July 11-17, 2011




1. STATS SHORT COURSE: MIXED MODELS AND RANDOM EFFECTS

Monday, Jul 11, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium

Many response variables are handled poorly by regression models when the errors are assumed to be normally distributed. For example, modeling the state damaged/not damaged of cells after treated with a certain chemical; and modeling the number of insects caught by a certain kind of trap. These types of situations can often be modeled well by a large class of regression models called generalized linear models (GLM). Participants will go over some of the basic statistical concepts of GLM and how it is relates to regression using normal errors; as well as some data analysis examples of GLMs in popular software such as R and SAS (possibly JMP if time allows) and explain how to interpret some of the output from each software. If time allows, the Bayesian approach to GLM will also be discussed. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.

 

2. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 1-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). Roles include: check in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session during last week of July for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

 

3. EVENING SHORT COURSES IN STATS THIS SUMMER

LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining summer 2011 Schedule:

— Jul 19 & 20: Generalized Linear Models; 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgerson Hall.

 

4. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 0.5 GA POSITION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting

Consider applying for a GSA Executive Assistant Position for the 2011-2012 academic year. The GSA Executive Assistant works with members of the executive board and program chairs to ensure the success of GSA programs and events.  The office assistant position is a 10-hour assistantship for the full academic year. Details can be found on the GSA website: www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu. The deadline for applications (resume and cover letter) is Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Please direct all questions and applications to gsa@vt.edu.

 

5. MALE RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting

Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. Looking for individuals who will be able to participate over the Summer (i.e. now-August). If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

 

6. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY FACULTY NETWORK – 3rd posting

Are you interested in visiting regional schools, serving as a scientific resource for teachers or K-12 students, and/or hosting groups of students and/or teachers for short visits? VT faculty members, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral researchers are eligible to sign up to participate in the Kids’ Tech University (KTU) Faculty Network! Through this new feature to KTU, the KTU Faculty Network, the public can connect with Virginia Tech faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers: http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/. You can register on the site- http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/ see "KTU Faculty Log in" button on the left. Please note that you can choose which of the outreach options you would like to be associated with; you do not have to sign up to participate in all outreach options. This message is posted on behalf of Dr. Kristy Collins, Education and Outreach in the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute.

 

7. DOCTORAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES SURVEY – 3rd posting

Researchers at Texas A&M invite, with approval of our Graduate School, VT doctoral students to participate in a research study assessing doctoral students’ experiences in their graduate program. The survey asks questions about your attitudes, health well-being, and relationships in graduate school. The results of the survey will help researchers understand aspects of graduate students’ experiences that are going well and those that could be improved. Participation will consist of filling out an online survey that will take about 20-30 minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to enter into a voluntary prize drawing to win one of twenty $100 prizes. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. The results of the research may be published, but your name will not be used. Access the study here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P7X3MKC. If you have any questions concerning this research study, contact Kathi Miner at kminer@tamu.edu or at 979.845.2780.

 

8. UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

GSA SUMMER WINE SOCIAL

Thursday, Jul 21, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club

Grad students are invited to this summer favorite of GSA events. Tickets are $10 for regular admission, $5 for GSA delegates and cabinet members, and $2 for non-drinking guests. Don’t forget your ID! If you would like to volunteer to help with the event (free admission), let the GSA know by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1309915571823. Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.