Welcome to the Graduate School’s weekly newsletter for D.C. area graduate students. The newsletter is published on Mondays. When the university is closed for a holiday on Monday, the newsletter will be emailed on Tuesday. 

TIME SENSITIVE: Associate Dean Barbara Hoopes will attend the Bouchet Society’s Fall Forum at Howard University on October 8th (9am-5:30pm), and invites a few interested scholars from the Washington, D.C., area to join her (spaces are limited). The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. This year’s Bouchet Fall Forum will explore the ways diverse perspectives have historically shaped and continue to shift disciplinary paradigms. Interested scholars (doctoral students, post-docs, or recent alumni) should send Dr. Hoopes an email expressing their interest in attending the forum TODAY (Monday, September 9th).

This Week's Events and Activities

  1. Nutshell Games Registration Opens! • 9/9 • 8am • Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg 
    Attention graduate researchers! Do you want to share your work with the world? Register for the Nutshell Games, the fun and fast-paced presentation competition hosted by the Center for Communicating Science. The Games will take place on Saturday, November 2, 4:30 p.m. at the Moss Arts Center, with a preparatory workshop on Wednesday, October 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. After finishing their 90-second talks about their research “in a nutshell,” contenders will be ranked by a panel of campus and community judges. Five winners' home departments will receive $500 for the winner's use in program-sanctioned research costs or conference participation. Each participant receives a professionally recorded video of their presentation. We can only accommodate 30 researchers to give talks, so register soon! https://forms.office.com/r/RYC8TpbZUt

  2. Getting Started with Zotero • 9/9 • 2:30-3:45pm • ZOOM 
    Zotero is a free, easy-to-use citation manager that can help researchers save time and frustration. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Zotero, including adding references to your library, organizing your library, and using Zotero to cite references within a document (both Word and Google Docs). To get the most out of the session, you should have Zotero downloaded to your computer already. Information on how to download the software is available at guides.lib.vt.edu/citationmanagers/Zotero. Register at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699284
  3. Writing Sessions • Ongoing Tuesdays & Thursdays • 12:00-1:30pm • ZOOM 
    Working on your dissertation, thesis, or another major project? The Writing Center is here to support you in your work! Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM for the Writing Center Power Hour, hosted via Zoom. Each session we will set writing intentions, work independently, and discuss our progress towards our stated writing goals. We look forward to seeing you! 
    Register an account and sign up for a slot today at https://vt.mywconline.com/. You can email Patrick Greene at Pgree015@vt.edu for more information.
  4. Strategies to Avoid Task Paralysis and Tackle Your Thesis or Dissertation • 9/10 • 3:00-4:00pm • ZOOM 
    Tackling a large project like writing a thesis or dissertation can feel overwhelming. "Task paralysis" is a common experience and can cause stress and anxiety, not to mention wasting hundreds of hours. If you can relate to this, you are not alone! Fortunately, there are tools and strategies that can help you make progress, save time, and stay focused. To learn more, join Sustainable Chesapeake's Executive Director, Kristen Hughes Evans, and peers from University of Maryland and Virginia Tech Zoom.
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8834024504?pwd=bGdlbTNGRnh2QjY3OVZOSnBoVklFdz09 Meeting ID: 883 402 4504 Passcode: B8LiN8

  5. Info session: Pamplin’s One-Year MSBA-BA Program • 9/10 • 6:00-7:00pm • ZOOM 
    The highly-regarded Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics (MSBA-BA) program is an efficient way to develop skills and experience solving complex problems and working with data at Virginia Tech. Our program leadership have a combined 50+ years working in corporate America and work individually with every student on career prep, salary negotiation, and more. This one-year master’s program is a great option for students who want to gain more skills and real-world experience before entering the workforce and want to lead a career as a consultant, data analyst, entrepreneur, or manager in any field. Learn more at our upcoming info session. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsf-yopj8uHtxk6snDbptbtmbLqRJdK_JR?utm_campaign=cohort10_recruitment&utm_source=glc_listserv&utm_medium=link&utm_term=infosession1

  6. Tips and Tricks for Literature Reviews in Engineering • 9/11 • 2:30-3:45pm • ZOOM 
    You need to write a literature review for your research or project... but how do you get started? What type of review do you need? What about AI tools to save time? We will go through the answers to these questions and more in the workshop! By the end of the workshop, you will learn how to get started on your own literature review, be effective and efficient in searching engineering literature, and use tools to help you throughout the process. Whether you are new to literature reviews or even outside of engineering, all are welcome to attend this workshop! Register at: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699295

  7. APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group • 9/11 • 3:00-4:00pm • ZOOM 
    Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group. This support group focuses on the experiences of students with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for September centers around communication. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Zoom link: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEldeqrrTkiGtGzh3wmcSXnbFNa2kRnYL5X

  8. Women and Gender in Development Discussion Series • 9/12 • 12:30-1:30pm • ZOOM 
    This is the first Women and Gender in Development Discussion Series event (virtual) for Fall 2024 featuring Ms. Sidra Khalid from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The title of her talk is “Who is more water insecure? Gendered evidence from urban Pakistan.” The event is free, but prior registration is required. Visit https://rb.gy/1w1x3i for more information. Sidra is an experienced international development practitioner and researcher in gender and social inclusion. She is based in Pakistan working with IWMI and has led projects across diverse sectors, including WASH, reproductive health, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment, championing gender equity and social inclusion.

  9. Hokie One Stop Open House • 9/12 • 2-4pm • NVC Room 495 
    Come meet the friendly faces behind the Hokie One Stop during our Open House. This is an opportunity to learn more about the student services offered in the D.C. Metro Area and meet our newly hired Student Services Associate. Light refreshments will be provided. Email dchokieonestop@vt.edu with questions.

Looking Forward

  1. APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group • 9/16 • 11am-12pm • Virtual 
    Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore effectively communicate with others about needs and boundaries. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Registration required for virtual participants. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdeGpqD0sG9XCBsG6Db8SrapFlzQ-EKqg

  2. Getting Started with Mendeley • 9/16 • 2:30-3:45pm • ZOOM 
    Mendeley is a free, easy-to-use citation manager that can help researchers save time and frustration. In this interactive workshop, you will learn the basics of Mendeley, including adding references to your library, organizing your library, and using Mendeley to cite references within a document. To get the most out of the session, you should have Mendeley downloaded to your computer already. Information on how to download the software is available at guides.lib.vt.edu/citationmanagers/Mendeley.

    Register at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699306

  3. Master Your Future: PhD: Patiently Hoping for a Degree • 9/17 • 12-1pm • Virtual 
    Master Your Future is a series of professional development workshops designed to help students successfully navigate graduate school and their professional development. https://shorturl.at/OjMVH

  4. Literature Reviews and Database Searching for Animal & Life Sciences • 9/17 • 3:30-4:45pm • ZOOM 
    You’ve been assigned to write a literature review...but how do you get started? What kinds of literature reviews are there? Where should you search? How do you know what search terms to use? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this interactive workshop. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to identify the type of literature review to be conducted, find relevant databases to search in the life sciences, and create effective search strategies. 

    This workshop will focus on research in the life sciences. Register at https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699316

  5. Tech on Tap • 9/17 • 6-8pm • Virginia Tech Innovation Campus HQ 3000 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305 
    Join us for a discussion on Virginia Tech’s place in Alexandria’s past, present, and future! The discussion will be led by Susan Piedmont-Palladino, director of the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, and Sven Shockey, Virginia Tech alum and leader of the design team for Innovation Campus Academic Building One in Potomac Yard. Registration is $10 and includes a $5 gift to the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Your registration also covers appetizers and a drink ticket. We will be serving Hardywood Fightin' Hokies Lager and Hardywood Pils, as well as other beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Tech on Tap is typically attended by alumni and locals in industry. Join us for an illuminating evening, steps from the new building! https://www.alumni.vt.edu/events/2024/09/tech-on-tap.html 

  6. APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group • 9/18 • 5:30-6:30pm • ZOOM 
    Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group will discuss how queer people of color can improve wellbeing by learning how to effectively communicate personal needs and boundaries. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/7HMcF7kYaS

  7. Meet with the Graduate and Professional Student Senate • 9/19 • 5-7pm • ZOOM
    Come let your voice be heard at the Graduate and Professional Student Senate meetings, from 5-7pm every other Thursday all year! Open to all graduate students. We still need senators from many departments, please consider signing up to represent your department.  
    Upcoming meetings: September 19, October 3, October 31  
    Sign up to attend on Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduGprj8oHdZKaxJ6rzXPYMSniOv8w7vL
    Email gpss@vt.edu with any access needs.

  8. Nighttime Guided Meditation with Vivek Rajan • 9/19 • 8-9pm • ZOOM  
    Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcu2hpjwsH9FVLhgyo6swlwbn3v5Ri59J#/registration

  9. Behavioral and Case Interview Workshop • 9/26 • 6:30-7:30pm • ZOOM  
    In collaboration with Deloitte and Career and Professional Development, the APIDA + Center presents an interactive workshop centered on behavioral interviews and case interviews. Deloitte practitioners will go over the standards of Behavioral Interviews and Case Interviews and provide firsthand advice on navigating them. Learn how to tell your story, typical etiquette, practice questions, and general tips in a behavioral interview. Discover the different types of case interviews, how to work through a case, and how to prepare, approach, and deliver your best. Practitioners will provide a real-life example case and will work through the process live with students. Participants will have a chance to ask questions and network with professionals. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdumsrz4uHdQ_X6uDIBCpPH6xVMumkRdI#/registration

  10. Learning Lunch Series: Mac Collaboration – Sonny and Sid of Riyaaz Qawwali • 9/24 • 1:00-2:00pm • ZOOM  
    In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, the APIDA + Center invites the campus community to learn about the creative force behind Riyaaz Qawwali. Participants will discover the journey and artistic influences of Sonny and Sid and their unique collaboration with the Harlem Gospel Travelers. Learn more about Riyaaz Qawwali at the Moss Arts Center website. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q_Gb5RKLQJuAnYS6Dji22A#/registration

  11. Flip the Fair 2024 • 9/26 • 8:30am-2pm • Roanoke, VA  
    Flip the Fair is a flipped science fair where graduate students present their research science-fair-style on tri-fold poster boards, and 5th graders judge them! Prizes awarded to the best presenters. This year’s event will be held at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke. 
    - Sign up to present: https://forms.gle/K18YMj24aViy1oaWA   
    - Sign up to volunteer: https://forms.gle/kQvn7ub3ifkhBZFTA    
    Sponsored by the Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke City Public Schools, VSOP, VT Global Change Center, VT Center for Communicating Science, VT Office of Inclusion & Diversity, The Graduate School, FBRI@VTC, VT College of Sciences, and FLSI.  
    Questions: Contact the organizing team: gatespalissery@vt.edu, amandaah@vt.edu, megane97@vt.edu

  12. Learning Lunch with Dr. Qin Zhu • 9/27 • 12:00-1:00pm • ZOOM  
    The Learning Lunch Series highlights APIDA faculty and staff at the university through informal conversations about their experiences and journeys to Tech. Dr. Qin Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Science, Technology & Society, the Department of Philosophy, the Center for Human-Computer Interaction, and the Center for Future Work Places and Practices. Dr. Zhu’s research interests include engineering ethics, global and international engineering education, engineering cultures, and the ethics of human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence. Join us to learn more about his personal and professional journey. Registration is encouraged. https://bit.ly/4cu5BHV

  13. Master Your Future: Thriving in Grad School: Enhancing Well-Being and Success through Mindfulness and Psychological Safety • 10/22 • 12-1pm • Virtual 
    View the series flyer. Register: https://shorturl.at/OjMVH 

  14. Master Your Future: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration • 11/26 • 12-1pm • Virtual 
    View the series flyer. Register: https://shorturl.at/OjMVH  
View the D.C. area Calendar

Administrative Announcements & Ongoing Services

View current information from this section, Ongoing Services, and ongoing but previously posted Administrative Announcements on the website at https://dcarea.vt.edu/students/newsletter/ongoing.  

View all announcements

Have a great week! 

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