Posted on by lbarron

June 16-22, 2025

To see full descriptions for any item in the summary list please click on the continue reading link below the summary list.   

0.   Ongoing Services – updated May 2025    

This Week’s Events: 

  1. NO GLC CAFÉ THIS WEEK

Administrative Announcements:   

  1. WELLNESS PROGRAM INTEREST FORM – 1st posting
  2. VIRGINIA TECH FEDERAL GUIDANCE WEBPAGE – 1st posting
  3. GPSS GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FALL 2025 NOW OPEN – 1st posting
  4. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124! – 1st posting
  5. THE ACADEMY FOR OUTSTANDING GRADUATE PEDAGOGY IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS – 1st posting
  6. CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS UPDATE – 2nd posting
  7. FREE GROCERIES FOR STUDENTS – SUMMER HOURS – 2nd posting
  8. FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING – 3rd posting

Jobs: 

  1. HALF-TIME GTA POSITION AVAILABLE FOR GRAD 5004 – 1st posting (1/2)
  2. LANDSCAPE DESIGNER FOR SUMMER/FALL – 2nd posting

Funding Opportunities:

None submitted at this time

Volunteers and research participants sought: 

  1. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH STUDY ON SLEEP AND BRAIN-MACHINE INTERFACE LEARNING – 1st posting
  2. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 1st posting
  3. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT: ASSESSMENT OF ADAPTATION TO EXOSKELETONS – 1st posting
  4. RECRUITING FOR A PAID RESEARCH STUDY ON USING GESTURES FOR LEARNING – 1st posting
  5. RESEARCH STUDY ON A SEARCH AND RESCUE WEB APPLICATION – 1st posting
  6. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR INTERVIEW STUDY ON LOCATION-BASED GAMES FOR SOCIAL PLAY OVER DISTANCE. – 1st posting
  7. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT: “THE AUGMENTED GALLERY: ENHANCING VISITOR ENGAGEMENT WITH AR” (IRB #25-379) – 1st posting
  8. PARTICIPANTS CALL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY FOR VR ACCESSIBILITY RESEARCH – 3rd posting
  9. INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON PATIENT INTAKE AND AI IN HEALTHCARE – 3rd posting
  10. EDUTUBE AI USER STUDY – 3rd posting

Upcoming Events:    

  1. SCIENCE ON TAP -June 26
  2. ONE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM FOR ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE RESEARCH AND STEWARDSHIP POLICY – July 8

 0. Ongoing Services – updated May 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, June 2, 2025, through August 1, 2025, walk-in hours will be held on Monday and Thursday, 11am- 3pm. 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 career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html.
  • COOK COUNSELING: Drop in hours for Cook Counseling: Fridays from 1 to 3pm. Students can call 540-231-6557 to schedule an appointment with the Embedded Counselor at the GLC or the embedded counselor with their program.  
  • 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. NO GLC CAFÉ THIS WEEK
Thursday, June 19, 3:30-5:00pm, GLC Reading Room
Due to the university closing for the Juneteenth holiday, GLC café will not be held this week.  GLC café will resume next week on Thursday, June 26.

Administrative Announcements   

2. WELLNESS PROGRAM INTEREST FORM – 1st posting
How do you experience wellness? Hokie Wellness and the Graduate School are collaborating to bring wellness-centered programs with a focus on addressing the present needs of students on the individual and community level. Please fill out the form below if you are interested in exploring what wellness means to you, and how to practice well-being in a time where foundational forms of rest and solidarity are being challenged. https://forms.office.com/r/L7X5WCqsKV.

3. VIRGINIA TECH FEDERAL GUIDANCE WEBPAGE – 1st posting
Virginia Tech has published a Federal Guidance webpage to provide information and resources regarding emerging governmental guidance. The page provides links to messages and supports and resources for the university community. The page can be found here: https://www.vt.edu/federal-guidance.html.

4. GPSS GRADUATE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FALL 2025 NOW OPEN – 1st posting
The GPSS Fall 2025 Graduate Research Development Program (GRDP) is now taking applications! Master’s students are eligible for up to $1000 in funding and doctoral students are eligible for up to $1500 in funding. Past and future GRDP guidelines will differ. Please submit applications by August 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. If you have already submitted an application and would like to amend it, if you have any questions, or if you need an extension, please contact Megan Grey greym@vt.edu  before the application deadline.

5. TAKE YOUR RESEARCH TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH GRAD 5124! – 1st posting
Take your research to the next level! GRAD 5124 (Research Skills for Graduate Students) is an asynchronous, one-credit, fully-online course offered by the University Libraries in Fall 2025. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for research in graduate school and beyond. Three discipline-specific sections are offered, so students should be sure to sign up in HokieSPA for the one that relates to their subject area. Questions should be directed to Lisa Russell at lisab5@vt.edu.

6. THE ACADEMY FOR OUTSTANDING GRADUATE PEDAGOGY IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS – 1st posting
The Academy for Outstanding Graduate Pedagogy (AOGP) at Virginia Tech is now accepting nominations for new members. The AOGP is a collaborative organization between the graduate student body and the Graduate School, with the central directive of celebrating excellence in graduate teaching and providing support to graduate teaching efforts across university contexts. For more information about AOGP: https://aogp.graduateschool.vt.edu/About.html All graduate students interested in teaching are encouraged to apply! More details on requirements and the application form are available at this link: https://aogp.graduateschool.vt.edu/Joining.html.

7. CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS UPDATE – 2nd posting
On June 4, a presidential proclamation was issued imposing new travel restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, citing national security and public safety concerns. These restrictions apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants, including individuals in the B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa categories. The new restrictions went into effect June 9. Students effected by these new travel restrictions have been contacted directly by Cranwell International Center last week. Cranwell has also sent a message to those not affected to keep students aware of the situation and to provide further resources should they need it in the future. Cranwell International Center is continuously monitoring for updates and it highly encouraged for you to direct your audiences and fellow colleagues to the following webpage for the most current information and guidance: https://international.vt.edu/immigration_updates.html. 

8. FREE GROCERIES FOR STUDENTS – SUMMER HOURS – 2nd posting
Open Market Hours at The Market of Virginia Tech are open every Tuesday from 10 AM to 3 PM this summer. Any Virginia Tech student is welcome to walk in and pick up groceries. Please bring your Hokie Passport and a bag. While non-perishable items are always available, perishable items are offered as supplies allow and are not guaranteed. For updates, please visit our website at www.foodaccess.vt.edu.   

9. FREE INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING – 3rd posting
Seeking nutrition and wellness guidance? Are you interested in learning how to make food choices that support a healthy lifestyle? Do you want assistance building skills for shopping and cooking to help you reach your wellness goals? If you have any of these concerns or others, graduate-level nutrition and dietetics students are here to help. The Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech provides FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling services (In-person or Zoom) to interested students, faculty, or staff and will be accepting new clients for summer 2025 starting May 15th. Visit: https://www.hnfe.vt.edu/nutrition-counseling.html to learn more about the service and to sign up. A nutrition counselor should be in touch with you by early June to set up an initial consultation. Summer counseling sessions will take place from June 2 to August 8, 2025.

Jobs   

10.  HALF-TIME GTA POSITION AVAILABLE FOR GRAD 5004 – 1st posting (1/2)
GTA Workshop, GRAD 5004, is seeking a half-time GTA for the course, starting in fall semester, 2025 (student selected will work with a full-time GTA). Duties: scheduling and taking attendance for sessions, grading, communicating with students, participating in planning sessions, and helping with the Phase I workshop. Qualifications: Taken and passed GRAD 5004, well-organized, diligent, multi-tasking, strong communication skills, strong judgment, GTA experience helpful. Start August 2025; possibility to serve for the full academic year, possibly beyond. To apply, please use the form available at this link: https://gs.vt.edu/grad. You may contact Julia Hazelwood with any questions jhazelwood4@vt.edu.

Application deadline: June 25, 5 pm EDT. 

11. WAGE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER FOR SUMMER/FALL – 2nd posting
Reporting to and in collaboration with the Director and Project Manager, the primary role of the landscape designer is to work as a member of a project team alongside student employees to create conceptual landscape designs for communities. This position creates conceptual landscape designs of varying scales supplemented by perspectives, cross-sections, planting plans and plant palettes, and helps prepare for community workshops and presentations. Other primary responsibilities of the position include involvement in the community participation process with communities, giving presentations at community meetings, and preparing project reports. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or training and experience commensurate to this degree; Practical, applied knowledge of the design process from site inventory and analysis through conceptual design development; Ability to generate high-quality design materials and presentation graphics; Intermediate proficiency with design and other software platforms (AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, PowerPoint). To apply: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/533223/landscape-designer the application deadline is June 20, 2025.

Funding Opportunities:

None submitted at this time.

Volunteers and Research Participants Sought    

12. 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. Participant Qualification: People between 18 and 26 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. Please email ndnestudies@gmail.com for more information!

13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A NAP-LENGTH SLEEP STUDY – 1st posting
This Virginia Tech study (VT IRB # 22-923) aims to investigate the effects of various auditory stimuli during sleep. If you participate in this study, you’ll be asked to wear standard polysomnography equipment and sensors to record the galvanic skin response (GSR) during a 3-hour long nap. While you sleep, we will play a series of sounds at a low volume, in order to avoid waking you up. Study length is about 4 hours total. Participant Qualification: People between 18 and 26 years with no history of significant chronic neurological disease, severe mental illness, or any DSM-IV axis I disorders, and no hearing or sleep disorders. Compensation is $15 cash upon completion of the study. Please email ndnestudies@gmail.com for more information.

14. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT: ASSESSMENT OF ADAPTATION TO EXOSKELETONS – 1st posting
The study is about assessing how people adapt to back-support exoskeleton use over time during symmetric repetitive lifting tasks. Participant qualifications Be between the ages of 18–45, and have no current or recent (past 12 months) musculoskeletal injuries or disorders Compensation $20/hr. Please contact Hanjun Park for more information on how to participate hanj321@vt.edu.

15. RECRUITING FOR A PAID RESEARCH STUDY ON USING GESTURES FOR LEARNING – 1st posting
The Mind Music Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a study to determine how gestures can improve the acquisition of algorithmic interpretation skills.
During this study, participants will: Complete a demographic survey; Learn an algorithmic language either with or without accompanying hand gestures over the course of three 30 minute sessions;Take two tests in a fourth 30 minute session which assesses acquisition of various algorithmic interpretation skills; Take a short 10 minute semi-structured interview. Compensation of $20 will be given for participating in the four 30 minutes sessions (2 hours total, divided across at least four days). Participant qualifications: Are over 18 years old; Have normal hearing, vision (or correct-to-normal vision), and fine motor skills. For more information on how to participate contact Jacqueline Bruen jacquelineb@vt.edu.

16. RESEARCH STUDY ON A SEARCH AND RESCUE WEB APPLICATION – 1st posting
We are Virginia Tech researchers, in the SCEL (System Cognition Engineering Laboratory) Lab, looking for participants to study dynamic leadership assignment designed to aid Search and Rescue professionals in search and UAV management. The study will be conducted in Whittemore 529 on a web-based application. In this study, you will work alongside an autonomous agent in object detection and reassignment tasks employing four autonomous UAVs.The research protocol for this experiment is approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #25-350). Participant qualifications Any student at Virginia Tech. Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Compensation $10 per hour in cash plus up to $10 in bonus. For more information anirudh1@vt.edu.

17.  PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR INTERVIEW STUDY ON LOCATION-BASED GAMES FOR SOCIAL PLAY OVER DISTANCE – 1st posting
We are seeking participants for a prototype testing study exploring how Location-Based Games (LBGs) can be designed to support social play and connection between people in different locations. The study involves testing a prototype LBG with a remote companion, sharing your thoughts about the experience and providing feedback on the game’s features, and completing a short survey and interview. The study session is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Interested individuals will be asked to complete a screener survey to determine eligibility. If eligible, you will be invited to provide consent and indicate your preferred day(s) and time(s) for participation. Only individuals 18-years or older and capable of providing consent are eligible to participate in the study. Participants will be compensated with a $15 Amazon gift card. For more information contact Derek Haqq dhaqq@vt.edu. 

18. PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT: “THE AUGMENTED GALLERY: ENHANCING VISITOR ENGAGEMENT WITH AR” (IRB #25-379) – 1st posting
We are currently recruiting participants for a research study on art gallery experiences using Augmented Reality (AR). We would greatly appreciate it if you could distribute the following recruitment message to your listserv. Researchers from the Mind Music Machine Lab (Dr. Myounghoon Jeon) at Virginia Tech are conducting a study on enhancing visitors’ experiences in art galleries using AR technology. We anticipate that the experiment will take roughly 60–90 minutes. Participation is entirely voluntary, and it is not mandatory for students to take part. Participants will be compensated at a rate of $10 per hour.
Eligibility Criteria: 18 years of age or older; Have normal vision (no glasses) If interested, please contact the research team at yeajilee@vt.edu.  This study has been reviewed and approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #25-379). Thank you for your time and support.

19. PARTICIPANTS CALL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY FOR VR ACCESSIBILITY RESEARCH – 3rd posting
We are a group of VR accessibility researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Tech. We are conducting research to understand the harassment experience for people with disabilities in social VR. Participants will complete an online survey to reflect on their harassment experiences in social VR. The survey will take 30-60 minutes to complete, and we offer $10 compensation after completing the survey. This study is fully remote.  Eligible participants meet the following criteria: Be at least 18 years old; Have a disability, including but not limited to visual impairments, deaf and hard of hearing, motor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, etc.; Have used social VR applications. We offer compensation of $10 after completion of survey.  If you are a person with a disability and are interested in participating in this study, please fill out the interest form: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY4PCc7pN7jtq3Y. We will contact you shortly if you are eligible to participate in the study.

20. INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON PATIENT INTAKE AND AI IN HEALTHCARE – 3rd posting
Participation involves a one-time interview lasting approximately 30–45 minutes, conducted over Zoom at a time convenient for you. Our research focuses on patient experiences during the medical intake process—the part of a healthcare visit where patients share their health history, concerns, and background information. We’re especially interested in understanding what makes patients feel heard, respected, and accurately understood during intake, and in identifying areas where technology—such as AI-powered chat assistants—might be able to improve the experience. Whether your healthcare experiences have been positive, frustrating, or somewhere in between, your perspective would be incredibly valuable. Interviews will be audio- and video-recorded, with your consent. Interested parties should contact Autumn Clark at autumnpc@vt.edu to coordinate a time for the interview. Participant qualifications: at least 18 years of age; residing in the United States; proficient in English. As a thank you, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card (1 in 10 odds of being selected).

21. EDUTUBE AI USER STUDY – 3rd posting
We’re conducting a study to explore how learners use and benefit from EduTube AI, a tool that recommends educational videos and generates a quiz to help you find related videos and learn algorithm topics more effectively. If you choose to participate, here’s what we’ll ask you to do:
1. Visit the EduTube AI tool link (https://edutube.cs.vt.edu/).
2. Choose a topic you’d like to learn (e.g., Dijkstra’s Algorithm) and briefly describe it along with your current knowledge level.
3. The search might take a bit to provide you with the result!
4. Provide your feedback on the video recommendations and the generated quiz.
Survey Link: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/edutube
Participation is voluntary and open to individuals 18 years or older. You can withdraw at any time. All responses will be kept confidential and reported in aggregate, without identifying individuals. This study has been approved by IRB (25-480). If you have any questions, feel free to contact:   Sahar Farzanehpour at saharfarza@vt.edu, or Dr. Chris Brown at dcbrown@vt.edu.

Upcoming Events   

22. SCIENCE ON TAP
Thursday, June 26, 5:30-6:30pm, Rising Silo Brewery, 2351 Glade Road, Blacksburg, VA
Join Kevin Kochersberger, a professor in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, for Science on Tap: “From the Wright Brothers to Advanced Air Mobility: 122 Years of Flight.” Learn about his experiences from flying a 1903 Wright Flyer to autonomous delivery drones. Kevin will tell us about his work, from international education to aircraft design to disaster response, and showcase new innovations in drone technology. He will also guide us in designing foam gliders for an aerial competition. Become a master of flight mechanics and soar to victory! Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech’s chapter of Sigma Xi. Submitted by Carrie Kroehler cjkroehl@vt.edu.

23. ONE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM FOR ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE RESEARCH AND STEWARDSHIP POLICY
Tuesday, July 8, 9am- 3:30pm, Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Department of Health to host this symposium that will bring together researchers, veterinary and medical practitioners, and public health professionals to share information, build regional networks, and consider how to bridge research and policy at the institutional and state levels. Students welcome! Registration is free! Research posters can be submitted. Questions? Contact: Cassidy Rist crist6@vt.edu. Register here:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=GJCmcZQHwEGAqNE-H68wptedH-pR8lVAtieifHElb8FUQzlUWTJSUEczV0pYTVM5TTc4MlpXQlYzRi4u&route=shorturl.