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0. Ongoing Services – updated August 2025
This Week’s Events:
- INTRO TO R AND RSTUDIO – Monday
- SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS DEEP DIVE – Monday–Thursday
- INTRO TO PYTHON AND JUPYTERLAB – Tuesday
- FUNDING YOUR RESEARCH AS A NEWLY INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER: HOW TO GET STARTED – Wednesday
- GLC CAFÉ – Wednesday & Thursday
- SURVEY RESEARCH JUMP START WITH QUALTRICS – Friday
- GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 1st posting (1/2)
- OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 1stposting (1/2)
- FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING – 1st posting (1/1)
- UPCOMING CIRTL NETWORK EVENT SERIES EXPLORES TOPICS IN ACADEMIC HIRING AND CAREER PREPARATION – 1st posting
- FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT 365 WORKSHOPS FROM DIVISION OF IT – 1st posting
- TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FREE LIBRARY WORKSHOPS – 1st posting
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
Funding Opportunities:
- ALEXIS TAYLOR BREAUX FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY – DEADLINE: JANUARY 30
Volunteers and research participants sought:
- PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ USE OF INSTANT MESSAGING GROUP CHATS – 1st posting
- GPSS SPRING WELCOME BACK – BREAKZONE TAKEOVER – January 21
- SCIENCE ON TAP NEW RIVER VALLEY PRESENTS: SOIL SECRETS: WHAT’S HAPPENING BENEATH YOUR FEET – January 22
- PUTTING DOWN ROOTS – MAKE A PLANT PROPAGATION STATION – January 23
- ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT – January 28
- REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY – January 30
- THIS IS HOME: FINDING BELONGING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – 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/
- GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: contact for appointment at gradombud@vt.edu, 540-231-9573
This Week’s Events
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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: https://forms.office.com//pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjegopL1BGoxVPpxA-NeUMvptUNkE1MEdSVU9FTkFFNktHQTc1Q1NGTFkzMC4u&fromie=true&fsw=0
5. GLC CAFÉ
Wednesday, January 14 & Thursday, January 8, 3:30-5:00 pm, 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).
6. SURVEY RESEARCH JUMP START WITH QUALTRICS
Friday, January 16, 9:30am – 4:30pm, University Mall 2104, Blacksburg Campus or on Zoom
Are you new to Qualtrics or want to expand your research survey design and data collection skills? Then sign up for the Survey Research Jump Start with Qualtrics workshop! The morning will focus on best practices for accessible and effective survey design and data collection for a variety of survey types. The afternoon will prepare you to get started with Qualtrics, including how to create and distribute surveys, share and export data, and collaborate with other users. One-on-one consultations will be available during the lunch hour with representatives from across the university who have expertise in a variety of survey-related areas. Space is very limited in person; a Zoom option is available. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/calendar/events/qualtrics-jumpstart
Administrative Announcements
7. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 1st posting
The Graduate School recognizes the contributions of the university’s most outstanding graduate students each year. Winners are recognized at an awards banquet during Graduate Education Week, celebrated annually in the last full week of March. The award categories include outstanding dissertation and thesis, service excellence, teaching excellence, outstanding interdisciplinary PhD student, and graduate student of the year. The award criteria and submission information can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/student.html. Nominations are due January 23, 2026. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu and put “GEW Awards” in the subject line.
8. OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 1st posting
The Graduate School seeks nominations for the Outstanding Advising/Mentoring Award for A/P Faculty/Staff. Nominators are encouraged to think about the many and diverse ways in which staff and A/P faculty contribute to the development and support of graduate students. Nominations must include one letter from a current or former graduate student. Learn more about the award criteria and nominations requirements here:
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-advising-mentoring-award–a-p-faculty-staff-.html. Nominations are due January 23, 2026. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu and put “GEW Awards” in the subject line.
9. FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING – 1st posting (1/1)
Seeking nutrition guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Maybe you need help with skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach your wellness goals. If you have any of these concerns or others, graduate-
level nutrition and dietetics students are here to help. The Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services (In-person or Zoom) to interested students, faculty, and staff. Registration for the spring semester is now open. Visit https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition_counseling.html to learn more about the service and register. Please note that the service does not provide meal plans and is not equipped to handle eating disorders or complex medical issues.
10. UPCOMING CIRTL NETWORK EVENT SERIES EXPLORES TOPICS IN ACADEMIC HIRING AND CAREER PREPARATION – 1st posting
This semester, the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network is offering “The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series.” Sessions in the series include “Finishing your Diss/Thesis,” “Panel(s) of Early Career Faculty,” “CVs for the Academic Job Market,” “Cover Letters for the Academic Job Market,” and more! You can find the full event series schedule, including session descriptions and registration information, at https://cirtl.net/events/tag/the-joyful-journey-graduate-student-and-postdoctoral-scholar-professional-development-series-spring-2026/. The events are offered online and at no cost. To learn more about CIRTL and its network of research universities, visit https://cirtl.net/. To learn more about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, visit https://cirtl.vt.edu or email cirtl@vt.edu.
11. FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT 365 WORKSHOPS FROM DIVISION OF IT – 1st posting
The Division of IT is offering a series of online courses designed to introduce users to Microsoft 365 tools available at Virginia Tech, including Outlook, Teams, and Copilot AI. Each 1-hour course will include an overview of the tool, explore its features and benefits, and demonstrate its various uses for collaboration within research groups, classes, and projects. Sessions start 1/26. Sign up through the TLOS Professional Development Network! Schedule and registration links here: https://news.vt.edu/notices/it/2026/01/spring-microsoft-365-workshops.html.
12. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FREE LIBRARY WORKSHOPS – 1st posting
There’s a lot to learn in graduate school, and the library can help! This spring, the library will offer a series of free workshops (offered live via Zoom) to help you develop the research skills you need to succeed in graduate school. Learn about literature reviews and database searching, citation management, data management, developing your scholarly presence, and more. For registration links and detailed information about each workshop, visit: http://guides.lib.vt.edu/gradworkshops.
Jobs
13. ENERGY MANAGEMENT GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
The Energy Management Graduate Assistant will assist with the analysis, planning, and implementation of projects and programs that advance campus energy performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Position will start on or around August 10, 2026. Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Apply here by the application deadline of February 5, 2026: https://app.joinhandshake.com/public/jobs/10613941?utm_source=web&utm_campaign=job_share&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_content=emp-copy_link-all_jobs_page.
Funding Opportunities:
14. 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
15. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ USE OF INSTANT MESSAGING GROUP CHATS – 1st posting
REACH Lab is conducting a research study (IRB 25-811) to investigate how international students engage with instant messaging applications in terms of perceptions, experiences and practices. Interested participants must: Be 18 years or older; Be an international student in the United States; Actively use Instant Messaging platform groups to communicate with friends and or family. What participation involves: Approx. 90-minute interview (via Zoom) about your experiences; A short demographic survey after the interview; Participants will receive a $25 gift card in appreciation of their time. Your participation is voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential. If you are interested, please email Ed Amanor (eamanor8@vt.edu) or complete the intake survey below to confirm your eligibility: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ioT33jhUcU8dWmm
Upcoming Events
16. 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.
17. SCIENCE ON TAP NEW RIVER VALLEY PRESENTS: SOIL SECRETS: WHAT’S HAPPENING BENEATH YOUR FEET
Thursday, January 22, 5:30pm, Rising Silo Brewery
Soil is alive—literally! There’s an entire hidden world beneath your feet powering the landscapes we depend on. Join Dr. Summer Thomas from the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and Caroline Wolcott, a Virginia Tech Ph.D. student, as they explore what makes underground systems thrive, how anyone can assess soil health (yes, even with your underwear), and why it all matters for farms, forests, and backyards. We’ll look at real samples, compare a “soil flight,” and dig into simple ways to discover what’s happening below the surface. https://communicatingscience.isce.vt.edu/css-events/upcoming-events/jan-2026-sot.html.
18. PUTTING DOWN ROOTS – MAKE A PLANT PROPAGATION STATION
Friday, January 23, 3:00-4:30pm, GLC Room B
Putting down roots in a place where you have moved to live means making new friends and joining in new activities there, so you feel it is your home. New and returning graduate students are invited to drop by and craft a plant propagation station with plant cuttings. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/PRxQHcDRf6.
19. ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT
Wednesday, January 28, 9am-4pm, Graduate Life Center
This series offers a variety of structured and flexible sessions to support your writing journey. Whether you’re seeking a structured writing period, a focused environment, or the freedom to drop in as needed, our offerings cater to diverse needs. From facilitated workshops and Pomodoro sessions to quiet, open writing spaces, this series allows you to develop skills, boost productivity, and bring your ideas to life. Embrace the chance to write, connect, and grow in a community dedicated to creative and academic excellence. For more information about the Writing Series visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/professional-development/professional-development-series.html. Register for the January 28th writing retreat here. https://forms.office.com/r/ztNWnucH17.
20. 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. 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.
21. THIS IS HOME: FINDING BELONGING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Friday, January 30, 12-1pm, GLC Room C
Join us for a luncheon focused on belonging and learning how to thrive right where you are. Our guest speaker is Melody Warnick, author of If You Could Live Anywhere and This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are.Discover practical, intentional ways to cultivate a sense of belonging in your community and your graduate experience. Registration is required for this event: https://forms.office.com/r/nRWgSXiVd8.
22. 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.