Welcome to the Virginia Tech Graduate School’s D.C. Area weekly newsletter for graduate students. We share events, services, administrative announcements, and job opportunities. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.
Posts must be relevant to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses. Posts must include the name and contact of the requesting organization or person; not exceed 150 words; and not include attachments, QR codes or embedded links (no fliers or photos). Submissions will be edited to fit newsletter style and formatting requirements.
Please submit post requests by 3 p.m. Friday before the Monday on which the post is to appear using this Google form: https://gs.vt.edu/weeklylistserv.
The D.C. Area Weekly newsletters are also available at:
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the reference in the posting at least 10 business days prior to the event.
A reader suggested we tighten the top of this newsletter to make finding information easier, so we are eliminating the item-by-item summary and going directly to the items under each heading:
This Week’s Events and Activities
Administrative Announcements
Job Opportunities
External Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Volunteers and research participants sought
Ongoing Services
This Week’s Events and Activities
1. APIDA AND INDIGENOUS MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, Nov. 27, 12-1 p.m., Virtual for DC Area students (Zoom)
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore THEME. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Registration required for virtual participants: https://bit.ly/3t8fXeF
2. iTHENTICATE TRAINING
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Virtual
The Graduate School is offering training sessions to graduate students and faculty on how to use iThenticate, a newly available software system to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism.
1. Navigate the iThenticate software
2. Submit a document for review
3. Evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion
Register here: https://forms.gle/dh23kiHHbt8asPDc6
Please contact Jenn Million at jennjw@vt.edu with any questions.
3. DC METRO AREA Q*MMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church, room 401; Wednesday, Nov. 29, 12-1 p.m., Arlington Research Center, McPherson Square Room
Please join us for the DC Metro Area Q*mmunity Support Group. This support group welcomes Virginia Tech graduate students in the DC Metro Area who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those who are exploring their gender and/or sexuality. Please register at https://t.ly/ndVit. Drop-ins are also welcome. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, PhD, at jskaplan@vt.edu
4. BOARD OF VISITORS GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
Emily Tirrell, the current graduate Board of Visitors (BOV) representative will be hosting an information session for students to learn more about the position and the application process for those who may be interested in applying to represent graduate students in 2024-25. Join via Zoom at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85380772279
5. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS
Thursday, Nov. 30, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church)
The Walking Group with Mindfulness moments meets at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, every Thursday. Take a break, de-stress, meet other students, faculty, and staff, and walk in the neighborhoods and parks near the NVC. Meet at the security desk at the entrance of the NVC on the second floor. Contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., Embedded Counselor for the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, for more information, at jskaplan@vt.edu.
6. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO YOUR DISSERTATION: KEY STEPS FOR QUALITY RESEARCH AND A SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE.
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2-4 p.m. Virtual for D.C. Area students (Zoom)
Join a conference session, hosted by WISE (Women in Industrial and Systems Engineering), and explore the implementation of a systematic methodology to organize your dissertation work. Presenters will cover the essential tasks required to attain robust scientific results and successfully defend your thesis, all while optimizing your time investment.
Receive guidance on leveraging research outcomes effectively, especially if uncertain about their application or facing doubts about your topic. If you sense your work reaching an impasse, we’re here to assist you in navigating through these challenges. For more information, contact Tatiana Daychman, tvdgrad1@vt.edu. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezapBRNOTUC0_SOaTudG8VX3h9_dFouLK3t87eW98qdFXjKw/viewform?usp=pp_url
Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/82141245803
7. ONLINE POWER HOUR OF WRITING
Friday, Dec. 1, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekly series throughout the semester, Virtual
The Virginia Tech Writing Center offers a Power Hour that aims to empower writers to protect short but regular time slots to work toward their writing projects with the support of an online community. Writers can choose the time slot that best fits their needs. The format is split into three parts: the check in, where participants outline their goals verbally or by writing in the chat box; the 60-minute power hour, where cameras and microphones are muted while people engage in their projects; and the follow-up, where participants come together to share their experiences, facilitated by the session’s host. Find out more and register at https://vt.mywconline.com
Administrative Announcements
8. FALL 2023 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The fall 2023 Graduate School commencement ceremony is on Friday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum on the Blacksburg campus. All graduates who wish to participate in the ceremony should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than Dec. 1. Doctoral students wanting to participate must meet the participation deadlines listed at https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/what-you-need-to-graduate/deadlines-for-academic-progress.html. There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite to attend and the Graduate School ceremony will be live streamed on the University website as well. Additional information on the fall ceremony can be found online at https://vt.edu/commencement.html. Questions may be directed to Graduate Admissions and Academic Progress staff at grads@vt.edu.
9. GRADUATE SCHOOL DC METRO AREA WALK IN HOURS
The Graduate School staff in the Washington, D.C. metro area will offer graduate students in the region “Walk-In Hours” weekly on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Walk-In hours.
10. THE D.C. GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY APPLICATION PERIOD FOR ELECTION TO OFFICES FOR THE 2024 YEAR CLOSES ON NOV. 30
The Greater DC Region Graduate Student Assembly (DC-GSA) shortly will hold elections for 2024 officers. The DC-GSA seeks dedicated individuals who are passionate about representing and serving the graduate student body. This is your chance to be the voice for your peers and to drive meaningful change within our university.
The application deadline is Nov. 30 for election year 2024. Elections will take place the week following the application deadline. These appointments are effective Jan. 15, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024.
Students from all departments and disciplines are encouraged to apply, especially those who have a strong desire to engage with student issues, policy-making, and event coordination.
To learn more about the positions available and the election process, see the attached flyer or visit the DC-GSA website: https://dcmetro.gsa.vt.edu. To apply, use this direct application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC7xi6KwSj_6YwEgFPloP5U0EVieYHU1RZ2tCJWBD2U5ogaA/viewform
Should you have any questions or need assistance with your application, contact Venkata Adithya Chekuri at chvadithya029@vt.edu.
11. DIVERSITY SCHOLAR APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN
Diversity Scholars propose, design, and implement projects that enhance the quality of life at Virginia Tech. They are graduate students who specialize in and advocate for the awareness, knowledge, and skills associated with diversity and inclusion in the Graduate School and greater community. These projects can take many forms and can be specific to a particular curriculum or department, or it can be more global.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. To learn more about the program and the application process, please review the website: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/diversity-scholars.html
For additional information, email the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships at DISP@vt.edu.
12. GOOGLE PHOTOS ACCESS ENDS AND STORAGE LIMITS BEGIN IN JANUARY 2024
Two important changes to Google Workspace at Virginia Tech are happening on Jan. 16, 2024. First, access to the Google Photos app will end. If you have any data in the Photos app, you MUST export the photos you wish to keep, and then delete all contents from the app. After Jan. 16, you will not be able to access the app or remove data, and the data will continue to count against your storage limit. The Google Photos guide (https://it.vt.edu/google-photos/) offers more information on exporting Photos data.
Also, on Jan. 16, students will have a 5 GB storage limit in Google Workspace; accounts over this limit will go read-only until storage is reduced. Check your storage, and move or delete files from Google Drive if needed. Again, empty ALL contents from Photos, regardless of your storage total. See the Google changes student information page for more information: https://it.vt.edu/google.
13. BOUCHET GRADUATE HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Application deadline Jan. 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST
The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The Bouchet Society seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who serve as examples of the five pillars: scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. You may learn more here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/bouchet-society.html
For questions from the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area, please reach out to Dr. Chontrese Hayes, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, at chontresehayes@vt.edu.
14. GPSS RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Application deadline: Jan. 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is accepting applications for the senate’s Graduate Research Development Program. Master’s students are eligible to receive $1,000 and doctoral students are eligible for receive up to $1,500. Funds may be requested for travel, lab analyses, supplies and other expenses incurred for degree-contingent research. $10,000 will be distributed. Application materials and full instructions can be found here: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/grdp.html. Please e-mail Aran Garnett-Deakin at acgarnet@vt.edu with any questions.
15. COMMUNITY CHANGE JOURNAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
Submissions deadline: Jan. 8, 2024
Community Change’s fifth issue seeks submissions in the forms of scholarly refereed articles, book reviews, essays, and other work, including multimedia and artwork from graduate students. Community Change is an online, peer-reviewed, graduate student journal that explores multiple approaches to democratic community development and change. This interdisciplinary journal examines the practices, processes, and individual and collective struggles that produce social and political change at all levels of society. Community Change adopts a broad definition of community development that includes issues relating to public policy, democratization, collective action, physical/digital and social infrastructure developments, agency, and efficacy. For more information about submission requirements, please visit: www.communitychange.ipg.vt.edu/about/submissions/
Questions can be directed to community-change-journal-g@vt.edu.
16. COVES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Application deadline: Dec. 1
The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship is a science policy fellowship for Virginia that is hosted by the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM). COVES fellows are graduate students or postdoctoral researchers in science, technology, engineering, math and health (STEM-H) fields at Virginian Universities who spend 12 weeks over the summer working with Host Offices in the Virginia legislative and executive branches or in the policy offices of NGOs and scientific industries in Virginia. In addition to their work in their Host Offices, fellows are paired with a science policy mentor from VASEM, trained through an orientation at the start of their fellowship, and participate in networking and career development activities throughout the fellowship. More information can be found on our website https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/funding-sponsored-by-the-graduate-school.html
Job Opportunities
No Job opportunities at this time.
External Funding Opportunities
All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html
17. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM
DEADLINES (registration): Dec. 1; (application): Dec. 8
The VASG Graduate Fellowship invests in people and supports graduate students in education, evidence-based inquiry, and community engagement that further the goals of VASG. Graduate Fellows address issues relevant to Virginia communities and of importance to coastal and marine resources – including but not limited to: natural or social sciences, engineering and design, policy and legal analysis, architecture, business, education, arts and humanities, etc. The fellowship builds skills and competencies through professional development training and provides hands-on experience in translating research results to stakeholders through a professional mentor.
The fellowship provides up to $40,000 per year for two years and professional development opportunities. VASG expects to fund up to eight fellowships for the 2024–2026 academic years. Visit this site to learn more about the program, including how to apply: https://action.vaseagrant.org/c1.pl?778ff086b67b1bdbf698d51d3dc1a2796182c340b1faf97b
18. VIRGINIA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM GRADUATE RESEARCH STEM FELLOWSHIPS
DEADLINE: FEB. 9, 2024
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is accepting applications for its Graduate Research STEM Fellowship program. A major goal of VSGC is to help produce the engineers and scientists of the future and to promote diversity in the STEM workforce. The consortium provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM, have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance, and are not graduating sooner than May 2025. For more information and to apply, visit https://vsgc.odu.edu/graduatefellowships/
Upcoming Events
19. BOOTSTRAPPING SHORT COURSE
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Virtual for D.C. Area students (Zoom)
Bootstrapping is a statistical procedure that resamples a single dataset with replacement to create many simulated samples. This results in mimicking the sampling process from the population. Practitioners can use the resamples to develop an estimate along with its bias, variance, confidence intervals, prediction intervals, etc. Bootstrapping is often used when the assumptions of parametric techniques, such as the assumption of normality, are not met. It can be used to develop hypothesis tests and confidence intervals in these cases (and much more!). This course provides an introduction to the topic. You will learn the concept and get a deeper understanding why it is helpful and important.
For more information and to register: https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=boot%20strapping
20. HOW WE GROW! EARLY ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL EVENT
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Virtual (Registration deadline: Dec. 1)
Early Childhood Education Initiatives is collaborating with Wolf Trap teaching artist Maria Tripodi to present “How We Grow! Early Arts for Children and Families.” Maria will guide children and families through movement experiences that provide an interactive opportunity to experience children’s literature and the work around them.
You can register until Dec. 1 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0hPDLjlousGXNgg5WJ79bckVTO0RPPaJITR49TGJIT139lQ/viewform
If you have further questions, please contact Kim Thomason, Program Director of the Early Childhood Education Initiatives, at kimbe74@vt.edu or by visiting caregiving.vt.edu.
21. SAVE THE DATE: OFFICE OF EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY DOUBLE FEATURE
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in person in Northern Virginia Center room 213 (Falls Church), and Virtual (Zoom)
Assistant Director of Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution Henry Yampolsky returns to the Greater D.C. Metro Area for the second annual OEA Double Feature! Yampolsky and Equity Manager Gennelle Chatman will co-present the Respect, Equity, and Anti-Discrimination (R.E.A.D.) Training live. Then, Henry will lead participants through his highly engaging conflict resolution module: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration.
The R.E.A.D. Training will be 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 6. Moving from Conflict to Collaboration will be Dec. 7, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
All are invited to attend; refreshments will be provided; however, seating is limited. Those interested in attending are kindly asked to register by November 30. Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qbjypjZTU2dLApHQQGFhqUBs_3Vq2bye00jBXOLtxvw/edit
22. WHOVILLE END-OF-SEMESTER MOVIE NIGHT AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER
Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m., in person at Northern Virginia Center room 114 in Falls Church.
Join the Graduate School for a movie watch party with popcorn and a sweet treat!
RSVP Via Gobbler Connect: https://t.ly/NB7Ih
If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Torri K. Brown @torribrown@vt.edu
Volunteers and research participants sought
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A JOB MARKET RESEARCH STUDY
Students are facing difficulties with the job-seeking process. There is some evidence that students across different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and genders face discrimination in the technology job market today. Unethical approaches in job recruiting and offering processes create an unfair playing field for students, many of whom study in the same schools/curriculums and have the same technological skills. We want to survey students regarding their experiences with the job-seeking process as well as whether they have experienced employment discrimination.
More information can be found here: https://forms.gle/hNMXCM15xuDCP6As5.
If you have questions, please contact graduate student researcher Esther Park, esther70920@vt.edu.
24. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ENGINEERING PH.D. ADVISOR ADVISEE EXPERIENCE RESEARCH PROJECT
Are you a Ph.D. student in engineering who has an advisor and has completed your first year of an engineering program? Are you interested in taking a 15- to 20-minute survey about your experience and receiving a $20 gift card? If you answered yes to both of these questions, we’re interested in learning about your experience. We’re conducting a study that looks at students’ experiences with their advisors and how that relationship has developed and would love your feedback. What this entails:
Participants must be doctoral engineering students who have advisors.
One survey, which takes 15-20 minutes
Possible (optional) follow-up interview
This survey close Dec. 8. In addition to the $20 gift card, you may receive invitations to participate in future interviews with our team, which will include additional compensation.
More details can be found at the survey link: https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y2RBcdYlAJXBga
If you have any questions please reach out to Mark Huerta at markhuerta@vt.edu.
This research study is approved under the UM IRB HUM00230743.
25. SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR A COMPENSATED STUDY ON HOME COOKING
Sensory Evaluation Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology
The VT Sensory Evaluation Lab (SEL) is researching individual’s ability of home meal preparation (IRB #23-861). We are recruiting volunteers who are 18 years or older and are interested in sharing their personal experience on home meal preparation to participate. Subjects will be required to participate in three, 60 to 120 minutes sessions over 2-4 weeks to discuss the factors that support or hinder their abilities for preparing a meal at home. The sessions will be audio-recorded, with permission. Photos will be taken to help explain research process, with permission.
Participants will have the chance to get the incentives of up to $90 by participating and completing all three sessions of the study. Your decision to participate or not will not impact your relationship with Virginia Tech or VT SEL.
Participants will receive cash incentives for each session they attend. If they attend all three sessions, they will get $90 cash incentives Participants must be at least 18 years old. The study is going to be conducted in English.
TIME COMMITMENT:
The three sessions will take place within a period of 2-4 weeks. The estimated time for each session is:
Session 1: 90-120 minutes (in-person, Falls Church Campus)
Session 2: 60-75 minutes (online, asynchronous)
Session 3: 90-120 minutes (in-person, Falls Church Campus)
Exact date of in-person sessions will be confirmed in a follow-up email for qualified participants.
To participate, access the screening questionnaire from the link below or through the QR code attached:
https://vt.compusensecloud.com/edu/login.aspx?t=713f670b-d238-4624-b479-492493c2bfd9
For more info: Jiakun Yi (jiakunyi@vt.edu)
Study supervisor: Dr. Jacob Lahne (foodsensory@vt.edu)
26. SURVEY RESPONDENTS NEEDED TO INFORM THE FUTURE OF AR VR AT VIRGINIA TECH
The Extended Reality (XR) Faculty Community of Practice, sponsored by the Provost’s Office and supported by TLOS, is seeking input from faculty, staff, and students about their experiences using and/or creating extended reality immersive experiences, which includes Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The purpose of the survey is to identify the most impactful areas in which the university could provide support for the creation of future XR learning experiences at Virginia Tech. A raffle will be held and six survey respondents will win $50. For more information, visit this webpage: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AWk3fZziBk . or contact humanimpact@vt.eduSurvey available here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AWk3fZziBk
Ongoing Services (updated 11/27/23)
· GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO AREA: Schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment with a Graduate School Academic Progress and Admissions advisor at https://rb.gy/80frn or send your questions to gssoncr@vt.edu. Offices are located on the fourth floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church.
· CAREER ADVISING: Schedule a career advising appointment via https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html
· COOK COUNSELING: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Northern Virginia Embedded Counselor, Julie Kaplan, Ph.D. by emailing jskaplan@vt.edu or calling 703-635-9957. After hours support can be found by calling 540-231-6557 or visiting ucc.vt.edu/timelycare
· SERENITY SPACE: The Cook Counseling Center has created the Serenity Space at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church (NVC) in room 489, a peaceful, calm space for all graduate students to use, to take a break in the day, and to de-stress. Please feel free to relax, stretch, meditate, or do yoga there. All students can use this room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. It can also be used to relax before and after therapy sessions. Please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu, if you have any questions related to this space.
· CRANWELL INTERNATIONAL CENTER: Schedule an appointment by emailing international@vt.edu or calling 540-231-6527.
· GRADUATE OMBUDSPERSON: The ombudsperson provides information about institutional policies and works to help individuals effectively navigate conflicts through informal, confidential conversations. Contact for a virtual appointment at gradombud@vt.edu or call 540-231-9573.
· AFFINITY GROUPS: Contact Assistant Dean Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu for information about these student groups.
· NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Located on the 1st floor of the Northern Virginia Center (NVC) in Falls Church. Beginning on Monday, October 2, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday. New hours:
o Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
o Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
o Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
o Sunday: Building is closed
Visit lib.vt.edu/nvc to book a study time/seat.
· HOKIE ONE STOP: Online links to additional resources and services available to graduate students in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia campuses. https://dcarea.vt.edu/hokieonestop.html
· WRITING CENTER: Virginia Tech Libraries house The Writing Center, a free service for all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The center offers real-time, face-to-face online synchronous sessions as well as online asynchronous sessions. For more information: https://lib.vt.edu/study-learn/writing-center.html
· EXPERIENCE VT WITH EMILY T: Every Monday at 9 a.m., Virtual (Zoom) Join Graduate and Professional Student Board of Visitors Representative Emily Tirrell for her weekly office hours. Come and learn more about the graduate school, the student senate, the Board of Visitors, and campus resources! Online link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/emilytirrell
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VTGradSchoolDC
Instagram and X: @hokieonestopdc
Have a great week!