Posted on by lbarron

January 19-25, 2026

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: 

  1. NAIL SALON: WINTER WELCOME EDITION – Tuesday
  2. MEET CPD: CAREER RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS – Tuesday
  3. 30-MINUTE CAREER BOOST FOR GRAD STUDENTS: CAREER FAIR PREP – Wednesday
  4. GPSS SPRING WELCOME BACK – BREAKZONE TAKEOVER –  Wednesday
  5. CHI ALPHA GRAD CAFÉ – Thursday
  6. GLC CAFÉ – Thursday
  7. SCIENCE ON TAP NEW RIVER VALLEY PRESENTS: SOIL SECRETS: WHAT’S HAPPENING BENEATH YOUR FEET – Thursday
  8. WEEKS OF WELCOME FASHION SHOW – Thursday
  9. MEET CPD: CAREER RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS  – Friday
  10. PUTTING DOWN ROOTS – MAKE A PLANT PROPAGATION STATION  – Friday
  11. COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT | MELROSE PLAZA ROANOKE,VA – Saturday

Administrative Announcements:   

  1. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SPRING 2026 GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM – UP TO $500 AVAILABLE FOR CONFERENCE EXPENSES – 1st posting
  2. OFFICE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT – BREAK UP WITH YOUR SPACE HEATER – 1st posting
  1. LAST CHANCE – LEADERSHIP COURSES – SPRING SEMESTER – *REGISTER NOW* – 1st  posting (1/2)
  2. RESEARCH COMPUTING WORKSHOPS SPRING 2026 – 1st posting
  3. SUBSCRIBE TO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES RESEARCH SERVICES NEWSLETTER – 1st posting
  4. DCAP – ENTER TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO “CIRQUE MECHANICS” – 1st posting
  5. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT – 1st posting (1/1)
  6. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting (2/2)
  7. OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting 2/2
  8. UPCOMING CIRTL NETWORK EVENT SERIES EXPLORES TOPICS IN ACADEMIC HIRING AND CAREER PREPARATION – 2nd  posting
  9. FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT 365 WORKSHOPS FROM DIVISION OF IT – 2nd posting
  10. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FREE LIBRARY WORKSHOPS – 2nd posting

Jobs:

  1. STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
  2. ENERGY MANAGEMENT GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 2nd posting

Funding Opportunities:

  1. ALEXIS TAYLOR BREAUX FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY – DEADLINE: JANUARY 30 
  2. APPLY TO BE A FUTURE LEADER IN FOOD & AGRICULTURE (FFAR) FELLOW – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 22

Volunteers and research participants sought: 

  1. BACK AND TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN – 1st posting
  2. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN–MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 1st posting
  3. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ USE OF INSTANT MESSAGING GROUP CHATS – 2nd posting

Upcoming Events:    

  1. ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT –  January 28,
  2. 30-MINUTE CAREER BOOST FOR GRAD STUDENTS: CRAFTING ATS-FRIENDLY RESUMES – January 28
  3. ECE COLLOQUIUM – January 28
  4. REUS PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE STUDY – January 30
  5. THIS IS HOME: FINDING BELONGING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS –  January 30
  6. FRIDAY 15 WORKSHOP: RESUME WRITING – January 30
  7. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN –  February 5
  8. 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. NAIL SALON: WINTER WELCOME EDITION  
    Tuesday, January 20, 11am-2:00pm, APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
    Start the semester (and the new year) on a feel-good note! Swing by the APIDA + Center for a chill nail-care hangout where you can relax, practice a little self-care, and connect with new and familiar faces. Hosted with New Student and Family Programs, this event is all about recharging your mind, heart, and body—plus learning more about what the Center has to offer. Bring a friend, meet new ones, and enjoy light refreshments while you unwind! This event is open to all! For questions or accommodations contact Anthony Phan aphan25@vt.edu.

    2. MEET CPD: CAREER RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
    Tuesday, January 20, 2:00-2:30pm, Zoom
    This 30-minute session introduces you to Career and Professional Development (CPD) and the resources available to support your career development and job search. Register in Handshake: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1878654/share_preview

    3. 30-MINUTE CAREER BOOST FOR GRAD STUDENTS: CAREER FAIR PREP
    Wednesday, January 21, 12:30-1pm, Zoom
    Spring career fairs start February 3rd—are you ready to stand out? This workshop gives you the essentials: how to research employers, craft your pitch, and make a confident first impression. Get the key strategies you need to navigate career fairs like a pro. Register at: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1878807/share_preview

    4. 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

    5. CHI ALPHA GRAD CAFÉ
    Thursday, January 22, 12-2pm, GLC Meeting Room C
    Take a break and join Chi Alpha for free coffee and games! ☕🎲
    It’s a laid-back space to unwind, recharge, and connect with other graduate students—no pressure, just good conversation and fun. Come as you are, bring a friend, and stay as long (or as short) as you’d like!
    For more information or accommodations, contact Victor Lopez Lopezvic924@vt.edu.

    6.  GLC CAFÉ
    Thursday, January 22, 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).

    7. 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

    8. WEEKS OF WELCOME FASHION SHOW
    Thursday, January 22, 6-8pm, Commonwealth Ballroom
    Join the Cultural and Community Centers (CCCs) on January 22, 2024 (6 – 8pm) in the Commonwealth Ballroom for an evening of fashion, fun, and community! Student models will be showing off their favorite streetwear, cultural garb, and formalwear. All are encouraged to participate! Sign up to walk in the show through the link! Attendees will learn about each of the six cultural centers, their affiliated student organizations, upcoming events, and resources! This is also a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and welcome new members of the Hokie community at this event. There will be swag, giveaways, food, music, and more! https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/event/11953522

    9. MEET CPD: CAREER RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
    Friday, January 23, 12:00-12:30pm, Zoom
    This 30-minute session introduces you to Career and Professional Development (CPD) and the resources available to support your career development and job search. Register in Handshake: Register in Handshake: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1878665/share_preview

    10.  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

    11. COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT | MELROSE PLAZA ROANOKE,VA
    Saturday, January 24, 7am-5pm, Melrose Plaza, Roanoke, VA
    Community Service Event to support home insecure youth in Roanoke City. We invite you to join us We invite you to join us on Saturday, January 24thfor this enrichment activity connected to service, learning, and building community. We are providing transportation to those that need it, and seating is limited, so please help us by signing up, and we can plan accordingly.  We will be leaving at 7:30am and returning at 5:00

    Administrative Announcements   

    12. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SPRING 2026 GPSS TRAVEL FUND PROGRAM – UP TO $500 AVAILABLE FOR CONFERENCE EXPENSES – 1st posting
    Graduate students presenting research conducted at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply for the Spring 2026 Travel Fund Program! Grants may cover registration, lodging, meals, abstract fees and other costs of presenting at an in-person or virtual conference with a start date from April 1-June 30. Students from all disciplines are invited to apply, even if your conference abstract has not been officially accepted. Applications due February 16th at 11:59 PM. Please e-mail Megan Grey at greym@vt.edu with any questions, and visit https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/tfp.html for full details and instructions.

    13. OFFICE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT – BREAK UP WITH YOUR SPACE HEATER – 1st posting
    The Division of Facilities Office of Energy Management invites the Virginia Tech community to “break up” with their space heaters. Space heaters use substantial amounts of electricity and pose a fire risk when they are left unattended! Break Up with Your Space Heater encourages Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students to stop using space heaters and utilize more sustainable forms of heat such as a blanket, scarf, hand warmers, and more.   The program will run from January 20 to February 27. On February 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., turn in your space heater to the Office of Energy Management, in Squires Student Center Information Booth B.  Space heaters can be traded in for an alternative form of heat and will be donated to the New River Valley Women’s Resource Center and New River Community Action.   For questions or more information, please contact the Office of Energy Management at energymanagement-g@vt.edu or call (540) 231-7834.  

    14. LAST CHANCE – LEADERSHIP COURSES – SPRING SEMESTER – *REGISTER NOW* – 1st  posting (1/2)
    The following Leadership courses are available for ALL graduate Students in Spring 2026: LDRS 4514 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders (CRN 17221), Learn the skills to lead complex nonprofit organizations successfully; LDRS 5454 Leadership Diverse Contexts (CRN 17227), Understand the theories behind leadership to become world-class leader; LDRS 5544 Leading Teams through Change (CRN 21526), Know how to develop teams and implement leadership strategies for driving community change; Questions? Contact Dr Jerald Walz at jhwalz@vt.edu.

    15. RESEARCH COMPUTING WORKSHOPS SPRING 2026 – 1st posting
    Advanced Research Computing (ARC) is offering a series of high-performance computing workshops designed to help users of all experience levels enhance their skills in high-performance and data-intensive computing for use in research, teaching, and learning. Sessions are open to all graduate students as well as faculty, and include topics ranging from introductory computing concepts to advanced technique. Weekly workshops are held via Zoom, on Fridays at 12 noon, starting Jan. 23. There’s also a Spring Break Boot Camp for a deeper dive into HPC topics. See schedule & registration info here: https://news.vt.edu/notices/it/2026/01/arc-spring-research-computing-workshops.html

    16. SUBSCRIBE TO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES RESEARCH SERVICES NEWSLETTER – 1st posting
    Learn about research resources, workshops, and services available to you from University Libraries. Subscribe today! https://t.send.vt.edu/lp/ulrs-subscribe

    17. DCAP – ENTER TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO “CIRQUE MECHANICS” – 1st posting
    Cirque Mechanics returns to Blacksburg with Tilt, an inventive new adventure set in the backlot of a fantastic theme park. Amid roller coasters and Ferris wheel lights, discover the characters who keep the thrills alive through astonishing feats of strength, balance, and daring. Praised by The New York Times as “intelligently conceived and expertly executed,” this performance celebrates American ingenuity with soaring acrobatics and spectacular staging. Limited tickets are available exclusively for graduate students, with special EXTRA tickets for your children. This event takes place on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026, 7:30 PM at Center for the Arts, 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg. Students with a valid VT ID (Hokie Passport) who are randomly selected will receive information about the ticket pick-up location. Only one entry per student per performance. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu. Register for a chance to win a free ticket at: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/cirque

    18. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT – 1st posting (1/1)
    Connections that Count: Intro to the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE). The SVPE mission is to promote a culture of respect and safety at Virginia Tech by cultivating healthy and supportive relationships on an individual and collective level. Ways you can connect with us: 

    • Interactive workshops for organizations and departments on topics related to healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and bystander intervention 
    • Follow us on Instagram: @SVPE_VT 
    • Email svpe@vt.edu for more information 
      Be on the lookout for events throughout the semester!

    19.  GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS – NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 –  2nd posting (2/2)
    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.

    20. OUTSTANDING ADVISING/MENTORING AWARD FOR A/P FACULTY/STAFF – DUE JANUARY 23, 2026 – 2nd posting (2/2)
    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.

    21. UPCOMING CIRTL NETWORK EVENT SERIES EXPLORES TOPICS IN ACADEMIC HIRING AND CAREER PREPARATION – 2nd  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.

    22. FREE ONLINE MICROSOFT 365 WORKSHOPS FROM DIVISION OF IT – 2nd 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

    23. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FREE LIBRARY WORKSHOPS – 2nd 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   

    24. STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 1st posting
    Responsibilities: Train, mentor, supervise peer educators: Plan/support events and programming; Represent the SSC at university events; Assist with marketing; Analyze/communicate Center data; Attend meetings and trainings, present seminars. 
    Required Qualifications: Maintain regular weekly office hours – Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., occasional evening /weekend hours may be required; Excellent oral/written communication skills; Organized and effectively manage time; Strong initiative and ability to work independently;  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support team members. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working and communicating effectively with undergrads; Understanding of college students’ academic development and needs; Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word; Familiarity with Navigate, Banner Time Entry, Canvas, SharePoint, Canva, and GroupMe. Experience tutoring, teaching, peer education; Excellent public speaking skills; Social media content creation, account management, or marketing plans; Data analysis or visualizations. For more information about the Student Success Center (SSC)  in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, visit: www.studentsuccess.vt.edu. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to studentsuccess@vt.edu.

    25. ENERGY MANAGEMENT GRADUATE ASSISTANT – 2nd 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:

    26. 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.

    27. APPLY TO BE A FUTURE LEADER FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE (FFAR) FELLOW – DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 22 & APRIL 15
    Two fellowship categories are available in 2026: Stipend plus Professional Development and Professional Development only. Applications for the Stipend plus Professional Development category are due February 22, with acceptance notifications sent by March 15. Applications for the Professional Development category are due April 15, with notifications sent by May 15. Students from any U.S. or Canadian university may apply for either category. Funding is provided through equal matching sponsorship between FFAR and non-federal partners, including industry, NGOs, commodity organizations, or other approved sources. Sponsorships may be combined to meet required totals. The three-year match requirement is $97,500 for stipend fellows and $15,000 for professional development fellows. In-kind support is not permitted. Applicants must secure committed sponsors before submitting a full application. Stipend applicants must have at least 50 percent of funds from a non-academic sponsor. Professional Development applicants are encouraged, but not required, to have non-academic support. https://ffarfellows.org/apply/

    Volunteers and Research Participants Sought    

    28. BACK AND TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN – 1st posting
    Our research team is recruiting participants with and without low back pain for a study involving ultrasound imaging of the thoracolumbar fascia (a soft-tissue covering over the top of your muscles) and treatment of low back pain. We are looking for individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 with a BMI under 30, no history of spinal surgery within the past year, and cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding. Some participants may see improvement in pain relief, range of motion, and general body function if enrolled in a treatment group. Some compensation will be provided to participants at study completion. https://wanglab.beam.vt.edu/content/dam/wanglab_beam_vt_edu/2025%20TLF%20Flyer%20v6%205-12-25%20Final%20Stamped.pdf

    29. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN–MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 1st posting
    This Virginia Tech study (VT IRB # 17-860) aims to uncover what events occur in the brain during sleep that help facilitate the learning of a new task. To meet this goal, we utilize a number of physiological recordings in the lab, such as EEG, EMG, and EOG recordings. The Brain-machine interface learning translates neural data into commands to control external software or hardwire, like controlling a moving ball on a computer screen with your thoughts. Participants who are assigned to the experimental group must sleep in the lab, either by taking a nap or by sleeping overnight. If you are assigned to the control group, you will watch a documentary during nap. Total study time is approximately 11 hours for overnights or 5 hours for naps. Participants should have washed and dried hair (without using conditioner) prior to the study. No other hair products should have been used. Participant qualifications: People between 18 and 65 years with no history of significant chronic neurological disease, diabetic problems, severe mental illness, or any DSM-IV axis I disorders, and no hearing or sleep disorders. Compensation is $50 (overnight) or $25 (nap) cash upon completion of the study. For more information email: ndnestudies@gmail.com.

    30. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ USE OF INSTANT MESSAGING GROUP CHATS – 2nd 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_5ioT33jhUcU8dWm

    Upcoming Events   

    31. ALL-DAY WRITING RETREAT
    Wednesday, January 28, 9am-4pm, Graduate Life Center, Blacksburg & virtually or in-person at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington. 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 in Blacksburg here. https://forms.office.com/r/ztNWnucH17 Register to participate virtually or in-person at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington. If you wish to participate in-person in Arlington, please email dcgradschool@vt.edu, and indicate your interest. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided to in-person participants.

    32. 30-MINUTE CAREER BOOST FOR GRAD STUDENTS: CRAFTING ATS-FRIENDLY RESUMES
    Wednesday, January 28, 12:30-1:00pm, Zoom
    Stand out in your job search with a resume built for today’s hiring process. This workshop covers the essentials: crafting an effective resume that gets past Applicant Tracking Systems, highlighting your graduate experience, and using generative AI tools to strengthen your writing. Get practical tips you can apply right away to stand out in your job search. Register at: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1878810/share_preview

    33. ECE COLLOQUIUM
    Wednesday, January 28, 4 Hybrid, Academic Building One, 3625 Potomac Ave, Alexandria, Virginia
    Our colloquium series is held once a week in Alexandria, VA for faculty, students, and guests.All colloquiums are held in-person at Virginia Tech Academic Building One with a Zoom option.
    Jan. 28: Phil Vansant ’05, Dominion Energy (ECE)
    Rolling the DICE in a Digital Age
    As Dominion Energy Virginia’s service territory experiences growing demand from increased load and generation interconnections, the need for new substations has never been greater. To meet this challenge, Dominion Energy is reimagining how substations are engineered, fabricated, and tested to create a repeatable, standardized design based on IEC 61850. This approach centers on the Drop-In Control Enclosure (DICE), a fully digital solution that streamlines deployment with a first-of-its-kind facility. Registration: https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/tech-talks-2026

    34.  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.

    35. 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

    36. FRIDAY 15 WORKSHOP: RESUME WRITING
    Friday, January 30, 1:30-1:45pm, Zoom
    This quick 15-minute session delivers top tips for highlighting your graduate experience and getting past ATS. Register at: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1878850/share_preview

    37. LUNCH WITH THE DEAN
    Thursday, February 5, 12:00-1:00pm, GLC room C
    Please join Dr. Aimee Surprenant, Dean of the Graduate School for a casual lunch from Roots Natural Kitchen and conversation about the graduate school journey. New and returning graduate students are welcome! Spots are limited and food has to be ordered so please only sign up if you can attend. Register here! https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjepevaFUBOatNi_cyklXTkCBUMUM2MDMwUlE1UFNXQTdRNjBRMzk4WTJWOS4u

    38. 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