0. Ongoing Services – updated June 2026
This Week’s Events:
- NSPIRE LECTURE SERIES – Monday
- WRITING SUCCESSFUL STUDENT-INITIATED PROPOSALS – Monday
- FREE WORKSHOP: GETTING STARTED WITH MENDELEY – Monday
- COLLEGE OF SCIENCE NIGHT AT APIDA + CENTER -Monday
- PROGRAMMING WITH PYTHON – Tuesday
- MENTORING FROM THE MIDDLE SERIES – Tuesday
- FREE WORKSHOP: LITERATURE REVIEWS & DATABASE SEARCHING FOR ANIMAL & LIFE SCIENCES – Tuesday
- LANDING A FACULTY JOB: WHAT GRADUATE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW – Wednesday
- MASTER YOUR FUTURE SERIES – Wednesday
- WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO ? – Wednesday
- RESEARCH COMPUTING WORKSHOPS FALL 2026 – Wednesday & Friday
- KIDS’ NIGHT OUT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 6:30-8PM – Wednesday
- GLC CAFÉ – Thursday
- JOB SEARCH STRATEGY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Thursday
- THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING WATER – Thursday
- BUDDYSWAP – Friday
- ISIDORE STRING QUARTET – Friday
- POST-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION WITH ISIDORE STRING QUARTET – Friday
Administrative Announcements: - FALL DOCTORAL REGALIA ORDER INFORMATION AND PROMO CODE – 1st posting
- LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN DONATIONS NEEDED – 1st posting
- GLC ART AND PHOTO DISPLAY – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – 1st posting
- GRADUATE SCHOOL SEEKING GRADUATE STUDENT TOUR GUIDES – 1st posting
- ABSTRACTS INVITED FOR 2027 WILLIAM & MARY GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
- DCAP – ENTER TO WIN A FREE TICKET TO “GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS” – 1st posting
- CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT – 1st posting
- NUTSHELL GAMES REGISTRATION IS OPEN SEPT. 14TH – 2nd posting
- 2027 ARPA-E ENERGY INNOVATION SUMMIT STUDENT PROGRAM – 2nd posting
- DCAP – ENTER TO WIN A FREE TICKET TO “ISIDORE STRING QUARTET” – 3rd posting
Jobs
- HOURLY WAGE POSITION FOR GLC BUILDING MANAGER – 2nd posting
Funding Opportunities: - U.S. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINES: October 16-23 depending on discipline
Volunteers and research participants sought: - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TASTE MAC & CHEESE AND PENNE PASTA! – 1st posting (1/2)
- BRAINY STUDY—BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL RESEARCH ON ATTENTION AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA IN YOUNG CHILDREN – 1st posting
- PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ROBOT EMOTION EXPRESSION STUDY – 1st posting
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CIDER AROMA TEST – 2nd posting
- DETECTIVE IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 2nd posting
- GRADUATE STUDENT HEALTH & WELL-BEING SURVEY | CHANCE TO WIN VT SWAG – 2nd posting
Upcoming Events: - FREE WORKSHOP: GETTING STARTED WITH ENDNOTE – September 28
- MOCKTAIL MONDAY: NETWORKING SKILLS – September 28
- NAVIGATING IMPOSTER FEARS – September 29
- POP INTO PREVENTION – September 29
- HOW GRADUATE STUDENTS CAN GET A JOB WITHOUT APPLYING TO 300 POSITIONS – September 30
- SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND BEYOND: AN INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS – October 1
- OPEN QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS WITH QUALCODER – October 1
- LAUNCH PAD MINI SYMPOSIUM – October 1
- WRITING RETREAT SERIES: OCTOBER 7th
- PURSUING A POSTDOC PROACTIVELY 2026 – October 7
- AI-ENHANCED COLLABORATIVE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH WITH ATLAS.TI – October 8
- WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION- October 12
- EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: WRITING A PROTOCOL – October 15
- HOKIE -RUN MUSIC FESTIVAL- October 17
- POWER SEARCHING: TRICKS & TOOLS FOR ADVANCED LITERATURE SEARCHING – November 4
- EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: DATA EXTRACTION – November 11
- EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: RISK OF BIAS ASSESSMENT IN SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS – November 18
0. Ongoing Services – Updated August 17, 2026
- 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. NSPIRE LECTURE SERIES
Monday, September 21, 9:30am-3:30pm,Virtual location
The Notable Scholars Promoting Innovative Research and Ethics (NSPIRE) lecture series offers training on ethical decision-making and the responsible conduct of research. Events are open to all Virginia Tech community members interested in research integrity and ethical scholarship. Sessions count toward the eight-hour, in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirement for certain federal awards The series encompasses a peer-to-peer learning format where notable Virginia Tech scholars share their work and the ethical decisions they face in their research journey. The sessions are beneficial to attendees as they engage with scholars who demonstrate high-quality research practices, adhere to policies and regulations, and practice thoughtful, ethical decision-making. https://www.research.vt.edu/sirc/ricp/training/nspire.html
2. WRITING SUCCESSFUL STUDENT-INITIATED PROPOSALS
Monday, September 21, 10am-12:20pm, Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room
Description: All graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and anyone else interested in strengthening their research proposal skills are encouraged to attend this workshop. Presenters will share practical tips, resources, and strategies for writing competitive proposals and improving your chances of securing funding. The session will cover approaches to developing strong, well-structured proposals, along with an overview of university resources available to support proposal writing and submission. Breakout sessions will offer more targeted guidance on proposal development for NIH, NSF, USDA, NEA, and others. This is an in-person event, open to all interested participants. Lunch will be provided (please bring your own bottle or beverage). Register here: https://gs.vt.edu/proposals. Questions? Contact jhazelwood4@vt.edu.
3. FREE WORKSHOP: GETTING STARTED WITH MENDELEY
Monday, September 21, 4-5pm, Zoom
Mendeley is a free, easy-to-use citation manager that can help researchers save time and frustration. In this interactive workshop, you will learn the basics of Mendeley, including adding references to your library, organizing your library, and using Mendeley to cite references within a document. To get the most out of the session, you should have Mendeley downloaded to your computer already. Information on how to download the software is available at guides.lib.vt.edu/citationmanagers/Mendeley.
https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17221254
4. COLLEGE OF SCIENCE NIGHT AT APIDA + CENTER
Monday, September 21, 6-7pm, APIDA+ center
Join us for a College of Science Networking Night designed for students who are currently part of, or interested in learning more about, the College of Science. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with faculty members and College of Science ambassadors, learn more about academic programs and opportunities, ask questions, and build meaningful connections within the college community.
5. PROGRAMMING WITH PYTHON
Tuesday, September 22, 2-5pm, ZoomThis hands-on, participatory workshop focuses on foundational programming tools for simplifying, clarifying, and scaling data analysis for real-world applications in Python: loops, functions, and conditional tests. Attendees will practice creating reproducible pipelines to analyze and visualize data stored in multiple files. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17570798.
6. MENTORING FROM THE MIDDLE SERIES
Tuesday, September 22, 12-1pm, Virtual
Mentoring From the Middle is a three-part workshop series designed for doctoral students and postdocs. The series provides practical strategies for building productive mentoring relationships, supporting learning, and addressing problems before they become unmanageable. The goal is to help you find balance between being a supportive mentor and protecting your own time, research, and professional development. https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2081434
7. FREE WORKSHOP: LITERATURE REVIEWS & DATABASE SEARCHING FOR ANIMAL & LIFE SCIENCES
Tuesday, September 22, 3:30-4:45pm, Zoom
You’ve been assigned to write a literature review…but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this interactive workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to identify the type of literature review to be conducted, find relevant databases to search in the life sciences, and create effective search strategies. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17221292
8. LANDING A FACULTY JOB: WHAT GRADUATE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW
Wednesday, September 23, 12:30-1:00pm & Thursday, September 24, 5:30pm, Zoom
This 30-minute workshop covers how to structure your CV for faculty and research positions, plus essential strategies for the academic job search process. You’ll get practical tips and examples to help you present your experience effectively and approach your search with confidence. A repeat of this workshop is also offered on Thursday, September 24th at 5:30.
Zoom link for Wednesday, September 23, 12:30-1:00pm https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1980443/share_preview (Wednesday)
https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1980444/share_preview (Thursday)
9. MASTER YOUR FUTURE SERIES
Wednesday, September 23, 1-2pm, recurs monthly until November, Zoom
Graduate students are invited to participate in the 2026 Master Your Future Series, a virtual professional development series focused on building skills, expanding networks, and preparing for future career success.
Upcoming sessions:
• Sept. 23, 1–2 p.m. ET — The Evolving Landscape of Graduate Student Mentoring
• Oct. 22, 12–1 p.m. ET — Demystifying Writing
• Nov. 12, 12–1 p.m. ET — The Machine Cannot Dream: Research, Storytelling, and the Future of Graduate Work in the Age of AI
All are welcome. Questions? Contact Dr. Trey Waller at trwaller@vt.edu. We hope you’ll join us and encourage others who may be interested to attend!
https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/mKfAqOQvRtm5_pqXPZnpgA#/registration
10. WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO? FREE PIZZA!
Wednesday, September 23, 4-5pm, GLC Room C
If you’re a new graduate student who has asked yourself this question, the Graduate School wants you to know that you are not alone! As the realities of graduate education set in; classes, advisor expectations, assistantship duties, challenges with research or maybe feeling homesick, you may wonder just exactly what you have gotten yourself into! Join us for pizza and meet fellow graduate students new and returning, to talk about this exciting – and often overwhelming – life adventure. This event will kick off our Wellness Wednesday series. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Y5V6VWt725
11. RESEARCH COMPUTING WORKSHOPS FALL 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 4-5pm & Friday, 9/25, 12-1pm, Zoom
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 and undergraduate students as well as faculty and staff, and include topics ranging from introductory computing concepts to advanced techniques. There are two workshops each week between Sept. 2 and Oct. 23, 2026. Find the complete list and Zoom links here: https://docs.arc.vt.edu/usage/workshops.html#workshops
12. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 6:30-8PM
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30-8pm, 206 Washington Street
We are moving to WEDNESDAY nights!
Kids’ Night Out Returns! Free childcare on Wednesday evenings at the VT Women’s Center. Drop your child off for an evening of playtime and fun with our volunteer sitters, Kids enjoy toys, games, snacks, and maybe a movie! Sign up in advance at the link below, spaces are limited, and children must be toilet trained. See sign up form for more info. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AAAAC28A31-66024294-kids
13. GLC CAFÉ
Wednesday, September 23 & Thursday, September 24, 3:30-4pm 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.
14. JOB SEARCH STRATEGY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Thursday, September 24, 4-5pm, Zoom
This workshop introduces well-established processes for positioning yourself to execute a focused and successful US-based job search. Take away a four-step framework to optimize your job search game plan and effectively network to get your foot in the door. IN this webinar, you will learn how to:
Efficiently target companies that sponsor H-1B visas and hire international students
Learn to cultivate and use professional connections through strategic networking and informational interviews. Leverage your story, skills, expertise, your university network, and brand to achieve your career and life goals. Practice how to use your cultural diversity as an advantage and effectively convey your story to hiring managers
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RXaBky25QMSzoMOANMALPw#/registration
15. THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING WATER
Thursday, September 24, 5:30-6:30pm, Rising Silo Brewery
Where does our water go when drought strikes? When reservoirs shrink and groundwater disappears beneath our feet, how can we know what is happening to the water we can’t see? Join geoscientist Esther Oyedele for an interactive journey into the hidden world of water. Discover how scientists use satellites, groundwater observations, and even subtle movements of the Earth’s surface to track changes in our water supply. Then, become a Water Detective yourself! Work with others to follow the clues, test your scientific instincts, and solve the mystery of the disappearing water.
16. BUDDYSWAP
Friday, September 25, 5-7pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
Connect. Chat. Belong. BuddySwap is a fun and easy way to meet new people and connect with the campus community. Join us for FREE food, fun crafts, and new connections! This event is a collaboration between the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE), the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), Student Engagement and Campus Life (SECL). If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation, please contact svpe@vt.edu.
17. ISIDORE STRING QUARTET
Friday, September 25, 7:30-9:05pm, Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
The youthful Isidore String Quartet brings the lyrical charm of Frank Bridge, sharp contrasts of Britten, and emotional power of Beethoven. https://artscenter.vt.edu/performances/isidore-string-quartet.html
18. POST-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION WITH ISIDORE STRING QUARTET
Friday, September 25, 9:10pm,Center for the Arts at Virginia TechFollowing the performance, participate in a free discussion with the members of Isidore String Quartet. https://artscenter.vt.edu/experiences/isidore-string-qa.html
19. FALL DOCTORAL REGALIA ORDER INFORMATION AND PROMO CODE – 1st posting
Save 20% on doctoral academic regalia when you order online by October 15. Doctoral candidates and faculty members are welcome to order. Order online at https://academicregalia.herffjones.com/category/detail/categoryID/29603 and use promo code: FALL20%. For assistance with your order, contact John Shewmaker at virginiagrad@herffjones.com. John will be on the Blacksburg campus on October 6 and 7 at the Hokie Shop grad fair for individuals who would like to get measured for their regalia. https://alumni.vt.edu/young-alumni/grad-fair1.html
20. LITTLE HOKIE HAND-ME-DOWN DONATIONS NEEDED – 1st posting
Little Hokie Hand-me-down is a program designed for the benefit of Virginia Tech graduate students and staff families. The event will be held in November, but in order to make this event successful, donations of unused/ gently used children items for ages 0-10 are needed. Accepted items include clothing, baby gear, feeding supplies, grooming supplies, books, and more. Donations can be dropped off at the Graduate Life Center information desk or at 206 Washington Street SW, Blacksburg. This event is sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Senate, Women’s Community Center and the Graduate School. More information about accepted items and the event in November can be found here: https://gpss.vt.edu/events/little-hokie-handmedown.html
21. GLC ART AND PHOTO CONTEST – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – 1st posting
The Graduate School invites submissions of artwork and photography by graduate students for the beautification of the building during the fall semester and beyond. The theme for Fall 2026 is “Connections”. Connections shape our experiences and link us to people, places, ideas, cultures, communities, and the world around us. Share the relationships, interactions, and moments that bring meaning to your life. Entries may depict human connections, connections to place and community, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural heritage, personal growth, or whatever makes you feel connected. Whether your work captures a fleeting moment, tells a personal story, or offers an abstract interpretation, we encourage you to share your unique perspective on what it means to connect. Submissions are limited to three pieces (art and/or photography) per graduate student. More information and entry form can be found here: https://graduatelifecenter.vt.edu/Programs/glc-art-and-photo-contest.html. Deadline is October 9, 2026, at 11:59pm
22. GRADUATE SCHOOL SEEKING GRADUATE STUDENT TOUR GUIDES – 1st posting
Graduate School is seeking graduate students to serve as tour guides to prospective graduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants must have strong communication skills, an eagerness to share VT with others, familiarity with campus locations, and a willingness to conduct 3 tours per semester. Tours are typically 1 hour. Applicants must also have a current, valid driver’s license, though walking tours will also be offered. Tour guides will receive training and a small stipend at the end of the semester. Please complete the application form below if you are interested in applying for a graduate student tour guide position with the Graduate School. Interviews for these positions will take place in October, 2026. We will notify selected candidates via VT email.
Application link; https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ntmyC2DLzY.
If you have any questions, please email akefenie@vt.edu .
23. ABSTRACTS INVITED FOR 2027 WILLIAM & MARY GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM – 1st posting
Join fellow graduate students from across the country to showcase your research at William & Mary’s Graduate Research Symposium, February 25-26, 2027. The event welcomes master’s and doctoral scholars in the humanities, humanistic social sciences, and natural, physical, and computational sciences. The Symposium is a great way to share your work, get feedback, and connect with peers from different fields. Interested in presenting? Use the Abstract Submission Portal to send an abstract for a talk or poster by November 5, 2026,11:59pm for consideration. There are no registration fees. If your abstract is accepted, you’ll also have the chance to submit a paper to compete for awards recognizing excellence in research in the Visiting Scholars category. Questions may be directed to grs@wm.edu. For more information https://www.wm.edu/offices/graduate-center/graduate-symposium/upcoming/
24. DCAP – ENTER TO WIN A FREE TICKET TO “GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS” – 1st posting
The Dean’s Cultural Awareness Program (DCAP) invites graduate students to enter for a chance to win a free ticket to “Gravity & Other Myths,” a world-renowned contemporary circus performance featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics, high-energy storytelling, and playful, gravity-defying feats that push physical limits to deliver an unforgettable performance for audiences of all ages. Limited tickets are available exclusively for graduate students. This event takes place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:30 PM, at the Center for the Arts, 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg. Students with a valid VT ID who are randomly selected will receive information about the ticket pick-up location. Each student may enter only once per performance, with 1-2 EXTRA tickets for children. If you have questions, please email grads@vt.edu. Register for a chance to win a free ticket at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/DewHP4SyS9
25. CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT: MEETING NEW FRIENDS :– 1st posting (1/1)
Brought to you by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE)
Meeting new people can be an exciting part of graduate school. Forming new relationships can help you feel connected to your program and the larger Virginia Tech community. There are many different ways that you can meet new people. Unsure how to make friends? Start the conversation by talking to the people in your program or starting a study group. You can find things to do by looking on Gobbler Connect or the Graduate School’s Listserv. Check out Speed Friending on Friday, September 25 for a chance to meet your fellow graduate students.
26. NUTSHELL GAMES REGISTRATION IS OPEN SEPT. 14TH – 2nd posting
Attention all graduate researchers! Do you want to share your work with the world? Do you want an opportunity to win $500? Registration is open for the Nutshell Games, the fun and fast-paced presentation competition hosted by the Center for Communicating Science. The Games will take place on Sat. November 7th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, with a preparatory workshop on Mon. October 12th, 5-8 p.m. After finishing their 90-second talks about their research “in a nutshell,” five winners will be selected to receive $500 for the winner’s use in program-sanctioned research costs. Each participant will have a professionally recorded video of their presentation. We can only accommodate 30 talks, so register soon! Click the link here to sign up. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZcQ6srfeGpJQ0L1BF08TPUDN5evFdE5Lq-CRq93cm6yggMw/viewform?usp=dialog
27. 2027 ARPA-E ENERGY INNOVATION SUMMIT STUDENT PROGRAM – 2nd posting
Student Program at the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) 2027 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit. The Summit will be held April 26-28, 2027, at the Gaylord Palms near Orlando, Florida. The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit is where innovators transform breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions to drive the development of reliable, affordable, secure American-made energy for all. The Summit’s Student Program is for the next generation of energy entrepreneurs and researchers who want to accelerate American Vision to American Venture.This competitive program includes graduate-level students from universities across the country. Selected students receive: Individualized panel sessions and programming; Access to industry recruiters looking to hire talented energy professionals; and The opportunity to pitch your research at the Student PITCHES Competition. More information about the Student Program can be found here: https://www.arpae-summit.com/Students/Student-Program. The application deadline is January 8, 2027.
28. DCAP – ENTER TO WIN A FREE TICKET TO “ISIDORE STRING QUARTET” – 3rd posting
Exciting opportunity for graduate students! The Dean’s Cultural Awareness Program (D-CAP) provides graduate students with tickets for performances at the Center for the Arts. Immerse yourself in world-class music with the Isidore String Quartet! Winners of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, this dynamic ensemble brings a vibrant, fresh energy to classical masterpieces by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and more. Approaching music as a collaborative “playground,” transforming timeless chamber works into an intimate, high-energy experience you won’t want to miss.
This event takes place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Students with a valid VT ID 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/ISIDORE
Jobs
29. HOURLY WAGE POSITION FOR GLC BUILDING MANAGER – 1st posting
Building Managers oversee daily operations of the GLC by monitoring service, safety, and security of this space created for graduate students. Duties include walking rounds, responding to issues, and completing reports, in addition to the facilitation of the co-curricular and administrative programs of the student center services and their events. GLC building managers are directly responsible for event management bookings as well as opening & closing of the building. Building managers must possess strong communication and customer service skills, along with the ability to move event equipment (tables and chairs). Currently we are looking for flexible staff members that are willing to work at least two shifts a week (10 to 12 hours) and have weekend availability. Building managers are paid $15.75/hr. To apply, please email your work history resume and current class schedule to Steve Buchner (satlbuch@vt.edu).
Funding Opportunities:
30. U.S. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM – DEADLINES: between October 16-23, 2026 depending on discipline
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) aims to recruit promising individuals to pursue graduate study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Program Benefits
- Financial support for three years (within a five-year period)
- Stipend: $37,000
- Cost of Education allowance payment in lieu of all tuition and mandatory fees: $16,000 per year (paid to the institution)
- No service requirement after completion of the fellowship
This month, the Program will host webinars and office hours providing information about the GRFP, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, tips for preparing the application, and details on to become a GRFP reviewer, expectations and responsibilities, and much more. Check out the full schedule and register today: https://www.nsf.gov/events?query=grfp&sort=date_ASC! If you are interested in attending, please register as soon as possible. Registration spots may be limited. During registration, you will have the option to submit questions to the panelists prior to the event.
Volunteers and Research Participants Sought
31. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TASTE MAC & CHEESE AND PENNE PASTA! – 1st posting (1/2)
The VT Sensory Evaluation Lab (VT SEL) is conducting taste tests on MAC & CHEESE and PENNE PASTA, and we need your help! The tests will be conducted September 29-October 2 from 9am-5pm. Participants will be asked to taste mac & cheese and penne pasta samples in two 25-minute sessions. Participants will receive two $10 gift cards as compensation, will be offered a snack after their sessions, and can enjoy the experience of tasting pasta samples. The taste tests will be held at the Sensory Evaluation Lab, Room 205, HABB1 Building, Virginia Tech (1230 Washington St SW). FREE PARKING FOR STUDY PARTICIPANTS! Registration Required! Participant qualifications: We are recruiting volunteers who are: 18 years or older; Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding; Have no known food allergies or sensitivities to: Chickpeas, fava/faba beans, lupini beans, wheat, dairy (milk), pea starch, tapioca, xanthan gum Interested in tasting several samples of MAC & CHEESE and PENNE PASTA. If you are interested in participating, please use the link below to take the screener survey and express your interest; you will receive an additional email to sign up for timeslots if you qualify for the studies: https://bit.ly/4AbH0nn. For more information, contact Jeri Smith at jkost07@vt.edu.
32. BRAINY STUDY—BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL RESEARCH ON ATTENTION AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA IN YOUNG CHILDREN – 1st posting
We are looking for 3-year-old children who speak English and their parents to participate in the BRAINY Study—Behavioral and Neural Research on Attention and Interactive Media in Young Children (IRB #25-611). Study participation involves three 60-minute visits to our lab on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. Participants will be compensated with a $90 USD electronic gift card upon completion of the visits and the online survey. For each completed session, compensation will be provided as follows: Session 1: $20, Session 2: $30, and Session 3: $40.Details are below. Fill out this interest form to learn more: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AOqTpfS68UDlXM
33. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR ROBOT EMOTION EXPRESSION STUDY – 1st posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to investigate how multimodal emotional expressions in a humanoid robot influence emotion perception. (IRB # 26-465) This study will take up to 45 minutes. Compensation $10
During the study, you will:
– Observe a humanoid robot (Milo) deliver neutral sentences with different emotional expressions
– Complete emotion recognition and rating measures after each trial
– Complete questionnaires about your perceptions of the robot after each condition block & answer short questionnaire
Eligibility requirements:
– 18 years or older
– Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
– Fluent in English
– No conditions that significantly influence attention or sensory perception
Screening/Interest Form: https://forms.gle/wZ5gVb3Lscvu1iLs6
34. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CIDER AROMA TEST – 2nd posting
The Department of Food Science and Technology’s VT Sensory Evaluation Lab (SEL) is conducting a sensory analysis study on aroma of apple hard cider and needs your help! This will be a two-session study, which may take up to 30- min each, to complete. The results of this study will benefit apple and cider producers in Virginia and beyond. The test will be conducted on September 23rd and 24th from 9am-5pm. No registration needed. Where: Sensory Evaluation Lab, Room 205, HABB1 Building, Virginia Tech (1230 Washington St SW). FREE PARKING FOR STUDY PARTICIPANTS!
This study has been approved, as required, by the Institutional Review Board of Virginia Tech under protocol #26-499. You must be 21 years or older to participate in this study. Please bring government-issued photo ID with your birthdate to verify age. You should not participate in this study if you are allergic to apples and/ or hard cider. This study is for you if you have previously consumed alcoholic beverages. You must be willing to smell apple hard cider. There is no monetary compensation, but participants will receive a snack after the session and gain experience in sensory evaluation techniques.
35. DETECTIVE IN VIRTUAL REALITY – 3rd posting
The 3D Interaction (3DI) group is inviting you to participate in a research study with Meta Quest Pro. Our team is investigating ways to enhance asynchronous collaborative sensemaking activities, such as intelligence analysis with immersive technologies. Participants in the study will come to Room 3215, Gilbert Place, 220 Gilbert St, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Participants will be given a case file involving a hypothetical nationwide terrorist attack. The participants will try to solve the case with 3D interaction techniques while moving around in an indoor area. The entire experimental session will take a maximum of 90 minutes. Participant requirements: 18+ years old, normal vision or corrected with contact lens (glasses not supported) and able to read and speak English. Sessions: 2. Duration: 90 minutes each.
Compensation: Ut Prosim hours (3 hrs.) or a $30 Amazon gift card upon completing both sessions Screening Questionnaire/Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rzkJug6Kck
Participation is entirely voluntary. For more information, please contact Ayush Roy at ayushroy24@vt.edu To schedule a session, please visit the link above to see if you are eligible to participate. The project is supervised by Dr. Doug A. Bowman in Computer Science. This experiment has been approved, as required, by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board under protocol #26-558.
36. GRADUATE STUDENT HEALTH & WELL-BEING SURVEY | CHANCE TO WIN VT SWAG – 3rd posting
The Graduate Student Health & Well-Being Working Group is convened to examine the unique structural, cultural, and environmental factors that influence the well-being of graduate students at Virginia Tech and to develop actionable, system-level recommendations that promote a culture where excellence and well-being coexist. At the end of the survey period on October 4, we will hold a raffle and select three winners to receive VT swag. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HRRusTVJBr Participant qualifications: Graduate or Professional Student. Participants may optionally enter a raffle for a chance to receive Virginia Tech swag. Three winners will be selected after the survey closes.
Upcoming Events
37. FREE WORKSHOP: GETTING STARTED WITH ENDNOTE
Monday, September 28, 2:30-3:45pm
EndNote is one of the most powerful citation managers available today. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of EndNote, including adding references to your library, organizing your library, and using EndNote to cite references within a document. To get the most out of the session, you should have the most recent version of EndNote (2025) already downloaded from VT Software Distribution. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17221302
38. MOCKTAIL MONDAY: NETWORKING SKILLS
Monday, September 28, 3- 4:30pm, recurring monthly, location will be sent with registration confirmation
Take this opportunity to hone valuable communication skills with peers and grow your community at Virginia Tech. This month’s focus is on developing your networking skills. Whether you’re preparing for conferences, interviews, or future career opportunities, or simply wanting to meet new people, this event offers a fun and low-pressure environment to connect and engage while developing valuable networking skills. There will be limited seating for this event, so register to reserve your spot now. This event is strictly alcohol-free and will have delicious, well-crafted mocktails available for registered attendees to enjoy! With limited seating, you will be sent an invitation after registration confirming your registration. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjeq4qEKlDQiJMsd9rTXxrMuZUNk1FQ0IxR0FMMUFYRFIxNDZMM1IxQlNLSC4u
39. NAVIGATING IMPOSTER FEARS
Tuesday, September 29, 1pm, Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out and you don’t? You are not alone. Many graduate and professional students experience imposter fears, join the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE) and the Cook Counseling Center to learn how to recognize them, respond with confidence, and support your continued growth. The Zoom link to attend will be provided after registering. https://forms.gle/D8P7SArRSpKcVsnx7.
40. POP INTO PREVENTION
Tuesday, September 29, 2-4pm, GLC 113 (check in GLC 120)
Join us for office hours hosted by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (SVPE). Meet Dr. Jennifer Leili, who supports graduate students in building healthy and respectful communities. There will be free snacks and activities. Topics include: maximizing mentoring relationships, bystander intervention, understanding gender-based violence, and building healthy boundaries. Office hours will be held in GLC 113,, please check in at reception desk in GLC 120. This event repeats on October 29, & December 3
41. HOW GRADUATE STUDENTS CAN GET A JOB WITHOUT APPLYING TO 300 POSITIONS – Wednesday, September 30, 12:30pm- 1:00 & Thursday, October 1, 5:30pm, ZoomWant to run a more strategic and successful job search? This focused 30-minute workshop covers the essentials: conducting industry research, gap analysis, and connection with alumni. You’ll also learn about key resources like Handshake, CareerShift, and Interstride to support your search. Discover how shifts in strategy can make a big difference in your results! There is a repeat of this session on Thursday, October 1 at 5:30.
https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1980445/share_preview (Wednesday)
https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1980446/share_preview (Thursday)
42. SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND BEYOND: AN INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Thursday, October 1, 12-1pm, Zoom
Are you interested in conducting a systematic review, scoping review, or meta-analysis but don’t know where to begin? The library can help! In this workshop, you will learn how to turn your research question into a rigorous, and publishable, evidence synthesis. We will show you how to get your evidence synthesis project started with the most current guidance and time-saving tools. Systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses can be complicated, but we’ll help you map out the project and develop a plan for each step so that the process is as efficient as possible while maintaining the rigorous standards required of this methodology. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17630623 https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/88006104728
43. OPEN QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS WITH QUALCODER
Thursday, October 1, 12-1pm, Zoom
Learn to use QualCoder, a free and open-source qualitative coding and data analysis tool. This workshop will provide introductory training in the principles of deductive and inductive qualitative coding through practice with QualCoder. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17570958
44. LAUNCH PAD MINI SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, October 1, 4-7pm, Goodall Room at Newman Library & Zoom
This event will feature a keynote address from Pramod Raheja, the CEO and Co-Founder of Airgility, a start-up focused on autonomous aerial systems and artificial intelligence. An early-career panel will follow, featuring individuals forging diverse paths in aerospace and aviation. There will also be breakout sessions, networking, and a chance to have your resume reviewed. This event is free to attend and food will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is sponsored by The Asian Aerospace and Aviation Organization, APIDA+ Center, Career and Professional Development, Graduate School and Center for Engineering Excellence and Discovery.
Please see the full event schedule and register for the event here: https://bit.ly/4gFgDNT.
Zoom link https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DCA4GTlxT5CxOxyb7H6erA
45. WRITING RETREAT SERIES: OCTOBER 7th
Wednesday, October 7, 9am-4pm,Graduate Life Center | Room A & Zoom
Work on your next conference paper, master’s thesis, dissertation, or job application materials in great company! Join The Graduate School for Keeping the Pace, a FREE writing retreat! Learn or actively implement SMART goals for your writing, techniques for budgeting your time, and get some good work done. Lunch will be provided for the full-day in-person option. Virtual/Zoom option also available.
This is a graduate student only event. Registration required. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjek45su5QguhJkpUAcvEXaG5UMEJFVlAxS0c5UlNVNzhUWDQyQTJGSlpYNyQlQCN0PWcu
46. PURSUING A POSTDOC PROACTIVELY 2026
Wednesday, October 7, 12-1pm, online
The five-part series is designed for Ph.D. students who want to better understand the advantages and challenges of pursuing a postdoctoral position. Meets weekly from October 7th through October 28th with a special virtual panel session planned for November 11th. Sessions will cover what to look for in a postdoc and provide practical strategies for effective networking. https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/pursuing-a-postdoc-proactively-2026.html
47. AI-ENHANCED COLLABORATIVE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH WITH ATLAS.TI
Thursday, October 8, 12-3pm, Zoom
Learn to use the popular qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti via its web version, which enables easy collaboration on projects. The workshop will cover basics of managing projects, coding, mixed-methods analysis tools, and some of the AI functionality embedded in Atlas.ti, as well as discussing additional features available in desktop versions for Windows and Mac. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17571138
48. WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION
Monday, October 12, 11am-5pm, Owens Ballroom
Join us on Monday, October 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Owens Ballroom for a day focused on mental health, self-care, and connection. Activities will include the Hokie Bird, therapy dogs, rock painting, friendship bracelets, sand art, coloring, glitter jar making, giveaways, and more. Coffee, tea, snacks, and additional self-care activities will also be available.
49. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: WRITING A PROTOCOL
Thursday, October 15, 3:30-4:30pm, Zoom
A protocol is your project planning document. It allows you to complete a systematic or scoping review efficiently and accurately, ensures greater understanding among team members, and makes writing the manuscript easier. The PRISMA Reporting Standard lists the protocol as an “essential element” to your review, and many journals now require submitted reviews to have registered protocols. This class removes a lot of the confusion and intimidation around this first important step in your review process.
https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17630706
Zoom link https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/88288467565
50. HOKIE -RUN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 17, 2pm, 564 Indigo Mountain Rd NW, Floyd VA
Afterlife Music Festival is an overnight camping festival hosted BY Hokies FOR Hokies! Volunteer opportunities available! Alt rock and EDM in the woods, enjoy music, crafts, good food, camping, and friendship under the stars! Book Of Techno is an Apex Incubator start-up from current grad student Sam Slopey. www.bookoftechno.com
51. POWER SEARCHING: TRICKS & TOOLS FOR ADVANCED LITERATURE SEARCHING
Wednesday, November 4, 12-1pm, Zoom
Whether you are new to searching academic databases or looking to develop a comprehensive search strategy, this workshop will help you maximize the effectiveness of your literature searches. We will discuss the process of turning a research question into a search strategy and how to select databases and grey literature sources that best support your search goals. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills and begin designing their own search strategies. This workshop will be particularly useful for students conducting an evidence synthesis review (systematic review, scoping review, etc.) or a literature review, however, it will benefit anyone needing to conduct rigorous academic research. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17630815
52. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: DATA EXTRACTION
Wednesday, November 11, 3:30-4:30pm, Zoom
This class provides greater detail to research teams about what they need to know to successfully plan and execute data collection for their evidence synthesis review. Whether you are at the beginning of a new project or at the data extraction stage, this webinar will help you consider the necessary tasks for successful project completion and publication. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17630931
53. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: RISK OF BIAS ASSESSMENT IN SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
Wednesday, November 18, 3:30-4:30pm, Zoom
Risk of bias assessment, also called quality assessment, is a universally useful skill for any literature review method. In this class, we’ll discuss the importance and value of evaluating studies and appraising the research you plan to include in your review critically. This class provides greater detail to research teams about what they need to know to successfully plan and execute the required steps of study risk of bias assessment. Whether you are at the beginning of a new project or at the risk of bias stage, this webinar will help you consider the necessary tasks for successful project completion and publication. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/17631034
