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. 

This Week’s Events and Activities

  1. 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

  2. Monthly University Council Meeting • 9/16 • 3:30pm • Email for Zoom link 
    Interested in formulating and implementing university policies, join the University Council meetings. The 2024-25 University Council meetings will be in a hybrid format starting at 3:30pm. In-person meetings will take place at 2420 North End Center. For zoom meeting link, reach out to April Myers abmyers@vt.edu. For more information about University Council, visit https://governance.vt.edu/BodyDetails/UC

  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. The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well • 9/17 • 12-1pm • Virtual 
    Join us to learn more about the Seven Circles Model for Wellness from authors Chelssey Luger and Thosh Collins! Register here. 

  5. Student Wellness Resource Fair • 9/17 • 2-4pm • NVC Room 200 
    Drop-in to learn about WELLNESS RESOURCES available to improve and maintain your overall well-being as a student. We also have a special appearance from Eli the Therapy Dog! If you have any questions, please reach out directly to the Graduate School at dcgradschool@vt.edu or Dr. Julie Kaplan at jskaplan@vt.edu.

  6. Mid-Autumn Festival • 9/17 • 3-4pm • NVC Cafe 
    The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that holds deep cultural significance. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to promote Chinese culture while fostering social connections among students and professors. By attending, participants will engage in meaningful cultural exchange and help build a stronger, more connected community. Celebrate the joy of reunion and enjoy mooncakes, make new friends, and come together under the same moon. RSVP now to secure your spot.

  7. 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. 
    Register for this workshop which will focus on research in the life sciences.

  8. Student Panelists Sought for Graduate Honor System • 9/17 • 4-5pm • ZOOM 
    The Graduate Honor System relies on trained graduate students and faculty to hear academic integrity violation cases. It takes a one-hour training to become a panelist, and after that faculty and graduate students can serve on preliminary review and review panels. All graduate students are invited to become panelists to help hear cases and actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about standards of academic integrity. Please register at: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdeCgqjwjHNWASzkvv7dEcR6EqzYUat_p

  9. Tech on Tap • 9/17 • 6-8pm • Virginia Tech Innovation Campus HQ 3000 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305 
    Register for Tech on Tap to 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 many alumni and locals in industry. Join us for an illuminating evening, steps from the new building!  
    Register at https://www.alumni.vt.edu/events/2024/09/tech-on-tap.html

  10. 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 well-being 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

  11. Cover Letter Writing for Graduate Students • 9/19 • 11am-12pm • ZOOM  
    This workshop is designed to help students write an effective cover letter. The session provides a cover letter checklist and addresses how to tailor your cover letter to each position. Register at: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1566056/share_preview

  12. D.C. area flu shot clinics • Multiple locations, dates, and times 
    Open to employees and students, registration is required for each person who will attend a clinic. View additional dates and locations in the campus notice.
    Clinics happening this week: 

    • Thursday, September 19th, 1-4pm at VTRC-Arlington in the Foggy Bottom classroom

    • Friday, September 20th, 12-3pm at the WAAC Alexandria on the 1st floor

  13. Graduate and Professional Student Senate Meeting • 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: October 3 and October 31  
    Sign up to attend on Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduGprj8oHdZKaxJ6rzXPYMSniOv8w7vL  
    Email gpss@vt.edu with any access needs.

  14. How to Use iThenticate – Training Session • 9/19 • 6-7pm • ZOOM  
    The Graduate School is offering a training session on how graduate students will use iThenticate to review the originality of documents, ensure accurate attribution to other authors, and eliminate occurrences of potential plagiarism. Registration at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/ by searching for “iThenticate” in the search box.

  15. Behavioral and Case Interview Workshop • 9/19 • 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

  16. 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 well-being. This event is open to all but requires prior registration. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcu2hpjwsH9FVLhgyo6swlwbn3v5Ri59J#/registration

Looking Forward

  1. Getting Started with Endnote • 9/23 • 2:30-3:45pm • ZOOM  
    EndNote is one of the most powerful citation managers available today. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of EndNote, including adding references to your library, organizing your library, and using EndNote to cite references within a document. To get the most out of the session, you should have the most recent version of EndNote (21) already downloaded from VT Software Distribution. https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699328

  2. Informational Interviews 101 • 9/24 • 12-1pm • ZOOM  
    Informational interviews consist of conversations with individuals in careers of interest to you. They can be beneficial in helping you collect useful information about how well a specific role fits with your skills, interests, and values. In addition, they are powerful networking tool. This workshop will feature practical tips and approaches for conducting informational interviews and identifying professionals to contact for these conversations. Register here: https://www.research.vt.edu/about/postdoctoral-associates/postdoctoral-events-programs/2024/informational-interviews.html  

  3. Intro to R and RStudio • 9/24 • 5-8pm • ZOOM  
    This hands-on workshop is open to anyone who wants to work with data in R. You do not need any experience with the software to participate, but you will need access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Instructions for accessing course material and installing software will be sent in advance. The curriculum is based on episodes 1-3 of the Data Carpentry Data Analysis and Visualization with R lesson. 
    This introductory workshop is offered twice in Fall 2024 on 24 September, 5pm–8pm and 23 October, 9am–12pm. An intermediate workshop on Data wrangling and visualization with R is scheduled for 1 October, 5pm–8pm and 30 October, 9am–12pm. You can take the workshops as a series or choose which one best fits your experience and needs. Please only register for one session of each workshop. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/13092263

  4. Navigating Your Federal Career • 9/24 • 5:30-8pm • Partnership for Public Service, 600 14th Street NW, 6th floor, Washington, D.C. 20005  
    The expo will feature representatives from federal agencies who can share internship and job opportunities with attendees, in addition to resources on finding their next career opportunity. Our program will also feature a keynote lecture from a senior U.S. government official.  
    This event is open to students, interns and recent graduates in the Washington, D.C.–Metro Area to provide networking opportunities with federal agencies and guidance on the federal hiring process. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend this event. More information at: https://ourpublicservice.org/event/2024-navigating-your-federal-career-expo-for-students-interns-and-recent-grads/

  5. 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

  6. Upcoming D.C. area flu shot clinics • Multiple locations, dates, and times 
    Open to employees and students, registration is required for each person who will attend a clinic. View additional dates and locations in the campus notice.

    • Wednesday, September 25th, 9-11:30am at Innovation Campus HQ, 1st floor

    • Wednesday, October 2nd, 1-3pm, NVC Falls Church, Room 200

  7. Introduction to LaTeX with Overleaf • 9/25 • 3:30pm-4:45pm • ZOOM  
    Come learn how to get started with this popular coding tool for writing technical papers! LaTeX (pronounced Lay-tech or Lah-tech) is a free typesetting system designed for technical publications that can be used for many writing projects. Be ready to code along with the instructor during this interactive workshop while you learn how to create your first article, how to add content including text, figures and citations, where to learn more about using LaTeX, and how to get the most out of Overleaf. Participants are encouraged to sign up for an Overleaf account prior to the workshop using their VT email address. All are welcome to attend no matter your field or LaTeX experience level! https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/12699350

  8. Intro to Python and JupyterLab • 9/25 • 9:00am-12:00pm • ZOOM  
    This hands-on workshop for novices will cover basic programming skills in Python using the JupyterLab interface. The workshop is open to anyone. You do not need any experience to participate, but you will need access to a Windows, Mac or Linux computer. The curriculum is based on episodes 1-4 of the Software Carpentry Programming with Python lesson. 
    This introductory workshop is offered twice in Fall 2024 on 25 September, 9am–12pm and 22 October, 5pm–8pm. An intermediate workshop on Programming with Python is scheduled for 2 October, 9am–12pm and 29 October, 5pm–8pm. You can take the workshops as a series or choose which one best fits your experience and needs. Please only register for one session of each workshop: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/13092413

  9. 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

  10. Cultivating All Your Options: A Workshop on Career Versatility for Graduate Students • 9/26 • 2-3:30pm • ZOOM 
    This workshop provides an overview of the major shifts in higher education as a result of wider economic and social changes. Participants will explore the mindsets, skills, and strategies required to foster agility and resilience in these disruptive times and will leave with tangible next steps to explore opportunities across sectors and design a work/life configuration aligned with their needs and values. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjetT9we5iFEpHl4mvNhX4JHxUMFFaODlCS1pJOVdYRlNFS0xUOE5aRUMzTC4u

  11. How Graduate Students Can Leverage AI in the Job Search • 9/26 • 3-4pm • ZOOM  
    Tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Gemini can be helpful in the job search. This session will discuss how to leverage generative AI in both career exploration and the job search. Additionally, the session will address how to revise AI created materials to match your voice and authentic self. Register at: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1566061/share_preview

  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. Data Wrangling and Visualization with R • 10/1 • 5-8pm • Virtual 
    This hands-on workshop is designed for those with basic R programming experience. It will focus on data wrangling and visualization using the tidyverse set of packages. The workshop is open to anyone, but learners should be familiar with programming in R equivalent to the Intro to R and RStudio workshop. You will need access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. 
     
    This intermediate workshop is offered twice in Fall 2024 on 1 October, 5pm–8pm and 30 October, 9am–12pm. If you do not have prior experience working in R and RStudio, an introductory workshop to R and RStudio is scheduled for 24 September, 5pm–8pm and 23 October, 9am–12pm. You can take the workshops as a series or choose which one best fits your experience and needs. Please only register for one session of each workshop. Register here: https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/13092353

  14. Programming with Python • 10/2 • 9am-12pm • Virtual 
    The Programming with Python workshop is open to anyone, but learners should be familiar with programming in Python equivalent to the Intro to Python and JupyterLab workshop. You will need access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. The curriculum is based on episodes 5–8 of the Software Carpentry Programming with Python lesson. This intermediate workshop is offered twice in Fall 2024 on 2 October, 9am–12pm and 29 October, 5pm–8pm. If you do not have prior experience working in Python and JupyterLab, an introductory workshop to Python and JupyterLab is scheduled for 25 September, 9am–12pm and 22 October, 5pm–8pm. You can take the workshops as a series or choose which one best fits your experience and needs. Please only register for one session of each workshop: 
    https://calendar.lib.vt.edu/event/13092416

  15. Publishing Workshop • 10/4 • 10-11am • Virtual 
    This workshop on book publication and scholarly editing will be led by Gregory Britton, Acquisitions Editor, at Johns Hopkins University Press. The session will include guidance for first-time authors as well as graduate students interested in pursuing careers in publishing. Information will be updated here, including zoom registration links and contact information: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/research/liberalarts-research-fellowships/BookPublicationWorkshop2024.html

  16. 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 

  17. 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

Job Opportunities

  1. Operations Assistant, D.C. Area • apply ASAP, position will close on 9/20  
    The VT Research Center Arlington seeks an Operations Assistant at the Arlington campus. This position can earn up to 20 hours. The rate for the position is $15/hour. This is an in-person role – no remote work.

    Responsibilities include excellent customer service skills, a willingness to jump in on team projects, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently on day-to-day tasks. This position would be trained to support the Facilities Manager and the Sr. Director of DC Building Operations.

    • Greet all incoming visitors and connect them with building tenants.
    • Answer the telephone and refer callers as appropriate.
    • Issue guest fobs following building policy.
    • Provide general information to visitors.
    • Utilize computer skills and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
    • Occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

    If interested, please send your resume and the times you’re available to work during the weekdays (Monday-Friday) to Ashley Bishop (abishop23@vt.edu) by 5pm on Friday, September 20th.

Volunteers and research participants sought

  1. Developmental Science at VT: Exciting Opportunity for Families Interested in VT Research Studies! 
    Developmental Science Researchers at Virginia Tech have a new “Developmental Science at VT” Network, a comprehensive database connecting families interested in participating in research studies with researchers in Psychology or Human Development and Family Science.  If you want to learn more about research opportunities for you and/or your child(ren), please share your information with us. Researchers will then contact you with details about studies you may be eligible for. To join the network, visit https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=ihVjQ1QVIhIECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D 
     
    Qualifications: Families interested in participating in research studies in Psychology or Human Development and Family Science. Parent(s)/guardian(s) of children under age 18 years old. 

  2. Join Our Study on Trust Between Humans and AI 
    Join Our Study on Trust Between Humans and AI Participate in our study, "Modeling Trust Between Human and Autonomous Systems in Search and Rescue Scenarios." We’re exploring how an AI assistant can help in search and rescue missions within a Minecraft simulation. 
     
    Study Overview 
    You’ll use either your intuition with a map or guidance from an AI assistant to locate targets. The study lasts 25-30 minutes, including a 5-minute demo and a 20-minute simulation. You can participate in person or remotely. 
     
    Your Role 
    Decision-Making: Every 30 seconds, choose between following the AI or using your intuition. 
    Search: Find as many targets as you can in each interval. 
    Feedback: Rate your confidence in the AI and your own decisions after each interval. 
     
    Confidentiality 
    No personal information is collected. Data will be anonymous and used only for research. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. 
     
    Contact Us 
    For more info, to join, or to participate remotely, contact ashaik97@vt.edu. Sessions are available at NVC, VTRC, or online.

    Qualifications: Participants must be 18 years or older. 

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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External Funding Opportunities

No postings were submitted for this newsletter date.