March 11, 2024
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.
You’ll find posts under the following headings:
- 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. APPLYING FOR NSF FUNDING: AN OVERVIEW FROM THE SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES
Tuesday, March 12, 2 p.m., Virtual for D.C. Area students
The Center for Future Work Places and Practices hosts Dr. Alan Tompkins, NSF acting division director, social and economic sciences, and directorate for social, behavioral, and economic sciences, will talk about the NSF grant process and provide tips for writing a competitive proposal and will discuss different types of grants. There will be time for questions. The event is part of the center’s speaker series. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-zBJRxFBNrpSV4G9JtjDpvUlzKUrwE9190lAsPT-w84VTBg/viewform
2. UT PROSIM DAY
Tuesday, March 12, 4-6 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, T4
Pamplin’s Community Committee presents Ut Prosim Day — A Day of Service. The event is open to all students, staff, and faculty There will be free food and activities, such as community card making. The event also is a food drive. Questions? Email: mahmood@vt.edu
3. INAUGURAL D.C VT WOMEN CONNECT EVENT
Thursday, March 14, 1-2 p.m. Three locations and virtual
Come connect and network! Employees and Students are invited to attend Dessert & Discussions on March 14 @ 1PM to connect with Virginia Tech Women in the Greater DC Metro Area. This event will be held across multiple locations in the DC area and via Zoom. Please choose one to attend and register for the event. (Dessert will be provided to those in person). This is a casual event designed to celebrate women at Virginia Tech, plan future events, and bring some fun to a Thursday afternoon!
Locations:
Arlington Research Center: 2nd Floor East/West Falls Church Room
Northern Virginia Center: Room T-4
Innovation Campus HQ: Board Room
attend via Zoom meeting 829 8292 0608
Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjegHq3lTiFYRBrWL3KliKfOlUM1QwSjlGRlFZS0Q3RUxGSzJBSjhHTDJUWC4u
4. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO DISSERTATION (MAD) WORKSHOP
Thursday, March 14, 1-2:30 p.m. Virtual
WISE invites you to attend our upcoming practical dissertation workshop that will focus on gathering the requirements stipulated by Virginia Tech, your department and your committee for your dissertation. We will also devise a tailored plan for their implementation in your specific case. This stage of dissertation work directly impacts the success of your research and defense. Properly executed, it sets the foundation for developing your own step-by-step work plan. It provides you with a comprehensive understanding of what your dissertation should entail and where to focus your research efforts.
The workshop will be online: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87983612381?pwd=VUc0dDBpTk4ranlpVVA4UHdZU1dzQT09
Meeting ID: 879 8361 2381
Passcode: 731267
Administrative Announcements
5. GRADUATE STUDENT COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS FOR SPRING 2024 WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA COMMENCEMENT
Applications/nominations for graduate student speaker(s) for the Spring 2024 Commencement, scheduled for May 12, are now open. To be eligible, students must be graduating in Spring or Summer 2024, or they must have graduated in Fall 2023.
One to three graduate student speakers will be selected. The time allotted for each student speaker’s remarks is approximately three minutes. The most well-received speeches are those that reflect on the common educational experience and share, in a personal way, the value of the education received at Virginia Tech.
To apply or nominate a student, please fill out this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRqtPZ54PYi8a2lFGfyLbPW29Q48R2rAfHFcLd35AnweRz3A/viewform) by Friday, March 22.
Students who have applied or been nominated will be contacted shortly after the form closes, and will need to submit the full text of their speech, either in print or in a short video, by Friday, April 5, in order to be considered. Questions can be directed to Ginny Wagg at gwagg@vt.edu.
6. STUDENT ADVISING APPOINTMENTS WITH D.C. GRADUATE SCHOOL TEAM VIA NAVIGATE
The Graduate Admissions and Advancement team has transitioned its advising appointment scheduling for graduate students to Navigate for students in the D.C. Metro Area. The Graduate School staff can be reached for In Person and Virtual Appointments to discuss various topics under admissions and academic progress. Students should use our webpage to access the link to schedule appointments directly and select Northern Virginia for an advising appointment and select the service needed. Visit this site to schedule an appointment via Navigate: https://www.nvc.vt.edu/Current-Students/gsso.html.
7. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CAREER FAIRS FROM GSA
The Graduate Student Assembly has pulled together a list of upcoming career fairs. The assembly members also offer tips on how to make the most out of your experience in just three simple steps. Learn the importance of pre-fair preparation, including researching companies and polishing your resume for maximum impact. During the event, master the art of engaging with recruiters confidently and professionally. Afterward, solidify connections by following up promptly and exploring additional job opportunities.
Access the list of upcoming career fairs and mark your calendars to stay ahead in your career journey. Elevate your career fair game with expert guidance from GSA Spring 2024. Career Tips Link: http://tinyurl.com/yapwktnh
8. PREPARING FOR THE ACADEMIC HIRING PROCESS WORKSHOPS
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network is offering events this spring focused on preparing for the academic hiring process. The next event is “Writing Your Diversity/Inclusion Statement for the Academic Job Market” on March 15, followed by “Writing Your Research Statement for the Academic Job Market” and “Writing Your Teaching Statement for the Academic Job Market” in April. You can find the full CIRTL Network event schedule, including descriptions and registration information, at https://cirtl.net/events/. The events are offered online and at no cost. If you have questions about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, email cirtl@vt.edu.
9. EXPLORING CAREERS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ACADEMIA WORKSHOPS
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network is offering events this spring focused on exploring careers inside and outside academia. Upcoming events include “Exploring Teaching Careers at Research Universities with CIRTL Alumni,” “Exploring Teaching Careers at Teaching Intensive Universities with CIRTL Alumni,” “Exploring Non-faculty Careers in Academia with CIRTL Alumni,” “Careers Outside of Higher Education,” and “Exploring Careers Outside Academia with CIRTL Alumni.” You can find the full CIRTL Network event schedule, including descriptions and registration information, at https://cirtl.net/events/. The events are offered online and at no cost. If you have questions about CIRTL at Virginia Tech, email cirtl@vt.edu.
Job Opportunities
No job postings at this time.
Funding Opportunities
All external funding opportunities that we are aware of can be found here: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships.html
10. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH
Deadline: March 15
Sigma Xi, a research honor society, is awarding grants to assist graduate students with their research. The amounts range from $500-$5,000. Information about the grant opportunities can be found on this webpage, which includes links to tips on applying for a grant and application resources: https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research
11. National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship Program Accepting Applications
Deadlines: April 10 and 17
NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program supports doctoral research with relevance to criminal or juvenile justice in the United States. This includes criminology, forensic science, technology for law enforcement, and more. Applications from all science and engineering fields are welcome.
Students must be enrolled full time in a Ph.D. program in a science or engineering field and propose dissertation research relevant to improving criminal or juvenile justice practice or policy in the United States. Applications are submitted by the university, which must be an accredited academic institution in the United States or its territories. The fellowship provides up to three years of support within a five-year period and includes:
- $41,000/year student salary
- $16,000/year cost of education allowance
- $3,000/year research expenses
To learn more and see profiles of past and present GRF fellows, visit https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program.
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
12. SUMMER CUNNINGHAM FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE
Deadline: May 1.
In combination with the Cunningham Doctoral Scholarship and the Graduate School Annual Fund, we are delighted to announce the availability of summer fellowships in the amount of $7,500 each. This supplement will be awarded as a lump sum fellowship (see note below) at the beginning of the summer. This is a one-time award, cannot be renewed, and is awarded without the expectation of any additional work on your part. Awardees must be current Ph.D. students who are working on their dissertations during the summer months. This award cannot be combined with other Virginia Tech funding sources. Priority will be given to those toward the end of their program. Financial need will be considered as a secondary factor.
Applications will be accepted until May 1. Awards will be announced soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, use this form: https://forms.gle/6vYKM9AHizoAgKeN8
NOTE: Fellowships are not considered employment. No taxes are withheld and you will not receive a W2 form at the end of the year. Fellowships will show on your 1098-T from the university and may have to be reported to the IRS on your 1040 form. However, different tax rules apply to international students. For them, the university is required to collect taxes on the fellowship and to report those amounts at year-end to the IRS on form 1042S. For more information, see IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education.
13. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS
Deadline: May 1.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle for its Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. Applications are due on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The award program is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE’s Office of Science.
https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html
The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. Supplemental awards are intended to cover incremental costs associated with living and travel expenses during the award period.
Two application assistance workshops on Zoom are scheduled to assist students. The first will be on Saturday, March 9, 2-3:30 p.m. The second will be on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m.
The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements. It and will also include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdeqhrj8tG70eb-wK0GmooGB_T6WNTcI#/registration
The second workshop will guide attendees through the application process, answer general questions, provide guidance on proposal writing, and feature discussions with scientists and former awardees; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscu6rqT4oGzObcYFT24tieAsFM-vAHqg#/registration
More information on the SCGSR program can be found at by visiting the SCGSR program website: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/scgsr. You’ll also find information on this webpage: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/scholarships-and-fellowships/dept-of-energy-office-of-science-research-grant.html
Upcoming Events
14. 3M RISE RESUME AND RESEARCH STATEMENT WORKSHOP
Monday, March 18, 8 a.m. Virtual
Students who are applying to the 3M RISE symposium have the opportunity to sign up for a Resume and Research Statement Workshop. The workshop aims to help students avoid common mistakes that are seen in resumes and answer any questions they may have about research statements before they apply to RISE. Information and registration can be found here:
15. INTRODUCTION TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Monday, March 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Virtual
Virginia Tech’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center presents a workshop intended for anyone interested in learning more about the different forms of intellectual property (IP). This introductory workshop will be especially helpful for those who are own or looking to start their own business, or those who have an invention they would like to patent.
Attendees will learn about the four main types of intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyright, and trade secrets), including examples and how to get started with applying or registering their IP. Register for the workshop here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12111505
16. ASIAN AFFINITY GROUP HYBRID MEETING
Monday, March 18, 2-3:30 p.m. Northern Virginia Center, Room 213, and Virtual.
Please join us to discuss upcoming events and build community. The meeting will be in person and on Zoom. In observance of Ramadan, refreshments will not be available. Let us know if you plan to attend, and whether you will be at the meeting in person or online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmisnWbqex_ntPLOH97tVCBmIkYT8WD2r-M1M5LSfqveFrBw/viewform.
For more information, contact chontresehayes@vt.edu.
17. LINKEDIN AND YOUR JOB SEARCH
Tuesday, March 19, 12-1 p.m., Virtual
This session will focus on using LinkedIn to aid in your job search process.
18. SPRING STUDENTS’ POP-UP PANTRY
Thursday, March 21, 3-6 p.m. Northern Virginia Center, room 471, Falls Church
The DC Metro Black Caucus will hold a pop-up pantry at the Northern Virginia Center campus, offering food and toiletries free to all Virginia Tech graduate students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Students must present a valid Virginia Tech student ID (known as a Hokie Passport).
The Northern Virginia Center is located at 7054 Haycock Road and is accessible via the Metro system.
19. WHY WE DON’T NEED TO BE TECH EXPERTS TO STAY SAFE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, WITH ADAM DODGE
Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m., Virtual
Online abuse and safety are on the top of everyone’s minds, especially with how much time we (and those we care about) are online and on our devices. In this keynote, we will learn tools and strategies for preventing and mitigating harm from AI deep fakes, leaked photos, digital harassment, stalking and more. Adam Dodge, founder & CEO of endTAB will be leading this keynote. This event is free and open to the public. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sLGYMKiNR4-Spzg_uFCXuQ#/registration
If you are someone needing an accommodation to please reach out Hokie Wellness at hokiewellnesssvp@vt.edu .
20. COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, March 21, In person at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.
The Arts &Sciences Graduate Center and the Charles Center for Academic Excellence at William & Mary invite doctoral and master’s degree students in Arts & Sciences disciplines from Virginia universities to present their research at an interdisciplinary symposium at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, March 21-22. Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/as/graduate/graduate-symposium/
21. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, March 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus, with opportunities to present research virtually.
The symposium theme is Horizons of Tomorrow: Innovation, Diversity, Collaboration, and Advancement. There will be an opportunity for virtual flash-talk presentations and travel awards may be available. Projects can be fully complete with analyses, proposed studies, or research that has been started but not complete.
More information about the symposium and the events can be found on the GPSS website: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/gsars.html
Contact the co-chairs with any questions: jennphill@vt.ed, and niveda@vt.edu
22. A CONVERSATION WITH DR. JESSICA WARE: DIVERSIFYING ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS
Friday, March 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Interested in issues of diversity, access, and justice in the sciences? Join us for an interactive talk and panel discussion with Dr. Jessica Ware, who currently serves as Division Chair of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, and is a fierce advocate for equity in the sciences. She will be joined by panelists Dr. Menah Pratt (Vice President for Strategic Affairs and Diversity at VT), Fernanda Vasquez-Valverde (International Ph.D. Candidate hailing from Colombia and studying millipede taxonomy and systematics), and Kristal Hines-Pressley (Yates Scholar and President of Black Students in STEM). There will be an opportunity for audience questions. Register here: https://forms.gle/wNveCu3jEWN88h9y9
Volunteers and research participants sought
23. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A STUDY OF SONS OF SINGLE MOTHERS STUDY
The Relationship Experiences Strengths and Strains (REST) Lab is recruiting men who were raised by single mothers to participate in 1.5-2 hour interviews about their lived experiences, definitions of masculinity, and how personal experiences shaped masculine identities.
Participants must identify as a man who was raised by a single mother without a residential father figure (biological, step, adoptive, etc.) and be willing to complete a 1.5-2 hour long qualitative interview. Compensation, if applicable, will be a $25 Amazon gift card. More details and application information can be found here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVVVtZ1Yr4
24. U.S. DRONE SOCCER COMPETITIONS NEED VOLUNTEERS
In partnership with Boeing, Virginia Tech is hosting three US Drone Soccer competitions in the D.C. area for middle- and high-school students. These events will showcase the skills and agility of remotely operated drones in a soccer-like game. See more about Drone Soccer programs here: https://www.dronesoccer.us/u19-youth. As a volunteer, your assistance will be invaluable in ensuring the smooth running of the events and providing a memorable experience for all participants. Event dates are March 16, April 27, and April 28. Information and the volunteer form may be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2u-xcmUcj9Y1VfAKMusBy-yUpJ_YOIbHFWaRtGeP1Xu-nEw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Ongoing Services
- 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. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed to meet with an advisor for Drop-In hours.
- 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. All students can use this room 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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: The affinity groups are:
Asian Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
First-Generation Affinity Group
GRAD Parents Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
Veterans Affinity Group
Women in TECH Affinity Group
Join an affinity group here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW61FGWCbuhwUhsSF2NK0rqtjSxzqz_eTFhhpJf8W74ykaKA/viewform. For more information, contact Dr. Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu
- NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10a.m.-6p.m.; Saturday, 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sunday, Closed
- 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
About the Newsletter and How to Submit a Post
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 information 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.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VTGradSchoolDC
Instagram: @hokieonestopdc
Have a great week!