This Week’s Events and Activities:
1. DROP-IN ADVISING
2. WRITING AND COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
3. COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR
4. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS
5. WOMEN IN TECH AFFINITY GROUP VIRTUAL MEETING
6. Online Power Hour of Writing
7. FLU SHOT CLINIC
8. TAKE A HIKE WITH VT GSA
Administrative Announcements:
9. LATINEX HISTORY AT VIRGINIA TECH INITIATIVE, 1st POSTING
10. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 1st POSTING
11. VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA
12. LOOKING FOR PHI BETA KAPPA MEMBERS
13. NEW EXTENDED HOURS FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER LIBRARY IN FALLS CHURCH
Job Opportunities
14. SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
External Funding Opportunities
15. NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, 1st POSTING
16. SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH
17. NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP, 1st POSTING
18. 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
19. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS
20. VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM
Upcoming Events:
21. HOKIE POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH
22. GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING
23. WRITING AND PUBLISHING FOR JOURNALS WORKSHOP
24. OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP
25. MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB
26: SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE
27. SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?
This Week’s Events and Activities
- drop-in advising
Monday, Sept. 25, 1:00-5:00 p.m. WAAC Alexandria
In-person student advising with the Graduate School advisors for academic progress and degree completion support for students
All graduate students are welcome to come to the drop-in advising.
- Writing AND COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Monday, Sept. 25, 6:45-8:30 p.m. In Arlington (second floor of the EBC) and virtual (Zoom)
Have you ever wondered how to communicate academic ideas to a wider audience using audio? Here is your chance to learn from a pro. Dallas Floer, senior production manager and producer of “Conversations with Tyler” and “Ideas of India” podcasts will provide tips, examples and more during this presentation. There is a short reception at 6:45 p.m. at the Arlington location. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. RSVP for event information and registration: https://forms.gle/HheBPU55z46Thc3e8
- COMMONWEALTH CYBER INITIATIVE INTERNSHIP AND JOB FAIR
Wednesday, Sept. 27 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virtual (hosted on Brazen)
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is hosting a virtual job fair on September 27 with the aim of connecting students with internship and job opportunities with employers throughout the state of Virginia. The event is free. For information and registration: visit https://cyberinitiative.org/talent-development/internship-job-fair-2023.html
- THURSDAY WALKING GROUP WITH MINDFULNESS
Thursday, Sept. 28, 12:30-1 p.m., in person (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.
- WOMEN IN TECH AFFINITY GROUP VIRTUAL MEETING
Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:00-7:30 p.m., Meeting flyer and Zoom link HERE
The Women in TECH Affinity Group was established during Women’s History Month 2023 for the purpose of heightening the awareness of gender-specific nuances that often exist in science and technology fields. The goal of the Women in TECH Affinity Group is to encourage opportunities that address gender-specific biases for graduate students pursuing science and technology degrees. Additionally, the group aims to strengthen mentoring and industry partnerships for graduate students who identify with this community.
- Online Power Hour of Writing
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 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
- Flu Shot Clinic
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Alexandria (WAAC)
Fall is the time when respiratory illnesses, like flu, begin to spread. To protect yourself and others this fall and winter, follow these public health guidelines (https://news.vt.edu/notices/adm-evergreens/public-safety-community-health.html) and get a flu shot!
Flu shot clinics are being offered in the D.C. area, which all employees and students are able to attend. Employees, please work with your supervisor with regard to scheduling questions as all clinics are during work hours.
Flu shot clinics will also be held on Wednesday, October 4th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in Falls Church (Room 200) and on Thursday, October 5th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Arlington (2nd Floor, 304).
Eligibility:
- Salaried, benefitted faculty and staff who are covered by state health insurance plans must show their insurance card to receive a free flu shot. Other insurance plans may be accepted but cannot be guaranteed.
- Non-student wage employees must show their Hokie Passport in order to receive their free flu vaccination.
- Undergraduate and graduate students must also show an insurance card to receive a free vaccine.
Injectable flu shots will be available. Registration is required for each person who will attend a clinic and may be found using the registration link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EAEAE22A7FF2-44440825-dc#/
- Take a Hike with VT GSA
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 10:00 a.m.
200 N. Columbus Street, Arlington, VA 22203
Enjoy the NOVA fall foliage on a hike with the VT GSA. Take a break from studying and enjoy some fresh air!
NOTE: Transportation will not be provided.
Administrative Announcements
- Latinx History at Virginia Tech Initiative, 2nd posting
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latinx Affinity Group, in collaboration with the El Centro Cultural Center, jointly launched an initiative to illuminate the origins and contributions of the Latinx community at Virginia Tech. The project will include cultural artifacts and oral history testimonials. If you want to contribute to this initiative or need more information, please contact: Chontrese Hayes, assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success at chontresehayes@vt.edu or Veronica Montes, Director, El Centro Cultural Center at vmontes@vt.edu.
10. NOMINATE YOUR FACULTY FOR MENTOR OF THE MONTH, 2nd posting
With the Faculty Mentor of the Month program, the Graduate School recognizes and highlights the important role faculty members play in supporting, encouraging, and promoting an affirmative, inclusive scholarly and teaching environment for graduate students. Nominate your faculty advisors, committee members, or other faculty members who have played a significant role in your graduate experience, either in a single noteworthy instance or through continued and consistent support, by completing this nomination form: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html. Nominations are accepted year-round, and a new winner is selected every month. Winners receive a certificate and a small token of our appreciation. Winning faculty mentors are featured on our website and recognized on social media platforms. Contact Monika Gibson at gibsonm@vt.edu with questions. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/about/awards/outstanding-mentor-award/Mentor_of_the_Month.html
- VIRGINIA TECH AFFINITY GROUPS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA
The graduate school has established six affinity groups for the campuses in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area to foster environments of support and to assist with degree completion and professional development outcomes. The overarching goal is to build an enhanced sense of community and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on issues of common interest for students who identify with these communities. The six groups are the Black Affinity Group, First Generation Affinity Group, GRAD Parents Affinity Group, Latinx Affinity Group, Veterans Affinity Group, and Women in TECH Affinity Group. You can join any of them using this form: https://forms.gle/pynU7sgtemmDowhg9.
- LOOKING FOR PHI BETA KAPPA MEMBERS
Virginia Tech was granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter on May 8, 1977. The founding president of our chapter was the late professor, Albert Sturm, research professor of political science. We are called the Mu of Virginia Chapter. Mu is the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet, as we are the 12th university or college in the state of Virginia to receive a charter.
If you are a Phi Beta Kappa member, the Mu of Virginia Chapter would be delighted to hear from you! Please send an email to Ms. Shelia Collins, PBK’s liaison in the Provost’s Office, at shcolli4@vt.edu with any questions or to be added to our listserv.
https://www.provost.vt.edu/phi_beta_kappa.html
- NEW EXTENDED HOURS FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER LIBRARY IN FALLS CHURCH
Beginning Monday, October 2nd, the library will open earlier on weekdays and close later Monday through Thursday.
New hours:
Monday – Thursday- 10:00a.m. – 9:30p.m.
Friday- 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
Saturday- 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Sunday-Building is Closed
Job Opportunities
- SELF-ADVOCATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS FOR VIRGINIA TECH AUTISM CLINIC & CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH
Open until filled.
We are seeking to create a self-advocate advisory committee to advise VTAC/CAR’s director on various research, programs, clinical services, marketing, and communications to help ensure that autistic people and their interests are represented in how VTAC/CAR advances its mission on behalf of the autism community. This is a wage position. Outcomes of discussions will directly inform potential center research and related services. Must be over 18 years of age, identify as being on the autism spectrum, or have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. For more information and how to apply use this form: https://www.vtcar.science.vt.edu/content/dam/vtcar_science_vt_edu/accepting-applications-for/SelfAdvocateAdvisoryCommitteeDescription8.2023.pdf
For more information, contact the vtautismcenter@vt.edu
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
- SIGMA XI GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH, 3rd posting
DEADLINE: Oct. 1, 2023
Since 1922, the Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program has provided undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences. By encouraging close working relationships between students and mentors, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning.
Sigma Xi Members: Award amounts for members range from $500 to $5,000 for graduate applicants and $500 to $2,000 for undergraduate applicants.
Non-members: Award amounts for non-members, both graduate and undergraduate, are available up to $1,000.
https://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/grants-in-aid-of-research
- NNSA GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
DEADLINE: Oct. 2, 2023
Established by Congress in 2000, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. The NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is a one-year, early-career, leadership program with assignments across the NNSA enterprise. For information and how to apply, visit this page: https://www.pnnl.gov/apply-ngfp
- NNSA MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
DEADLINE: Oct. 22, 2023
Are you looking for a summer or year-long internship to boost your future career opportunities? Apply to join NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIIP) Class of 2024-25 today. MSIIP is open to all academic backgrounds. Internships begin on June 3, 2024. Application opened Aug. 1, 2023 and materials are due by 11:59pm EST, Oct. 22, 2023. Register here: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/
- 2024 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
DEADLINE: Nov. 1, 2023
Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct independent research utilizing the Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or staff expertise. Members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serve as advisors and hosts to fellows. Fields of research include animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the tropics; Anthropology, including archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology; Astrophysics and astronomy; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary & systematic biology; folklife; History of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art, twentieth-century American crafts, and decorative arts; materials research; molecular biology; social and cultural history of the United States.
https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP
- DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS
DEADLINE: November 8, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle.
SCGSR application assistance workshops will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET and Tuesday, October 10, 2–4:30 p.m. ET. The first workshop will provide a general overview of the program and the application requirements and will include a time for discussing potential research topics with the program managers; register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6prD8vHPF3KpL1C0P2s9y4uz044HI
- VIRGINIA SEA GRANT PROGRAM
DEADLINE (registration): Dec. 1
DEADLINE (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
Upcoming Events
- HOKIE SHOP POP-UP STORE AT THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER IN FALLS CHURCH
Monday, Oct. 2, 2-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12-6 p.m.
The Virginia Tech Hokie Shop, Virginia Tech’s official bookstore, will host a two-day pop-up Store on Oct. 2 and 3 at the Northern Virginia Center (next to the West Falls Church Metro stop) in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area. The Hokie Shop is open to everyone. Virginia Tech students, employees, alumni, and community members in the D.C. area are encouraged to stop by and get your Hokie gear. An assortment of merchandise will be available, including clothing, gifts, collectibles, and other memorabilia. Herff Jones will also be on-site to take regalia orders for December graduates.
- GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM TRAINING
Monday, Oct. 2, 12-1 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
The Graduate Honor System relies on trained faculty and graduate students to hear academic integrity violation cases. It takes a one-hour training to become a panelist, after which you can serve on preliminary review and review panels. Become a panelist to help review cases, actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about standards of academic integrity, and build your skills and resume! Please indicate your interest in attending the upcoming training by completing this short registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfm0Y93Xd-yaShDS-fc62wjuoAjDTVC47kbs8WHw2FYfh7jMQ/viewform.
- WRITING AND PUBLISHING FOR JOURNALS WORKSHOP
Begins Monday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.
The 11-Week Writing & Publishing High Impact Journal Articles training program is targeted to biological or life sciences advanced graduate students, postdocs, and early career researchers passionate about maximizing the likelihood of peer-reviewed publication success for their manuscripts. The weekly course will run from October through the third week of December 2023 and will include access to a combination of On Demand video modules on Canvas combined with engaging live discussions about the content each week. Registration closes Friday, Sept. 22, at midnight. Register here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/writing-journal-articles-series-fall-2023
- OMEKA BASICS WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Oct. 12 1-4 pm
https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/11216672
Kira Dietz and Corinne Guimont will teach a 3-hour workshop on using Omeka for digital scholarship projects and exhibits. Participants will learn the basics of Omeka terminology, as well as how to create metadata, upload items, manage multiple users, and use themes and plugins. In addition, participants will explore copyright for content and hosting options for Omeka. The workshop is Oct. 12 from 1-4 in person and online Use the link above to register
- MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: PLANNING YOUR POSTDOC OR FIRST FACULTY JOB
Oct. 16, 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. John Palmore, assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is the guest speaker. Registration link:
(https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS)
- SAVE THE DATE: DIVERSITY CHALLENGE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE
Nov. 11, 2023, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Virtual
A free, virtual event for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussion, community, and mentoring with leading scholars. Graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals for poster presentations, individual research papers, and symposia focused on various aspects of race, racism, anti-racism, and racial trauma. The symposia proposals should represent a collection of 3 presentations centered on a unifying theme and can comprise both research and conceptual presentations.
- SAVE THE DATE: MASTER YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOP: DOES RACE REALLY MATTER IN ACADEMIA?
Nov. 13; 12 p.m. Virtual (Zoom)
A professional development workshop designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. Dr. Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of the innovation Campus, is the guest speaker. Registration link:
(https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce-qrD8iHdSTgH0NjWuJ0-oYFLHc3eMS.)
Volunteers and research participants sought
No new opportunities this week.