The D.C. Area Graduate Student Weekly Newsletter shares administrative announcements, events, services, job opportunities, and requests for research participants with graduate students enrolled in programs in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and other Northern Virginia campuses.
Who receives the newsletter and when
The newsletter is emailed to all graduate students enrolled in programs in the greater Washington, D.C., on Mondays before noon. The first issue will be sent to students Aug. 21, 2023. The mailing list is updated each semester.
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 during each semester the university is in session. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.
This is the last weekly newsletter for the Spring semester. The newsletter will be emailed once a month during June and July and will resume weekly publication in August. Congratulations and best wishes to those who are graduating!
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. Q’MMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 7, 1-2 p.m. Northern Virginia Campus room 401.
Topic: Coming out conversations. Please join The Cook Counseling Center and the Graduate School in Northern Virginia for the Spring Q*mmunity Support Group. No need to register; just drop in. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, Ph.D., at jskaplan@vt.edu.
2. GRADUATE SCHOOL D.C. AREA SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Sunday, May 12, 1 p.m., George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax
Faculty, staff, and students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area are invited to share feedback about their commuting needs and desires in a transportation survey delivered by Virginia Tech Transportation Services. Responses are anonymous. You can reach the survey here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=/Vr1M1vOs%2BAECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D
This survey will be administered periodically through the opening of the Innovation Campus Academic Building One to help develop the transportation and parking network needed to contribute to the success of the Innovation Campus. Email and social media platforms will be used for promotion before, during, and after the survey response period. Results will be shared via VT News and the VT News Daily email.
Recognize a great faculty mentor who has been supportive and encouraging of your progress toward a graduate degree by nominating them for the Faculty Mentor of the Month recognition. You can nominate advisors, committee members, or other faculty who play a significant role in your graduate experience, either in a single noteworthy instance or through continued and consistent support: 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.
5.SUMMER HOURS FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER
The Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church will be closed on Saturdays, beginning May 11. The building will reopen on Saturdays beginning August 24.
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:
Monday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Join a 2-day workshop and learn key skills for programming and computing including the command line, version control, and R on May 13 and 15 in Blacksburg or online! No experience necessary; workshops open to all VT community members. Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided for in-person participants! Find more information and register at Library Calendar or email ndporter@vt.edu. Here is the registration link: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12412188
8. JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Tuesday, June 18, 3-5 p.m. Northern Virginia Center room 200.
The Graduate School and Cook Counseling Center are planning an event to celebrate Juneteenth. More information will be shared closer to the event.
Volunteers and research participants sought
9. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION
The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care. Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!
Participants must be 18 years of age
Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+ Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)
Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available. Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card. Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.
10. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday and 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.
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 during each semester the university is in session. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday.
The last weekly newsletter for the Spring semester will be emailed on May 6. The newsletter will be emailed once a month during June and July and will resume weekly publication in August.
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. DE-STRESS DAY WITH WALK AND THERAPY DOG
Thursday, May 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church lobby
This event is hosted by Cook Counseling Center in the DC Metro Area. It’s a De-Stress event for graduate students on reading day, and is open to all students in the DC Metro Area. We’ll have a Walk with Mindfulness Moments, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., and will be joined by Eli, a working service dog, and Twix, a service dog in training for Canine Companions. We’ll meet inside the front door of the NVC, on the second floor.
After the walk, we’ll have De-stress activities in Room 200 at the NVC. There will be time (and photos) with the dogs, adult coloring, and snacks for students. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu
2. AFFINITY GROUPS CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.
3. CHEESY NIGHT AT THE FALLS CHURCH CENTER LIBRARY
Friday, May 3, 5-7 p.m., Northern Virginia Center Library, Falls Church
The library is extending its hours from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. for Friday. The library also will host a Cheesy Night, with a special guest, grilled cheese sandwiches, snacks, and games from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and there is no registration required. For more information, please email nvclibrary@vt.edu.
Administrative Announcements
4. SPRING 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
The spring 2024 Graduate School commencement ceremony in Blacksburg for all doctoral students and interdisciplinary master’s students (MACR, MIT, TBMH) will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 10 a.m. in Cassell Coliseum. All doctoral and interdisciplinary master’s graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than May 1.
All other Blacksburg master’s degree graduates will be recognized at individual college ceremonies. See https://commencement.vt.edu/schedule/spring.html for the schedule of ceremonies; contact your college to register.
The spring 2024 Graduate School ceremony in the Washington D. C. Metro Area for all doctoral and master’s students will be held on Sunday, May 12th at 1 p.m. at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. All doctoral and master’s graduates wanting to participate should complete the Commencement Intentions form through their HokieSPA degree menu no later than May 1.
5. D.C. AREA TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Deadline: May 10.
Faculty, staff, and students in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area are invited to share feedback about their commuting needs and desires in a transportation survey delivered by Virginia Tech Transportation Services. Responses are anonymous. You can reach the survey here: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=/Vr1M1vOs%2BAECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D
This survey will be administered periodically through the opening of the Innovation Campus Academic Building One to help develop the transportation and parking network needed to contribute to the success of the Innovation Campus. Email and social media platforms will be used for promotion before, during, and after the survey response period.
Results will be shared via VT News and the VT News Daily email.
The Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church will be closed on Saturdays, beginning May 11. The building will reopen on Saturdays beginning August 24.
7. SUMMER LEADERSHIP COURSE
LDRS 5534: Cognition, Problem Solving, and Preference for Change (CRN 64647) is open to all graduate students this summer. In this course students will understand the differences in problem-solving styles and how that affects working with and leading others. You will also learn your own KAI score and what it tells you about how you solve problems, work with others, communicate, and build trust—all required for successful leadership. Questions? Contact Dr. Jerald Walz, jhwalz@vt.edu.
Job Opportunities
8. SUMMER FULL-STACK DEVELOPER FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS USING FLUTTER
The Building Construction is looking for a summer wage employee who is program Proficient in Flutter, Dart, Google Maps API, Firebase and Cloud Functions. Other qualifications:
Strong understanding of both front-end and back-end development processes. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively. Currently enrolled as a student or recent graduate. Experience in Data Analysis and Visualization using Python is a plus.
Job responsibilities:
Design, develop, and deploy mobile applications using Flutter. Integrate Google Maps API for location tracking and manage data using Firebase. Ensure cross-platform compatibility for both iOS and Android devices. Engage with the research team to design and refine application features. Conduct comprehensive testing and maintenance to ensure application performance and reliability.
Duration: Summer Job (3 months) Salary: $15/hour for graduate students Work Hours: 20 hours per week Location: Blacksburg or remote. Send your CV or Resume to xiangyang@vt.edu if you are interested.
The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest.
We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.
Benefits of participation: • Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement. • Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more. • Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff. • Connect with program participants from around the country. Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/
10. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline, May 1
The 2024 Google P.hD. Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible Ph.D. Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech can nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of Virginia Tech’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, 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.
12. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS
Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, 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. 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. 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
13. GLOBETHICS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024
Deadline: May 10.
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:
Tuesday, May 7, 1-2 p.m. Northern Virginia Campus room 401.
Topic: Coming out conversations. Please join The Cook Counseling Center and the Graduate School in Northern Virginia for the Spring Q*mmunity Support Group. No need to register – just drop in! For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, PhD, at jskaplan@vt.edu.
15. 2-DAY PYTHON, BASH, AND GIT WORKSHOP
Monday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Join a 2-day workshop and learn key skills for programming and computing, including the command line, version control, and R on May 13 and 15 in Blacksburg and online! No experience necessary; workshops open to all VT community members. Find more information and register at Library Calendar or email ndporter@vt.edu. Here is the registration link: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12412188
16. JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Tuesday, June 18, 3-5 p.m. Northern Virginia Center room 200.
The Graduate School and and Cook Counseling Center are planning an event to celebrate Juneteenth. More information will be shared closer to the event.
Volunteers and research participants sought
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION
The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care. Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!
Participants must be 18 years of age
Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+ Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)
Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available. Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card. Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.
18. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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.
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. THURSDAY WALKING GROUP
Thursday, April 25 12:30-1 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church lobby
Join Dr. Julie Kaplan on a walk and a discussion about mindfulness techniques.
Administrative Announcements
2. D.C. AREA COMMENCEMENT SLIDESHOW
Deadline: April 22
Commencement is less than a month away, and we’re preparing to make it a joyous celebration for our graduates and their families and friends. One special feature of the D.C. Area Commencement ceremony each year is a slide show highlighting the unique experiences of our graduating students during their time here at Virginia Tech. We are asking you to share a photo or two for this year’s slide show, which will be shown at the commencement ceremony on May 12. A shared folder has been created where these items can be uploaded by you. We will fit as many as possible into the slide show!
All pictures should be uploaded by Monday, April 22. If you have any difficulty uploading files to this folder, please contact Dr. Barbara Hoopes at bhoopes@vt.edu.
3. AFFINITY GROUPS GOLDEN GEESE MENTORING AWARD NOMINATIONS
Deadline: April 22.
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony on May 2 from 2–4 p.m. on the Arlington campus will recognize Golden Geese Mentoring Awards. A key core value for the affinity groups is mentoring. If you wish to nominate a 2024 graduate school candidate or a faculty member who exemplifies building community through mentoring, please do so here:
4. ENTER TO RECEIVE A FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Deadline: 5 p.m. April 22
This year, VT Women Connect (Virginia Tech’s formal institutional connection to the American Council on Education (ACE) Virginia Women’s Network) has funds to cover the cost of eight (8)conference registration fees. If you are interested in entering to win a free conference registration, please complete the form below by April 22 at 5 p.m. to enter a random drawing. You will be informed no later than April 26 if you have been selected.
The 2024 annual conference will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. This year’s conference theme is “Walking in Her Shoes: Understanding the Challenges of Women of Color in Higher Education and Creating Environments Where ALL Succeed.” Learn more here: http://www.virginianetwork.org/
LDRS 5534: Cognition, Problem Solving, and Preference for Change (CRN 64647) is open to all graduate students this summer. In this course students will understand the differences in problem-solving styles and how that affects working with and leading others. You will also learn your own KAI score and what it tells you about how you solve problems, work with others, communicate, and build trust—all required for successful leadership. Questions? Contact Dr. Jerald Walz, jhwalz@vt.edu.
Job Opportunities
6. SUMMER FULL-STACK DEVELOPER FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS USING FLUTTER
The Building Construction is looking for a summer wage employee who is program Proficient in Flutter, Dart, Google Maps API, Firebase and Cloud Functions. Other qualifications:
Strong understanding of both front-end and back-end development processes. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively. Currently enrolled as a student or recent graduate. Experience in Data Analysis and Visualization using Python is a plus.
Job responsibilities:
Design, develop, and deploy mobile applications using Flutter. Integrate Google Maps API for location tracking and manage data using Firebase. Ensure cross-platform compatibility for both iOS and Android devices. Engage with the research team to design and refine application features. Conduct comprehensive testing and maintenance to ensure application performance and reliability.
Duration: Summer Job (3 months) Salary: $15/hour for graduate students Work Hours: 20 hours per week Location: Blacksburg or remote. Send your CV or Resume to xiangyang@vt.edu if you are interested.
The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest.
We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.
Benefits of participation: • Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement. • Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more. • Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff. • Connect with program participants from around the country. Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/
8. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline, May 1
The 2024 Google P.hD. Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible Ph.D. Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech can nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of Virginia Tech’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, 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.
10. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS
Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.
Online workshop: April 20.
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. 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.
An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The 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
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:
Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.
13. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION
The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care. Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!
Participants must be 18 years of age
Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+ Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)
Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available. Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card. Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.
14. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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.
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. SAVE THE DATE: ASIAN CARNIVAL
Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, in the Hospitality Zone
The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBWYBIhEwe9EjGvWcEOYENJNyXJj5eqVJco9qXlz0Jjkpz8g/viewform?usp=sf_link
For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.
2. STUDENT MIXER AND GAMES SOCIAL
Wednesday, April 17, 5-6:30 p.m., Northern Virginia Center Café, Falls Church
Come join fellow students for the student mixer and game social at the NVC Cafe—an evening of games, networking, and refreshments.
3. D.C. AREA HOUSING FORUM
Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.; Northern Virginia Center Room 210 & Virtual
Come learn more about your housing options! The Hokie One Stop has invited Virginia Tech housing partners to share their housing options in the D.C. metro area. Dweck Properties, National Corporate Housing, and Off Campus Partners will be present to provide information about housing locations, pricing, amenities, roommate matching, and more! The presentation will last 30 minutes, leaving students time to ask questions and visit resource tables set up by each housing partner. Students are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be offered virtually. Please register for the event (those attending in person will also need to register via the link): https://dcarea.vt.edu/housing.
4. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success
Administrative Announcements
5. D.C. AREA COMMENCEMENT SLIDESHOW
Deadline: April 22
Commencement is less than a month away, and we’re preparing to make it a joyous celebration for our graduates and their families and friends. One special feature of the D.C. Area Commencement ceremony each year is a slide show highlighting the unique experiences of our graduating students during their time here at Virginia Tech. We are asking you to share a photo or two for this year’s slide show, which will be shown at the commencement ceremony on May 12. A shared folder has been created where these items can be uploaded by you. We will fit as many as possible into the slide show!
All pictures should be uploaded by Monday, April 22. If you have any difficulty uploading files to this folder, please contact Dr. Barbara Hoopes at bhoopes@vt.edu.
6. AFFINITY GROUPS GOLDEN GEESE MENTORING AWARD NOMINATIONS
Deadline: April 22.
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony on May 2 from 2–4 p.m. on the Arlington campus will recognize Golden Geese Mentoring Awards. A key core value for the affinity groups is mentoring. If you wish to nominate a 2024 graduate school candidate or a faculty member who exemplifies building community through mentoring, please do so here:
For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu
7. 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.
The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest.
We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.
Benefits of participation: • Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement. • Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more. • Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff. • Connect with program participants from around the country. Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/
9. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline, May 1
The 2024 Google P.hD. Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible Ph.D. Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech can nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of Virginia Tech’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, 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.
11. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS
Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.
Online workshop: April 20.
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. 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.
An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The 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
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:
Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.
Registration deadline: April 18
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.
14. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION
The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care. Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!
Participants must be 18 years of age
Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+ Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)
Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available. Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card. Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.
15. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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.
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. WATCH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA
Monday, April 8, 2-4 p.m., Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Innovation Campus Headquarters.
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to meet to watch the eclipse in their various buildings and be in a good viewing position as the eclipse reaches its peak of 87% around 3:20 p.m. In addition to free viewing glasses, Moon Pies, Starry sodas and a select number of T-shirts designed for the event, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meeting places: Northern Virginia Center lobby, 7054 Haycock Rd.; WAAC library, 1001 Prince St., Alexandria; Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington third floor lunch room, 900 N. Glebe Rd.; Innovation Campus Headquarters entrance, 3000 Potomac Ave., Alexandria.
2. USING GENERATIVE AI TOOLS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH: CAREER EXPLORATION
Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for D.C. metro area graduate students, there are also Timely Care resources that are available to all graduate students, staff, and faculty in the region. Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login
With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers. Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions. Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu.
5. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL
Deadline: April 15
Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html
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. 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:
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
8. SUMMER MICROGRANT PROGRAM
Deadline: April 30
The new 2024 summer cycle of Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, generously supported by the Sloan Foundation, will provide support for groups led by STEM graduate students, professional students (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and postdocs to create projects aimed at building dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and local community members around issues of common interest.
We are seeking applications from groups of graduate students and post-docs for grants up to $3,000 to support a wide range of civic engagement activities. Past grantees have developed and led community-orientated podcast series, poster sessions with city council members, K-12 science fairs, professional development workshops, new campus science policy groups and much more.
Benefits of participation: • Gain experience in science communication, science policy, public engagement. • Build skills in program management, grant writing, and more. • Benefit from mentoring and workshops by Research!America staff. • Connect with program participants from around the country. Visit this site for more information and the application: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-science/microgrants/
9. 2024 GOOGLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline, May 1
The 2024 Google PhD Fellowship Program, which directly financially supports doctoral students doing exceptional research in computer science and related fields, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor, is opening for nominations. Eligible PhD Students will have completed graduate coursework by Fall 2024 (when the Fellowship begins) and remain enrolled in their program for the two years of the fellowship. Virginia Tech will be able to nominate up to four candidates. Nomination materials include CV, letters of recommendation, dissertation proposal, a personal essay describing the potential impact of your work, and academic transcripts. Students who wish to be considered for one of VT’s nomination spots may contact Lifu Huang (lifuh@vt.edu) or Eli Tilevich (tilevich@vt.edu) for details and with any questions. Materials for internal consideration will be due to Dr. Huang by the end of the day on Wednesday, 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.
11. DOE OFFICE OF SCIENCE GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS
Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 1.
Online workshop: April 20.
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. 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.
An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The 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
Young leaders (individuals or groups) aged between 18 and 30 years of age who have designed and implemented initiatives that have produced real, proven societal impact and positive change in areas related to one or more of the four Globethics priorities are eligible to apply for the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. Winning the Globethics Youth Leadership Award would give winners the opportunity to build on and develop their initiatives. The three finalists will then be invited to present at the Global Ethics Forum in Geneva, Switzerland taking place from 2-4 September 2024. During the Forum they will have the opportunity to improve their initiative and its development plan, with the support and accompaniment of a mentor, ready to present it to the Forum’s audience, constituted by experts and practitioners in the field of ethics, from different parts of the world. Award winners will achieve recognition for their pioneering work and receive financial and mentoring support to upscale and to multiply the results of their initiative. The awards are:
Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, in the Hospitality Zone
The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBWYBIhEwe9EjGvWcEOYENJNyXJj5eqVJco9qXlz0Jjkpz8g/viewform?usp=sf_link
For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.
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14. D.C. AREA HOUSING FORUM
Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.; Northern Virginia Center Room 210 & Virtual
Come learn more about your housing options! The Hokie One Stop has invited Virginia Tech housing partners to share their housing options in the D.C. metro area. Dweck Properties, National Corporate Housing, and Off Campus Partners will be present to provide information about housing locations, pricing, amenities, roommate matching, and more! The presentation will last 30 minutes, leaving students time to ask questions and visit resource tables set up by each housing partner. Students are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be offered virtually. Please register for the event below (those attending in person will also need to register via the link): https://dcarea.vt.edu/housing.
15. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success
16. AFFINITY GROUPS CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
Thursday, May 2, 2-4 p.m. in the East/West Falls Church room on the Arlington campus.
Registration deadline: April 18
The Affinity Groups Cultural Achievement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating master’s and Ph.D. students who identify with the following communities: Asian, Black, First-Generation, GRAD Parents, Latinx, Veterans, and Women in TECH. Participating students will receive a commemorative stole which can be worn with their academic regalia during university commencement ceremonies.
17. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR STUDY ON CAREGIVING STRESS AND COGNITION
The Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Lab at Virginia Tech is recruiting adults who care for an older adult. Care activities can range from helping with everyday needs (i.e., paying bills, grocery shopping, etc.) to intensive physical, mental, or emotional care. Direct care workers are also encouraged to participate!
Participants must be 18 years of age
Participant must be currently caregiving for a person 65+ Participant must not have any major cardiovascular or cognitive conditions (high blood pressure is OK)
Participants can expect to undergo a short, 15-20 minute screening call as well as a single, 60-90 minute in-person session. This session includes participation in surveys, a short interview going over your responses, participation in a brief computerized cognitive task, and non-invasive physiological measurements (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, and brain oxygenation via fNIRS). In-lab and at-home sessions are available. Compensation is offered in the form of a $30 Mastercard gift card. Contact caatslab@gmail.com or call 540-231-9417 for more information and to participate.
18. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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.
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
GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM PANELIST TRAINING
Tuesday, April 2, 1-2 p.m., Virtual
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 analytical and communication skills and resume! Register for the zoom meeting at https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqduihqj8rGtAAD8sTkCIZJiAubu9sVjGR.
2. A WELL-ROUNDED ENGINEER: WRITING CODE IS ONLY PART OF WHAT MAKES ONE SUCCESSFUL
Tuesday, April 2, 1:30 p.m., Virtual In this seminar, Omer Baror, senior director of engineering and head of planning at Waymo. will provide career advice, tips for expanding our network, insights on selecting our future professional paths, guidance on what skills to acquire and how to learn them, strategies for job hunting after graduation, tips for optimal performance from day one of joining the industry, discussions on impactful project topics, insights into the future of technology, and other helpful topics. Baror also was a founding member of Google Assistant. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G2sGBsh2ERiKaKL-46owePRHiQDHKUx8qFdPprYszj0/edit
3. WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, April 3, 1-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center room 200
The Graduate School and Cook Counseling Center will hold a Wellness Wednesday event for students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This program will focus on transitions from graduate school to the job search and to starting a new job, and also will focus on self-care during these transitions. Join us for this event, and for pizza and drinks for graduate students.
4. D.C. AREA GRAD FAIR
Wednesday and Thursday, April 3, 4, and 5, Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church
Join the Graduate School at the Northern Virginia Center for a mini-Grad Fair featuring the HokieShop, workshops with the Cook Counseling Center, the Cranwell International Center, and the Office of Career and Professional Development, opportunities to get a professional headshot and more Check the calendar for all event details: https://dcarea.vt.edu/events.html
5. COMMUNITY CHANGE COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS: ON URBAN HERITAGE PLANNING IN TEHRAN AND BEYOND
Friday, April 5, 11 a.m., Zoom
In urban heritage planning, often a discrepancy exists between formal policies and the actual unfolding of projects, shaped by the realpolitiks that rule planning environments. Dr. Yadollahi examines the informal aspects of heritage planning in Tehran and beyond through a diagnostic lens. She primarily targets civil society, professionals, and academics involved in heritage planning within the studied contexts. While they lack the power to reshape the fundamental functions of the state, economy, and society, they recognize the importance of avoiding despair. The project’s modest contribution to their struggle is to underscore the crucial role of these actors as truth-tellers rather than enablers within dysfunctional planning systems and their associated rhetoric.
Friday, April 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Foggy Bottom classroom, and Virtual
You don’t hear this enough: you’re amazing. This workshop will be a fantastic opportunity to focus on what’s right with you – the things that don’t need to be fixed, or what you might consider your superpowers. Learn more about what your Top 5 Gallup Clifton Strengths mean individually and collectively for you and the people around you. Identify how your Strengths can and do show up in the decisions you make, in the interactions you have with others, and in other situations big and small. Plan how you can use your Strengths more intentionally for success and fulfillment both personally and professionally. Participants must complete the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment before the workshop. Registration is required. Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenGY6xRRkXHT-4hJ2n6COybRCfeViitEz3xYmCeuplBQOWAw/viewform
7. NAVIGATING THE US JOB MARKET AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Saturday, April 6, 3-4 p.m., Virtual
The Dr. Ambedkar International Mission at Virginia Tech (AIM at VT), a registered student group, is organizing a talk on “Navigating the US Job Market as an International Student”. The goal of the talk is to provide an overview of job search process as an international student and answer any questions job seeking students might have. Register for the talk here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdu-ppzopHNQanqnw2NnRPXYB7o2XMI-b.
Please contact raghavg@vt.edu if you have any questions regarding the event.
Administrative Announcements
8. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS
9. U-PASS SURVEY FOR FALL AND SPRING 2024 PARTICIPANTS
Virginia Tech Sustainable Transportation would appreciate your feedback in our U-Pass Program survey. This survey is only for students who were eligible for U-Pass at some point this academic year. The survey addresses satisfaction, usage, and communication surrounding the program and Virginia Tech’s launch of it. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future. Contact nquint@vt.edu with any questions. Please use the link to complete the survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/U-Pass
10. TIMELY CARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS
In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for D.C. metro area graduate students, there are also Timely Care resources that are available to all graduate students, staff, and faculty in the region. Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login
With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers. Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions. Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu.
11. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL
Deadline: April 15
Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html
12. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR MAY 8 SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN BLACKSBURG
Deadline: April 5
The Graduate School is seeking 1-2 graduate student speakers for the Spring 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 10:00am, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. The speeches are modeled after the talks at the Center for Communicating Science’s Nutshell Games, with individual speeches lasting about 90 seconds. Student speakers share a brief experience of their own that depicts graduate student life as they experience(d) it. Students at all campuses may apply; speakers must give their speech in-person in Blacksburg at commencement on May 8. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, April 5, 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/ubkxADz2AK
13. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GOOGLE SHARED DRIVES
As part of the university’s changes to Google services, Google Shared Drives that have not been claimed by a department — including those managed solely by students — will be deleted starting April 3. It is highly recommended that you download a copy of any files/folders you wish to keep from your Shared Drives. If you are a member of a Shared Drive that a university department needs to maintain, please contact the faculty or staff member most-closely connected to the contents of the drive to discuss how that drive should be managed. For more information, visit https://it.vt.edu/shared-drives.
14. 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.
15. 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:
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
16. 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.
17. 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, at 5 p.m. ET.
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.
An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The 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
Tuesday, April 16 1-2 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington
The Asian Affinity Group will host an Asian Carnival to bring cultural awareness about five observances unique to the continent of Asia: Bengali New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Prayer to the God of Knowledge, and Persian New Year. The Asian Carnival will feature graduate student speakers discussing the cultural significance of each celebration, as well as an international food tasting. All are invited to attend! For more information, contact Chontrese Hayes at chontresehayes@vt.edu.
write-up for the Newsletter. The RSVP link (as shown below) did not appear to hyperlink. If this is the case, you can delete the line that says: Please RSVP here
19. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success
Volunteers and research participants sought
20. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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.
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.
This week is Virginia Tech Graduate Education Week, during which we honor our graduate students and their work. This year’s theme: What’s your superpower?
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. REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW
Monday, March 25, 7 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
This event is part of Graduate Education week. Learn what the Graduate School looks for when they review your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD) for formatting and receive tips on how to prepare your ETDs for submission so that they are quickly approved. Please register: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=rr30l2gcLoAECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D
2. BECOMING A SUPER NEGOTIATOR
Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
This workshop, led by Career and Professional Development, identifies factors involved in career decisions and provides information on appropriate negotiating behaviors. Participants will also learn about follow-up practices for accepting or declining a job offer. Additionally, the session introduces web-based tools for determining cost of living and salary ranges. Learn more and register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html.
3. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, March 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus.
The symposium theme is Horizons of Tomorrow: Innovation, Diversity, Collaboration, and Advancement. More information about the symposium and the events can be found on the GPSS website: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/gsars.html
Learn how to navigate the iThenticate software, submit a document for review, and evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion at this session for graduate students and faculty. iThenticate is a software system that reviews the originality of documents, ensures accurate attribution to other authors and eliminates occurrences of potential plagiarism. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fRAvpo50Q6-mRlTpeGfTnA#/registration.
5. FOUNDATION OF RESEARCH WORKSHOP
Thursday, March 28, 1-2 p.m., Virtual
The Women in Industrial and Systems Engineering (WISE) community at Virginia Tech cordially invites you to attend another Methodological Approach to Dissertations (MAD) workshop focusing on laying the foundation for your research—specifically, formulating the scientific apparatus. Topics will include defining a scientific problem, selecting a research object, and establishing research objectives. These insights will assist you in creating a step-by-step plan for conducting research, drafting articles, and ultimately compiling your dissertation. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/87137267296?pwd=N05JZHI0VTA5bXNwRm1ocVhxR3FuUT09
Meeting ID: 871 3726 7296 Passcode: 339634
Administrative Announcements
6. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK MARCH 25-29
The Graduate School salutes Virginia Tech’s outstanding graduate students, graduate advisors, and graduate and research faculty and staff for their contributions to quality graduate education. Graduate education week highlights the importance of graduate education; increases the university community’s awareness of the contributions of graduate students to teaching, research and service; and enhances the graduate student experience through professional development programs and celebratory events. This year’s theme: What’s your superpower? Visit the Graduate Education Week website to learn about all of the events happening during this exciting week: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-services/graduate-education-week.html
7. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS
8. U-PASS SURVEY FOR FALL AND SPRING 2024 PARTICIPANTS
Virginia Tech Sustainable Transportation would appreciate your feedback in our U-Pass Program survey. This survey is only for students who were eligible for U-Pass at some point this academic year. The survey addresses satisfaction, usage, and communication surrounding the program and Virginia Tech’s launch of it. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future. Contact nquint@vt.edu with any questions.
In addition to Cook Counseling Center resources for DC Metro Area graduate students, there are also excellent Timely Care resources that are available to all DC Metro Area graduate students, staff, and faculty (flyer attached). Timely Care is a free Virtual Health Service for all Graduate Students at Virginia Tech: https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login
With Timely Care, students (and staff and faculty) can download the app, and can get free, 24/7 virtual health and well-being support from a variety of providers. Timely Care resources include 12 scheduled counseling sessions, unlimited Talk Now urgent counseling sessions, and unlimited Health Coaching sessions. Translators in many different languages are also available for these services. For any questions, please contact Julie Kaplan, PhD, at jskaplan@vt.edu.
10. APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC AND VISUAL ARTS COUNCIL
Deadline: April 15
Graduate students can apply to serve on the Public and Visual Arts Council, whose work helps to uplift the university as a global destination for creativity and the arts. This is a volunteer position and terms are for one year beginning July 1, 2024, with the option to renew. To be considered as a graduate student representative, please apply by Monday, April 15. Apply here: https://www.vt.edu/about/arts/public-art/policy.html
11. GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR MAY 8 SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN BLACKSBURG
Deadline: April 5
The Graduate School is seeking 1-2 graduate student speakers for the Spring 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 10:00am, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. The speeches are modeled after the talks at the Center for Communicating Science’s Nutshell Games, with individual speeches lasting about 90 seconds. Student speakers share a brief experience of their own that depicts graduate student life as they experience(d) it. Students at all campuses may apply; speakers must give their speech in-person in Blacksburg at commencement on May 8. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please complete this form by Friday, April 5, 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/ubkxADz2AK
12. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GOOGLE SHARED DRIVES
As part of the university’s changes to Google services, Google Shared Drives that have not been claimed by a department — including those managed solely by students — will be deleted starting April 3. It is highly recommended that you download a copy of any files/folders you wish to keep from your Shared Drives. If you are a member of a Shared Drive that a university department needs to maintain, please contact the faculty or staff member most-closely connected to the contents of the drive to discuss how that drive should be managed. For more information, visit https://it.vt.edu/shared-drives.
13. 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.
14. 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. April workshops include “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.
15. 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:
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
16. 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.
17. 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, at 5 p.m. ET.
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.
An application assistance workshop on Zoom is available to assist students on Saturday, April 20, 2-4:30 p.m. The 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
Wednesday, April 3, 1-2 p.m., Northern Virginia Center room 200
The Graduate School and Cook Counseling Center will hold a Wellness Wednesday eent for students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This program will focus on transitions from graduate school to the job search and to starting a new job, and also will focus on self-care during these transitions. Join us for this event, and for pizza and drinks for graduate students.
19. D.C. Area Grad Fair
Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4, 1-7 p.m., Northern Virginia Center, Falls Church
Join the Graduate School at the Northern Virginia Center for a mini-Grad Fair featuring the HokieShop, workshops with the Cook Counseling Center, the Cranwell International Center, and the Office of Career and Professional Development, opportunities to get a professional headshot and more Check the calendar for all event details: https://dcarea.vt.edu/events.html
20. FINDING YOUR SUPERPOWERS!
Friday, April 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Virginia Tech Research Center-Arlington, Foggy Bottom classroom, and Virtual
You don’t hear this enough: you’re amazing. This workshop will be a fantastic opportunity to focus on what’s right with you – the things that don’t need to be fixed, or what you might consider your superpowers. Learn more about what your Top 5 Gallup Clifton Strengths mean individually and collectively for you and the people around you. Identify how your Strengths can and do show up in the decisions you make, in the interactions you have with others, and in other situations big and small. Plan how you can use your Strengths more intentionally for success and fulfillment both personally and professionally. Participants must complete the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment before the workshop. Registration is required. Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenGY6xRRkXHT-4hJ2n6COybRCfeViitEz3xYmCeuplBQOWAw/viewform
21. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Friday, April 19, 2-4 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Learn how to use some of the principles of Crucial Conversations’ Model for Mastering Dialogue to embrace difficult situations in ways that strengthen relationships and improve results. In addition, we will begin to explore how an understanding of our Clifton Strengths can help us gain a common language that allows us to express how we work, what we value, and where we excel. Using this common language, we can also begin to appreciate our and our team members’ unique contributions to the team. With a new understanding of the benefits of constructive conflict, we will discuss ways to continue building on the knowledge and skills presented during this training because we understand that no single learning event can accomplish everything, and development is a journey. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/3528292709?omn=81523720795#success
Volunteers and research participants sought
22. 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
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.
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
NORTHERN VIRGINIA RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.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 and Subscribe
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.
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. 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:
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
3. ASIAN AFFINITY GROUP HYBRID MEETING
Monday, March 18, 2-3:30 p.m. Northern Virginia Center, Room 213, and Virtual.
5. STUDENT DATES AND DEADLINES FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
Tuesday, March 19, 3-4 p.m., Virtual
This hour-long overview provides important information about upcoming deadlines current semester students need to complete their degrees. Additionally, the session will share commencement information for 2024.
6. INTERVIEWING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
This workshop discusses the interview process, provides basic interview tips, and shares a formula for answering behavioral questions. The session will also offer strategies for dealing with interview anxiety. You can preview the event and register in Handshake. https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1449866/share_preview
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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/
10. 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
Administrative Announcements
11. CHANGES TO STUDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLING PROCESS
12. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GOOGLE SHARED DRIVES
As part of the university’s changes to Google services, Google Shared Drives that have not been claimed by a department — including those managed solely by students — will be deleted starting April 3. It is highly recommended that you download a copy of any files/folders you wish to keep from your Shared Drives. If you are a member of a Shared Drive that a university department needs to maintain, please contact the faculty or staff member most-closely connected to the contents of the drive to discuss how that drive should be managed. For more information, visit https://it.vt.edu/shared-drives.
13. GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK MARCH 25-29
The Graduate School salutes Virginia Tech’s outstanding graduate students, graduate advisors, and graduate and research faculty and staff for their contributions to quality graduate education. Graduate education week highlights the importance of graduate education; increases the university community’s awareness of the contributions of graduate students to teaching, research and service; and enhances the graduate student experience through professional development programs and celebratory events. Learn how to submit your ETD, watch a movie at The Lyric, discover your superpowers through the Clifton Strengths Assessment, learn how to become a super negotiator, enjoy fellowship at the Big Cook Out, and much more! Visit the Graduate Education Week website to learn about all of the events happening during this exciting week: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-services/graduate-education-week.html
14. 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.
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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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:
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
18. 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.
19. 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 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.
20.REMOVING THE MYSTERY OF THE ETD REVIEW – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Monday, March 25, 7 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
This event is part of Graduate Education week. Learn what the Graduate School looks for when they review your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD) for formatting and receive tips on how to prepare your ETDs for submission so that they are quickly approved. Please register: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=rr30l2gcLoAECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D
21. HOW TO USE iTHENTICATE – GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
Learn how to navigate the iThenticate software, submit a document for review, and evaluate flagged passages for revision or exclusion at this session for graduate students and faculty. iThenticate is a software system that reviews the originality of documents, ensures accurate attribution to other authors and eliminates occurrences of potential plagiarism. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fRAvpo50Q6-mRlTpeGfTnA#/registration.
22. BECOMING A SUPER NEGOTIATOR A GRADUATE EDUCATION WEEK EVENT
Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Virtual (Zoom)
This workshop, led by Career and Professional Development, identifies factors involved in career decisions and provides information on appropriate negotiating behaviors. Participants will also learn about follow-up practices for accepting or declining a job offer. Additionally, the session introduces web-based tools for determining cost of living and salary ranges. Learn more and register here: https://career.vt.edu/job-search/grad-student-job-search/events-for-grad-students.html.
23. GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT SENATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, March 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Graduate Life Center on the Blacksburg campus.
The symposium theme is Horizons of Tomorrow: Innovation, Diversity, Collaboration, and Advancement. More information about the symposium and the events can be found on the GPSS website: https://gpss.vt.edu/programs/gsars.html
24. 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
https://dcareaweekly.graduateschool.vt.edu/.
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.
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
No events scheduled. Enjoy your Spring Break!
Administrative Announcements
1. 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.
2. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CAREER FAIRS FROM GSA
Get ready to excel at upcoming career fairs with essential tips from the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA Spring 2024). Discover 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 our comprehensive 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
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
4. 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:
The grants.gov deadline is April 10 and the JustGrants deadline is April 17, 2024.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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.
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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.
19. 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: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xMPK-qXiV0KvdiBcioId202SyahOKoBGsgbqizwTK3xUOFNYQ0pDTlBMQVFEUzRFN04xWFBFTDkzOS4u
20. 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
21. 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.
22. 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, 2024. Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/as/graduate/graduate-symposium/
23. 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. Students are encouraged to present abstracts for virtual flash talks by March 4. Projects can be fully complete with analyses, proposed studies, or research that has been started but not complete.
A research team in Industrial & Systems Engineering is surveying to understand the way people engage with and play PokémonGo. If you have thoughts or opinions you’d like to share, please check out our survey: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/pokemongo
It should take no more than 20-35 minutes and is anonymous. All questions (except the age confirmation) can be skipped. If you have any questions, please contact Cassidy Nelson via cassidynelson@vt.edu. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
This work is a Virginia Tech research study approved under IRB 23-630. If you have any concerns you’d prefer to speak with someone else about, please contact irb@vt.edu
25. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING SURVEY
The Virginia Tech Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) graduate students are competing in the Solar Decathlon. This project involves a fictional proposal and design for student housing next to the WAAC, and we would love to get some feedback from the student body in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area to collect data on student housing for our project. The survey is 13 multiple-choice questions and will take just a few minutes to complete. The requirement for participating is to be a registered graduate student. If you have questions, contact jasminec@vt.edu. The link to the survey is here: https://forms.office.com/r/hJ4kgRXQsJ
26. 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
27. 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.
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
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.
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.
