Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/jRM4gCf3LR

32. OMBUDS FORUM: SETTING EXPECTATIONS – INTEREST FORM
Wednesday, October 22, 12pm, location TDB,
This Ombuds Forum is a community-based space to share common issues affecting graduate students, including funding and financial wellness, advisor relationships and agreements, and interpersonal dynamics. Please fill out the interest form below to indicate your questions and time preferences for this event. https://forms.office.com/r/6AU7Tv9CnR