Recurring Events:
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
This Week’s Events:
3. INCLUSION SERIES FOR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENTS
4. AIKIDO EXHIBITION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE AT VIRGINIA TECH
5. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS SHOWCASE
6. GLC CAFÉ: CUCUMBER EDITION
7. ICE CREAM SOCIAL: COOL END TO SPRING 2019
8. TERRACE VIEW OPEN HOUSE
8A. OLE AT VT PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL FLAMENCO SHOW
Administrative Announcements:
9 SURVEY TO COLLECT INFO ON GRAD OFFICE AND SOCIAL SPACES – 1st posting
10. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD (ISAB) APPLICATION OPEN – 2nd posting
Jobs:
11. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2019-20 – 1st posting
12. GRA FOR URBAN AFFAIRS AND PLANNING PROJECT – JUNE 2019-JUNE 2020 – 2nd posting
13. GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE – 3rd posting
Volunteers and research participants sought:
14. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY INVOLVING WEB-SURFING TASKS – 1st posting
15. NEUROTHERAPY STUDY FOR AUTISM: YOUNG MEN NEEDED – 1st posting
16. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR SPORTS BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH STUDY- 1st posting
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED IN A SOUND LOCALIZATION LEARNING STUDY – 2nd posting
19. VOLUNTEERS NEED FOR BLACK GARLIC STUDY – 2nd posting
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON SELF DRIVING CARS – 2nd posting
21. PARTICIPANTS NEED FOR MOVEMENT MECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON REMOTE ONLINE ASSISTANCE – 3rd posting
23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: REWARD & LOSS FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING STUDY – 3rd posting
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SENSORY STUDY OF PLANT-BASED MILK – 3rd posting
Upcoming events:
— DONUT GIVE UP
— PART-TIME GRADUATE STUDENT GATHERING/BROWN BAG LUNCH
Recurring Events
1. WEEKLY DROP-IN SERVICES:
– Career Advising: Thursdays 3:00-5:00pm. See the Grad Students Career Ops blog for more info on career opportunities: https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/gradcareeropportunity/
– Cook Counseling: Thursday & Friday, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room, GLC
– Graduate School hours: MTThF 8:00am-5:00pm, W 9:30am-5:00pm
– Immigration advising hours: MWF 1:00-4:00pm, TTh 9:00am-12:00pm Room 120
– Engage with the Academy: GTA Co-Working Space Wednesdays, 4-6pm GLC Graduate Student Lounge and Thursdays, 4-6pm GLC Meeting Room D. Those who are not in the Blacksburg campus or cannot make it in person may join remotely via Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/173317963
2. WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS:
– WRITING STRATEGIES FOR GRADUATE WRITERS
Mondays, 1:00-2:30pm, GLC, Room D and Wednesdays, 9:00-10:30am, Writing Center
Session can last up to 1.5 hours; you are limited to two of these special appointments at the GLC per semester. Ends May 9. Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com. Planning on getting some writing done this summer? The Writing Center’s last day of spring semester will be May 10, but they will be open for summer support between May 28 — August 17. No registration in summer hours is necessary. Specialized graduate student assistance will be offered. Check their website for details: https://lib.vt.edu/spaces/writing-center.html.
– CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH SUPPORT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm, GLC Room D (Feb 22 – Room A)
Practice conversational English with the help of our community volunteers!
Often, extra individualized support will be available after the Wednesday and Friday sessions. Make an appointment at https://vt.mywconline.com.
– GLC CAFÉ – THURSDAY THIS WEEK
3rd and 4th Wednesday and every Thursday, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Every Thursday, enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies in the company of fellow grad students and Grad School staff; network, socialize, relax! Bring your own mug if you can. See below for This Week’s Special Editions.
– ENGAGE WITH THE ACADEMY: GTA CO-WORKING SPACE
Wednesdays, 4-6pm, GLC Graduate Student Lounge:Thursdays, 4-6pm GLC Meeting Room D
Not in the Blacksburg campus, or unable to join in person? Join remotely via Zoom at: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/173317963. Need to finish grading and looking for a change in workspace? Doing class prep and would like to bounce off ideas with another GTA? Or looking to de-brief after teaching? Come join the Academy for GTA Excellence (VTGrATE) and let’s get work done together – or just hang out with other GTAs! Send questions to http://vtgrate.org/ask-a-fellow/.
– FREE CHILDCARE – KIDS’ NIGHT OUT – last night of Spring semester
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, VT Women’s Center, 206 Washington St., B’burg
Kids aged 2+ (must be potty trained) enjoy fun activities with volunteer sitters. For additional information, and to sign up, visit the doodle poll at https://doodle.com/poll/vrqiqpgk9vadwra2. This will be the last KNO of the semester. Contact Jessie Meltsner at jmelts@vt.edu for more info.
This Week’s Events
3. INCLUSION SERIES FOR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENTS
Tuesday, Apr 30, 12:00-1:00pm, Graduate Life Center Room F
The Diversity Scholars “Inclusion Series” serves to enhance the graduate student experience and stimulate discussions and cross-cultural connections about a variety of topics. This series will foster a conversation amongst 25 College of Engineering graduate students about their experiences navigating multiple responsibilities and roles as graduate students while highlighting its marginalized voices and perspectives. Join your graduate peer’s from the College of Engineering as we discuss mental health and promote wellness on. Register for the event by clicking the following link, https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_424DfutH5mOmeWh, no later than Apr 24. For questions about the event, contact Senam Tamakloe at stama1@vt.edu. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes18@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
4. AIKIDO EXHIBITION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE AT VIRGINIA TECH
Tuesday, Apr 30, 6:00pm, War Memorial Gym Dance Room
Grad student Heta Patel invites you to this traditional class followed by Instructor Q & A. Never a sport and more than simply a method of self-defense, Aikido is a system for developing the body and the mind. It is a martial art practiced worldwide for health, conditioning, and wellness. Event is also recommended for those interested in Japanese culture. Class will be taught by high-ranked instructors visiting from Okazaki, Japan.Audience is welcomed to participate in a short Q&A at the end of the class. Space is limited; sign up at: https://forms.gle/S8Avxrjp42GmMKLr7. Hosted by Kodokan Aikido at Virginia Tech
Contact kodokan.aikido@gmail.com or Heta Patel (hetaa7@vt.edu) or visit aikidoblacksburg.org for more details.
5. DIVERSITY SCHOLARS SHOWCASE
Thursday, May 2, 12:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room.
Ten graduate students will share their projects related to diversity, inclusion, and equity to benefit the graduate community and community at large. The event will be held on Thursday, May 3rd at 12PM in the Graduate Life Center- Multipurpose Room. Lunch will be provided. Sign-up at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3knTbblsMSicMct
6. GLC CAFÉ: CUCUMBER EDITION
Thursday, May 2, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Celebrate May with cucumber three ways, in addition to the usual coffee, tea and cookies in the company of your grad student colleagues. Relax, network, and load up on caffeine and/or carbs. Bring your own mug if you can.
7. ICE CREAM SOCIAL: COOL END TO SPRING 2019
Friday, May 3, 1:00-2:30pm to the GLC lawn
Come out and enjoy ice cream with fellow graduate students. The Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion thank you for a wonderful year and want to end it on a cold note with games/activities! Sign up for this free event and suggest toppings at http://bit.ly/IceCreamSocial2019. For accommodations related to disabilities, contact Dr. Justin Grimes at jgrimes1@vt.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
8. TERRACE VIEW OPEN HOUSE
Friday, May 3rd, 3:00-6:00pm, 413 Hunt Club Drive
Stop by the leasing office to learn what your renting experience will be with Terrace View Apartments! Tour our model apartment , explore affordable floor plans and roommate matching program, gym facility, pool and our Starbucks coffee machine. Light refreshments will be served with Starbucks gift card giveaways! For more information contact our leasing office at 540-552-2996 or visit our website at https://www.terraceviewapartments.com.
8A. OLE AT VT PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL FLAMENCO SHOW
Sunday, May 5, 12:00pm, Lyric Theater
Come and enjoy a slice of Spain here in Blacksburg by attend Ole at VT’s year-ending performance where they will put up a montagbe of dances from Spain including Flamenco, Tango, and Fandango. This family-friendly event is free. To get involved, follow the group on Facebook “Ole at VT”.
Administrative Announcements:
9. SURVEY TO COLLECT INFO ON GRAD OFFICE AND SOCIAL SPACES – 1st posting
The Grad Student Assembly Campus Development Committee has created a survey to collect information on graduate office and social spaces in order to provide the GSA the data to facilitate campaigning for graduate interests to the University. Specifically, the GSA can use these data to advocate for additional graduate research and social space formal policy requirements. In addition to providing valuable information, there is a chance to win one of five Roku Premieres. The link to the raffle is at the end of the survey. Survey link at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pey019wT5kodox
10. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD (ISAB) APPLICATION OPEN – 2nd posting
Are you an international student who would like to support the international student community at Virginia Tech? The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) is looking for new international student members for the 2019-20 academic year! The ISAB represents the concerns of the international student community by providing a forum for international students to give feedback on initiatives, policies, and services that impact international students. For more information and to complete the application, visit the ISAB website. Applications are due by May 3rd. Questions? Contact Kimberley Cossey at kcossey@vt.edu.
Jobs:
11. GA POSITION TO SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY FOR 2019-20 – 1st posting
The Graduate School is looking for a full-time graduate student to support the operation and initiatives of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) during the 2019-20 academic year. This FT 9-month GA position begins in Aug; some summer wage hours may be available/required. Primary duties include providing administrative and logistics support for GSA operations, assisting with small- and large-scale event planning and execution, and assisting GSA leaders with university policies and procedures. Required qualifications: ability to work well independently and as a member of a team; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple and ongoing tasks; proficiency with MS Office Suite; ability to work nights and weekends as needed; ability to deal with ambiguity and change. Apply by 5pm May 10 by sending a letter of interest and CV in a single PDF to gibsonm@vt.edu. Email questions to gibsonm@vt.edu.
12. GRA FOR URBAN AFFAIRS AND PLANNING PROJECT – JUNE 2019-JUNE 2020 – 2nd posting
Half time (10 hr/wk.) position will involve in research projects aiming to incorporate shared,automated, and electric ehicles (SAEVs) into existing transportation and land use models and evaluate energy consumption under various technology adoption, transportation, and land use policy scenarios. Must be self-motivated with a high level of responsibility to complete tasks on time and make significant progress without direct supervision. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Indepth knowledge of transportation demand models and urban land use models literature. Strong statistic modeling skill, especially discrete choice models. Experience on machine learning models. Ability to learn new software and research techniques as needed. Priority will be given to students who are familiar with Python or R. Jun 30, 2019-June 30, 2020 appointment. Qualified candidates send resume to Dr. Wenwen Zhang at wenwenz3@vt.edu.
13. GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE – 3rd posting
The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is seeking a Graduate Assistant for the 2019-2020 Academic Year. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the GA will be afforded an opportunity to explore and experience Greek Life from all aspects and will gain experience working directly with one of our governing councils (PHC, IFC, NPHC or UCFS). Position responsibilities will center on four main foci; advising, education, program and event planning, and administration. While serving as a part-time administrator, the incumbent will take leadership in co-advising one of our councils. The GA will also assist in the planning and execution of all education workshops and leadership retreats. For more information, please contact Abbey Rowe Erwin, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life, rowea@vt.edu.
Volunteers and research participants sought:
14. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STUDY INVOLVING WEB-SURFING TASKS – 1st posting
The goal of the study is to evaluate the effects of a screen tracking system developed in helping people reconstruct the working context when using computers. Participants msut be 18 years and older, frequent Internet users (e.g. web surfing), and can do the user study which involves web-surfing tasks, fill out a survey, and answer post-task interview in English. Duration. Approximately 60 minutes-70 minutes. Will take place in Corporate Research Center KnowledgeWork II (or Usability lab in McBryde Hallbased on the availability). For more information, contact Donghan Hu (hudh0827@vt.edu). Volunteers will be compensated with $15 Amazon Gift Card after responding to the userstudy.
15. NEUROTHERAPY STUDY FOR AUTISM: YOUNG MEN NEEDED – 1st posting
Conducting an intervention study on facial emotion recognition on teens and adults (16-28) with autism. This experimental treatment targets building emotion recognition skills using a virtual reality, computer-based intervention. The goal of the intervention is to help people improve their ability to recognize emotions in other people, in order to improve social function. Participants will be offered an experimental treatment (at no cost) and be compensated up to $160.00. Must be male between 16-30 years of age, have an ASD diagnosis, and able to undergo MRI. If interested or for more info, contact the Child Study Center at (540) 231-8276 or childstudycenter@gmail.com.
16. PARTICIPANT NEEDED FOR SPORTS BIOMECHANICS RESEARCH STUDY- 1st posting
The Granata Biomechanics Lab is conducting a study to test the feasibility of using an iPhone to assess jumping/landing mechanics and compare this to a gold-standard 3D motion capture system. Participants must be ages 18-30, have no recent history of any lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (e.g. pulled muscle), have no history of major lower extremity injury/surgery (e.g. meniscus surgery), and be recreationally active with experience playing sports that involve jumping and landing (e.g. basketball, volleyball, etc.). Study will take place on two days, with first session lasting 60 minutes and second 30 minutes. Compensation $15. If interested, contact Alex Peebles at apeebles@vt.edu.
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR AUGMENTED REALITY STUDY – 2nd posting
Overall goal in this study is to evaluate using Augmented Reality (AR) as a medium to disambiguate and annotate objects within a scene. Must be over 18 years of age. The entire experiment process should take approx. 60 minutes. Participants will be asked to fill out a short demographic questionnaire, evaluate several AR interfaces using Microsoft HoloLens, and participate in an exit survey about your experience of using the application on HoloLens. All volunteers will be entered a random drawing for a chance to win two $20 gift certificates to the VT bookstore. Participation is confidential and completely voluntary. If interested, please call or email Cedrick Ilo at icedri3@vt.edu (252-366-5450).
18. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED IN A SOUND LOCALIZATION LEARNING STUDY – 2nd posting
Study In a sound localization learning study for military-relevant sounds. Must be18-45 years old and have no prior experience with sound localization studies. Must pass a hearing test in the VT Auditory Systems Laboratory. Participants will be required to perform sound localization tasks of military-type sounds in a lab setting and in a field setting (about 45 minutes away from VT campus). Approx.6-9 hours total spread over two to five days. Compensation is $10/hour for all time spent and $30 bonus for completion of all experimental sessions. Email Kara Cave if interested karacave@vt.edu.
19. VOLUNTEERS NEED FOR BLACK GARLIC STUDY – 2nd posting
The Virginia Tech Food Sensory Lab is studying the sensory properties of black garlic. Participants will be asked to look at as well as taste black garlic and indicate preferences. Time commitment is 30 minutes for each session. Multiple participations are allowed up to once per day throughout the duration of the study.
Must be 18+ years old. Participants can enjoy a snack after completing a session as compensation. The study is at 9:00am-3:00pm on Apr 22-25 in HABB1 205. For more information, contact Elizabeth Clark (foodsensory@vt.edu).
20. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON SELF DRIVING CARS – 2nd posting
The Mind Music and Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine the usability and effect of In-Vehicle displays (Visual, Auditory & Tactile) on driver state and performance in an autonomous vehicle. During the study, participants will be asked to drive in a driving simulator environment. Driving performance may be recorded with cameras/screen recordings during the study. Study will last approximately one hour. Each participant will receive $10 compensation for participation. For more information, please contact Harsh Sanghavi (harshks@vt.edu). This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Myounghoon Jeon (myounghoonjeon@vt.edu). To participate, fill the following form: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E1ZGgT1QyItFgF .
21. PARTICIPANTS NEED FOR MOVEMENT MECHANICS STUDY – 2nd posting
The Granata Biomechanics Lab is studying the impact of race and related factors on movement mechanics. This low-risk study will involve two testing sessions (approx. 30 min. and 90 min. in length). $20 in compensation for r participation in this study. To be eligible, participants must: (1) self-identify as either white American or African-American, (2) can walk without an assistive device, and (3) have not had a lower extremity injury in the past 3 months that limited your physical activity for more than 2 days. If interested, contact Cherice Hughes-Oliver at cnh4ph@vt.edu.
22. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH STUDY ON REMOTE ONLINE ASSISTANCE – 3rd posting
The Echo Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals who have average to above average digital literacy and help others they know (i.e. family, friends) accomplish online web tasks from time to time.
Must be 18 years+, have good digital literacy, and can fill out a survey. Study will last approximately 10-15 minutes can be done from a remote location. For more info, contact Sang Won Lee (sangwonlee@vt.edu) or Edward Powell (edwardp9@vt.edu). To participate, go to https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhW2BQRNbwf2rGd. The first 60 participants will be compensated with a $5 Amazon Gift Card (electronic) after responding to the survey.
23. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: REWARD & LOSS FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING STUDY – 3rd posting
Must be between 18–55 years of age to participate. All volunteers completing the initial online questionnaire will be entered into a raffle to receive a $50 Amazon gift card. If contacted to complete an optional second part of the study, which will be conducted on the Virginia Tech campus, brain activity measurements will be taken while you make financial decisions. Compensation for this second optional study is between $10-30. Brain activity will be measured using FNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), which leverages optical processes to enable the measurement of real-time neural activity. The link to complete the online questionnaire can be found on our lab website at http://www.scanlab.org/projects.html under the section Reward and Loss Learning in Anxiety. Both anxious and non-anxious subjects needed. For more info contact vt.scanlab@gmail.com or call (540) 315-2406.
24. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR SENSORY STUDY OF PLANT-BASED MILK – 3rd posting
The VT Sensory Evaluation Lab is recruiting volunteers (18 years or older) to participate in a sensory study of plant-based milk. Participants will be asked to taste and describe their impressions of plant-based milk samples. Those with allergy of soybean, peanut, almond, and sesame should refrain from participating. There is no compensation, but all participants are eligible to enjoy a nice snack after completing the sensory test. Study will be on April 12 and 16 from 9 am to 4 pm in HABB1 205 (1230 Washington St SW). To sign up for this study, login to your Compusense account (https://vt.compusensecloud.com/edu/login.aspx) and take the plant-based milk study screener. If you qualify for the study, you will be directed to schedule 30-minute timeslots. Parking passes are available upon request. Questions or additional information? Please contact Qing Jin (jin622@vt.edu). Dr. Jacob Lahne is supervising this study.
Upcoming events:
DONUT GIVE UP
Thursday, May 9, 5:00 pm – until out of donuts, GLC Reading Room
The GLC Fellows are sponsoring donuts from Carol Lee on Reading Day in the Reading Room. Come take a break and enjoy a free donut!
PART-TIME GRADUATE STUDENT GATHERING/BROWN BAG LUNCH
Monday, May 20, 12:00-1:00pm, New Hall West 142
Come gather, meet, and chat in an informal setting with other part-time graduate students. Contact Contact Lia Kelinsky-Jones, part-time PhD student in Agricultural, Leadership and Community Education at liak9@vt.edu with any questions.