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 August 2025
This Week’s Events:
None at this time
- GRADUATE SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND CLOSINGS – 2nd posting
- GRADUATE COURSE ON LEADING TEAMS (LDRS 5544) – 2nd posting
- 2026 GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – 2nd posting
- CIRTL NETWORK TEACHING-RELATED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES – 2nd posting
- LEADERSHIP COURSES – *REGISTER NOW* – 2nd posting
- ON CAMPUS THIS WINTER BREAK? – 2nd posting (2/2)
- LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT SPRING APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
- GA-AI COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT – 2nd posting
- GA IN SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS – 3rd posting
Funding Opportunities:
- VASG 2026 GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2026
- THE CATHERINE HINMAN MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 9, 2026
- ALEXIS TAYLOR BREAUX FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY – DEADLINE: JANUARY 30
Volunteers and research participants sought:
- LOOKING FOR SECOND AND FIFTH GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VT LEARNING STUDY – 3rd posting
- PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A VOLLEYBALL JUMP SPIKE RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
- SPEAKER-AWARE AFFECTIVE CAPTIONING (SAAC) – 3rd posting
- UVA POLICY BOOTCAMP – January 6 & 7
- INTRO TO R AND RSTUDIO – January 12
- SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE – January 12 – 15
- INTRO TO PYTHON AND JUPYTERLAB – January 13
- FUNDING YOUR RESEARCH AS A NEWLY INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER: HOW TO GET STARTED – January 14
- GPSS SPRING WELCOME BACK – BREAKZONE TAKEOVER – January 21
- REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY – January 30
- FROM ACADEMIA TO INDUSTRY: INSIGHTS FROM 300 PHDS – February 24
0. Ongoing Services – updated October 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 for walk-in hours, 9am-4pm, 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 a 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 the embedded counselor with their program, or other Cook counselors.
- FOOD SHARE CABINET: Located in GLC Wellness Room (Room G). Accessible to graduate students 24/7 byswiping in with your Hokie Passport
- WRITING CENTER SERVICES: Schedule an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com/
- WRITING DROP-IN: Held most Mondays and Thursdays in GLC Room C. Drop in between 9am-4pm to work at your own pace in a quiet, supportive environment— no registration required! For more information: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/professional-development/professional-development-series.html
- GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
This Week’s Events
None at this time
Administrative Announcements
1. GRADUATE SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND CLOSINGS – 2nd posting
Tuesday, December 23, Graduate School offices will be closed to the public. Staff will be available by phone and email.
Wednesday, December 24, Graduate School offices will be closed. The university closes for winter break at noon, and will remain closed through January 1st.
Friday, January 2, Graduate School offices will be closed to the public. Staff will be available by phone and email.
Monday, January 5, Regular hours resume, 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
2. GRADUATE COURSE ON LEADING TEAMS (LDRS 5544) – 2nd posting
Seats are available for LDRS 5544, an in-person graduate course designed for students who work with or lead groups and teams. This highly applied class focuses on team development and leadership strategies for driving community change. Students will conduct a needs assessment and create curriculum tailored for team success – skills that translate across disciplines and professional contexts.
When: Wednesdays, 11:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Litton-Reaves Hall, Room 232
Instructor: Dr. Hannah Sunderman
This course is ideal for graduate students seeking practical tools to enhance collaboration and leadership effectiveness. Past participants have praised its comprehensive and career-relevant approach.
3. 2026 GPSS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – 2nd posting
The 42nd Annual GPSS Research Symposium will be held on March 25, 2026, in the GLC, and we invite students from all disciplines to submit presentations/posters for the symposium! This year’s theme is “Better Together: Collaborating Beyond Boundaries.” Whether your work is beyond academic boundaries and forwards inter/transdisciplinary ways of thinking, crosses methodological borders and engages in a variety of modes of collecting data, or focuses on the boundary/border/line crossings of plants/animals, culture, and people, we invite you to join and showcase your work! We also invite the submission of work that is not explicitly boundary-crossing in method or context and encourage projects in a variety of stages of completion, from proposed studies and research-in-process to fully analyzed dissertation/thesis work.
You can find more details on the abstract submission form here: https://forms.office.com/r/H2cWgB3xH5.
Abstract Review Interest Form: https://forms.office.com/r/k8JNXPpzC6.
4. CIRTL NETWORK TEACHING-RELATED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES – 2nd posting
Virginia Tech is a member of the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network, which offers teaching-related professional development opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral associates. The CIRTL Network’s spring programming includes workshops (including “Preparing Your Teaching Demo for a Job Interview” on Jan. 15), non-credit-bearing courses, and events for graduate students and postdoctoral associates preparing for higher education teaching careers. CIRTL Network programming is available online and at no cost. Participants from CIRTL institutions receive priority registration for capped programming, which typically reaches capacity quickly. The CIRTL Network programming schedule, including descriptions and registration information, is available at https://cirtl.net/events/. To learn more about CIRTL, visit https://www.cirtl.net/. For more information about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu/.
5. LEADERSHIP COURSES – *REGISTER NOW* – 2nd posting
The following Leadership courses are available for ALL graduate Students in Spring 2026: LDRS 4454 Toxic Leadership (CRN 21527); LDRS 4514 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders (CRN 17221); LDRS 4414 Leading with Humility (CRN 22348); LDRS 5004 Leader/Follower Ethics (CRN 17226); LDRS 5454 Leadership Diverse Contexts (CRN 17227); LDRS 5464 Leadership in a Global Society (CRN 17228); LDRS 5544 Leading Teams through Change (CRN 21526); LDRS 5554 Leading Social Change (CRN 17229); ALCE 5224 Team Science & Cooperative Processes for Interdisciplinary Work (CRN 10316). Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.
6. ON CAMPUS THIS WINTER BREAK? – 2nd posting (2/2)
Please submit this GPSS form https://forms.office.com/r/RFnSn1FpGb if you plan to remain on campus and would like to stay connected with other grad students who are also here. Especially in light of recent developments, many students are choosing to remain on campus during the break. This is a pilot effort to explore informal check-ins or opportunities to connect and build community. Activities may be limited/subject to interest, but we hope to create a welcoming space for those staying on campus! Please feel free to submit any questions you have through the form. Submitted by GPSS.
7. LITTLE HOKIE HANGOUT SPRING APPLICATION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting
The Little Hokie Hangout spring 2026 application is now available online. We have recently expanded our program into an additional classroom, and have space for children 20 months through 5 years of age. We offer affordable, accessible care that meets specific scheduling needs. For more information contact Marin Riegger by email: childcare@vt.edu or phone: 540 231 9382. Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJMTvQ3Fn3evAs5zEiyk2_ZPcPGpJduOpqDKtI1OUKKSFOMQ/viewform?usp=header
Jobs
8. GA-AI COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT – 1st posting
Assist in designing and creating course modules covering AI applications in cybersecurity, including LLM prompt injection, AI and Machine Learning (ML) threat detection, vulnerability assessment, privacy, ethics, policy, and security automation; Develop practical exercises, labs, and hands-on activities in Cyber Range cloud environments that demonstrate AI/ML techniques; Research/curate case studies showcasing applications of AI in cybersecurity operations to create a scenario exercise; Create supplementary materials: lecture slides, learning objectives, reading guides, assessment tools; Develop hands-on labs using r AI/ML frameworks and security tools; Test/validate technical exercises ensuring correct functioning across different environments/digitally accessible. Qualifications: Enrolled in relevant graduate program at Virginia Tech including, but not limited to: Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Education, Business, or related field Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices; Intermediate understanding of machine learning concepts and AI technologies; Strong written/ verbal communication skills; Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly; Self-motivated /excellent time management skills. Please submit: Current CV/resume; Cover letter describing your interest in AI and cybersecurity education; Unofficial transcript; Names and contact information for two references. Please send application materials to vicky@virginiacyberrange.org \by Monday, January 5, 2026.
9. GA IN SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS – 3rd posting
The costume Graduate Assistant is responsible for building and altering costumes for theatre productions and assisting undergraduate instruction in costume construction. The assistantship is 20 hours/week and the exact days/times will be coordinated with the Costume Shop Manager. The assistant is most needed from 12:00-5:30, Monday through Thursday, and 2:00 to 5:00 on Friday. Work over breaks and weekends may be required and is planned in advance. Graduate Assistant expectations:
-Assist Costume Shop Manager in instructing undergraduate students in costume construction
-Build/alter costumes under the direction of Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer
-Maintain clean and organized Costume Shop and Costume Storage
-Complete Virginia Tech’s E.H.S. training courses
Please send letter of interest and current resume to Stacy Blackburn (sblackburn1@vt.edu)
Funding Opportunities:
10. VASG 2026 GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2026.
The VASG Graduate Fellowship invests in people and supports graduate students in research, education, evidence-based inquiry, and community engagement that further the goals of VASG. Graduate Fellows address issues relevant to Virginia communities and of importance to coastal and marine resources – broadly defined (e.g., natural or social sciences, engineering and design, policy and legal analysis, architecture, business, education, arts and humanities, etc.). The fellowship builds skills and competencies through professional development training and provides hands-on experience in translating research results to stakeholders through a professional mentor. Funding:
The fellowship provides up to $40,000 per year for up to two years and professional development opportunities. Important Dates: Final applications are due January 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and the fellowship begins September 1, 2026. Learn more and apply here: https://vaseagrant.org/graduate-fellowships/
11. THE CATHERINE HINMAN MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP – DEADLINE: JANUARY 9, 2026
A fully funded program that enables talented students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience a summer in Washington, DC. Entering its fourth year in 2026, the Fellowship is open to graduate students with backgrounds in public policy, economics, applied sciences, and international affairs who have little or no prior experience working and living in Washington. Silverado helps these students gain practical professional experience and build a Washington network. Fellows develop technical writing and research skills, become immersed in federal and international policy-making, and sow seeds for career growth.
Fellowship benefits include:
- Covered round-trip transportation from anywhere in the U.S.
- Fully furnished housing for the duration of the program
- Extensive professional development, including seminars and networking events with experts from government, nonprofits, industry, and academia
- $5,000 stipend
Applications open on October 14th, 2025, will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting November 30th, until the close on January 9th, 2026. For more information: https://silverado.org/hinmanfellowship/
12. ALEXIS TAYLOR BREAUX FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY – DEADLINE: JANUARY 30
The Breaux fund is to provide support for study abroad opportunities for graduate students and to enhance international experiences at Virginia Tech. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Virginia Tech graduate student enrolled full-time in a graduate degree program; Student must be engaging in a formal study abroad program; Financial need: Funds are available for 7 awards of $500. Nomination: Student must submit an Application https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lSlKEKwrWjHDWw5EalUyiLUHTnavmtHrQOK3UFrlXZs/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1 by January 30.
Volunteers and Research Participants Sought
13. LOOKING FOR SECOND AND FIFTH GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VT LEARNING STUDY (IRB #24-1349) – 3rd posting
Second and fifth graders are needed for a Virginia Tech Human Development and Family Science research study (IRB # 24-1349). The purpose of this research is to learn more about their literacy, math, self-regulation, and executive function skills, and how those skills are related to each other. We are also interested in the role that life experiences play in the development of those skills so that educators and/or parents can better support their children’s literacy and math learning. Participation involves one 60-minute video-recorded session. During the session, children will play with a Lego set, do reading and math activities, play iPad games, and play a Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulder game. Meanwhile, parents complete two surveys lasting about 15 minutes. Sessions can take place at a lab located in the Blacksburg campus, Roanoke, or the participant’s home. Qualifications: 2nd and 5th graders this fall, and their parents, who speak and read English. Compensation: Participants will be compensated with $20 for their time and effort upon completion of the session and surveys. Complete interest form here: https://forms.gle/kHLdTAcf8x4gnyPW9
14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A VOLLEYBALL JUMP SPIKE RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
The Granata Biomechanics Lab is looking for volleyball athletes to complete jump spikes during two game-like scenarios. The scenarios include completing jump spikes with and without a defender attempting to block the attack as well as anticipated and unanticipated movements after completing a jump spike. Participation involves a single-visit, ~60-minute data collection session in Norris Hall on the Virginia Tech campus. Qualifications: Between the ages of 15 and 25 years (male) or 14 and 25 years (female); have played recreational or high-school volleyball for at least one year prior to testing; have played organized matches or practices for a minimum of 1 hour per week for the past two months or more; has a shoe size ranging from a men’s US 6 to US 12.5 or a women’s US 6 to US 12; are not pregnant; have no current physical pain; don’t have a prior major lower- or upper-extremity injury that required surgery; haven’t had a lower- or upper-extremity injury that has prevented you from playing volleyball with maximal effort for more than 2 weeks in the past 6 months. Interest Form: https://forms.office.com/r/aFrECEbrw2
15. SPEAKER-AWARE AFFECTIVE CAPTIONING (SAAC) – 3rd posting
We invite you to participate in an IRB approved research study to help us evaluate a new real-time captioning system designed for group conversations and classrooms. (IRB Number: 25-112)
This study is part of a project titled: “Speaker-Aware Affective Captioning (SAAC): Addressing Multi-Speaker Identification in Inclusive STEM Education.” We are testing a new system that enhances live captions by showing who is speaking, adding cues about their tone of voice (e.g., “Happy,” “Surprised”), and providing short explanations for better understanding. The goal is to see if these features help people follow along more easily in fast-paced discussions, like those in STEM classrooms.The study will be conducted In-Person & remotely over Zoom and includes; Two short, live classroom discussions with the captioning system; Answering brief questions about your experience; Providing feedback; No technical experience required! Qualifications: Adults (18+) who are: Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHH), Regular users of live captions; Hearing adults for a comparison group; Comfortable joining a video call and viewing content on a shared screen. Study sessions will take place December 8- January 30, 2025; Format: 1. Remotely, via Zoom. A link will be provided upon sign-up; Format 2: In-person for approximately 45 minutes at DVE Lab at Virginia Tech, – 220 Gilbert St, Room 3213, Blacksburg, VA. Compensation : $10 Amazon Gift Card. Interested? Please complete our brief sign-up form here: https://forms.office.com/r/70jDbmkvra
Upcoming Events
16. UVA POLICY BOOTCAMP
Tuesday, January 6 – Wednesday, January 7, 9am – 3pm, Zoom, or in-person at UVA, New Cabell Hall, Suite 298
Save the date and plan to join PhD Plus and the Science Policy Initiative at UVA for a free policy-focused professional development event designed for all UVA graduate students and postdocs. This year’s two-day event on Jan. 6 & 7 includes a Policy 101 overview, sessions centered on State-Level Engagement & Policy Priorities in Virginia, conversations about Why Higher Education & Research Matter to the Commonwealth, workshops focused on Effective Messaging to Policymakers, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from and network with professionals who have a wide range of experience in education, environmental, health, science, social science, and technology policy. https://phdplus.virginia.edu/2026_Policy_Bootcamp. All interested participants who would like to attend in-person must register before 12:00 pm on Friday, January 2. Virtual participants can register at any time before or during the event. Register here: https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9XKBxbAwVQujzx4
17. INTRO TO R AND RSTUDIO
Monday, January 12, 9-4:30, In-person at TLOS or remotely via Zoom
Interested in improving your research data and computing skills? Join us for a hands-on workshop to help you get started or enhance your data analysis skills in R in Blacksburg or online. Learn how to work with data in R and RStudio, analyze your data using summary statistics, and begin to make data visualizations whether or not you have any experience with coding or data analysis. The workshop is 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. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15650909
18. INTRO TO PYTHON AND JUPYTERLAB
Tuesday, January 13, 9-4:30pm, In-person at TLOS or remotely via Zoom
Interested in improving your research data and computing skills? Join us for a hands-on workshop to help you get started or enhance your data analysis skills in Python in Blacksburg or online. Learn how to work with data in Python using the JupyterLab interface, use different data types, and build reproducible data pipelines whether or not you have any experience with coding or data analysis. The workshop is 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. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15650989
19. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE – JAN. 12 – 15, 2026
Monday, January 12-15, 10am -3pm, Zoom
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 (and meta-analysis) to work on throughout the session. However, participants are not required to have a review in mind. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/15700924
20. FUNDING YOUR RESEARCH AS A NEWLY INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER: HOW TO GET STARTED
Wednesday, January 14, 1:00-5:00pm, GLC MPR or Zoom
Students are encouraged to attend, especially those nearing graduation. This workshop is designed to help graduate students translate research ideas into formal written proposals to external sponsors. It will include a portfolio of activities tailored to the participants, regardless of their departmental affiliation or field. In-person and virtual attendance are welcome. Registration required: click here
21. GPSS SPRING WELCOME BACK – BREAKZONE TAKEOVER
Wednesday, January 21, 5-7pm,Breakzone at the Squires Student Center
Join the Graduate and Professional Student Senate, in partnership with SECL, for FREE games, food, and awesome company at the Breakzone. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting new ones, let’s kick off the spring semester with a blast! https://forms.office.com/r/S725fGFXdh
22. REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY
Friday, January 30, 2026, 11am-12:30pm, GLC Room B
Do you know any undergraduate students who are curious about research or who are planning for graduate school? Please encourage them to join us for a dynamic webinar exploring Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Attendees will learn where to find REU opportunities and how to showcase REU experiences in their grad school applications. There are two upcoming sessions taking place in GLC Meeting Room B on December 10, 2025 12pm-1:30pm and January 30, 2026 11am-12:30pm. Registration requested:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjegopL1BGoxVPpxA-NeUMvptUN1NOMkU5T01KQlZINzJCVTZOSEUzVjhFMC4u&route=shorturl. Cosponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
23. FROM ACADEMIA TO INDUSTRY: INSIGHTS FROM 300 PHDS
Tuesday, February 24, 11am-12pm, Zoom
Are you a PhD student interested in landing an industry career?
Join us to learn from Ashley Moses as she shares insights from her work as a career coach at Stanford as well as her interviews with 300 PhDs who successfully transitioned from academia to industry. This event will: share how they found opportunities, built meaningful connections, and approached applications strategically. demystify the often-overlooked hidden job market and how most roles are found through people, not postings. Explain how to network effectively, prepare standout application materials, and craft a compelling story for industry roles – all while realizing the power of people in landing your future position. The first 50 students to register *and attend* this workshop will receive free access to the PhD Paths Portfolio – a database of 300 PhDs, their industry careers, and interviews sharing how they found their current positions. Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjegopL1BGoxVPpxA-NeUMvptUMFVINVlKVkdCRjFLWDZVVlVLQ0g4UDI0Ui4u&route=shorturl