Announcements

The goal of F.I.R.E. Starters is to increase access to fundamental and applied research opportunities. Through the program, students connect with research mentors who guide and support them through learning about research proposal development. F.I.R.E. Starters prepare to pursue future research opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Virginia Tech and beyond.

This program is a partnership between:

• Student Opportunities & Achievement Resources Program (SOAR)
• Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
• Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP)
• College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
• The Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment
• The Fralin Life Sciences Institute

Eligibility Requirements:

• GPA: 2.5 or higher
• Rising sophomore and/or junior standing; students with at least 2 years remaining at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply
• Students in all disciplines – especially in the humanities and social sciences – are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

To learn more and to apply, head to the Office of Undergraduate Research website. 

Deloitte is leading the way in connecting technological insights with innovative strategies. Learn first-hand from partners at Deloitte and join in an interactive deep dive into Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics + Visualization, and Tableau.

Deloitte is the largest professional services network by revenue and number of employees in the world and is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms, along with EY, KPMG, and PwC.

April 16, 2024 | 6-8 p.m. | Ujima Classroom

There is limited space available and light refreshments will be provided, be sure to show up early!

Our annual spring powwow hosted by Native at VT and the Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center at Virginia Tech!

Saturday, April 20, 2024

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Graduate Life Center (GLC) Lawn

Free and open to ALL!

Dancing, Music, and Drumming

Are you interested in changing the world through the power of research? Join Pamplin faculty and the Race in the Marketplace (RIM) Research Network for an interactive summit that will leave you inspired!

REGISTER BY APRIL 19th: https://forms.office.com/r/L4WR8haWS6

Introduction to Responsible Research: April 25 | 5:00-7:30 PM | Inn at Virginia Tech

Responsible research involves methods for thinking and investigating the social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental impacts of scientific research. Facilitated by Pamplin faculty from Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM), Management (MGT), & Marketing (MKT) departments.

Beyond the Bottom Line: Business Research as a Liberatory Practice: April 26 | 9:45-12:00 PM | Inn at Virginia Tech

Kevin D. Thomas (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin) is an educator and activist scholar. Dr. Thomas critically examines how race, gender, class, (dis)ability, and sexuality are represented in marketing and experienced in the marketplace. His research is informed by 10 years of industry experience as a market researcher. He is co-founder of the Race in the Marketplace Research Network and co-editor of the award-winning book, Race in the Marketplace: Crossing Critical Boundaries (Palgrave Macmillan 2019). Previous work from Dr. Thomas is featured in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Advertising, among others. Pronouns: He/Him/His

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact A'me Dalton at ababer3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Students who are graduating this Spring semester and wish to participate must register through the links provided below. 

You may register for as many events as you would like.

https://ccc.vt.edu/calendar/ceremonies.html

From January 17 to May 8, we will open our free non-perishable pantry to any Virginia Tech student in need of food assistance. We are located at 801 University City Blvd. Next to the Himalayan Curry Cafe.

Open Market Hours will be during the following times:

• Wednesday: 1-5pm
• Thursday: 5-7pm
• Friday: 9:30-11am

No need to sign up ahead of time. Open hours are truly open for students to pick up food items from The Market! 

We ask that students please bring their own bags when visiting the pantry.

To learn more about our food access programs and other areas of support please visit foodaccess.vt.edu.

FEELS Peer Support Groups are mental health support spaces by students for students. This group is a space to connect with fellow Hokies who are navigating their mental health concerns and exploring how to maintain their emotional well-being.

Although mental health concerns and/or mental illness may come up in group, this support group does not constitute as / is not a substitute for mental health treatment or counseling / psychological services.

Undergraduate Group Meetings:

Mondays |  12-1 p.m. | Goodwin 244

Thursdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Newman 101S

Questions or Concerns? Contact: Colleen Driscoll (colleenmd@vt.edu)

or Jazmin Jurkiewicz (jurkiewicz19@vt.edu)

Have a meal plan*?

Have you been budgeting your dining dollars well? 

Take a look at the chart to compare your spending habits with the money you have left.

It is important to remember that each student has different dining habits, and where you choose to eat on a daily basis has a great impact on how much money you will spend.

*Please note: the Major Flex Plan is designed to cover about 10 meals per week throughout the semester, the Mega Flex Plan provides about 12, and the Premium Flex Plan provides about 14.

• Where: University of Puerto Rico in Ponce
• When: June 3 - August 2
• Application Deadline: April 15
• Stipend: $5400 + lodging + travel

[CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION]

Each year, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers diverse opportunities for U.S. academics, administrators and professionals to teach, research, conduct professional projects, and attend seminars abroad in over 135 countries. Interested in learning more about the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program? Please join our Online Fulbright Info Session on Monday, April 22, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Register at this link to receive the webinar Zoom link. Speakers include a representative from the Institute of International Education to discuss award opportunities, the application and selection process, and answer your questions, plus a member of the Provost’s Office to discuss fellowship leave at Virginia Tech. 

Interested in attending a conference? Google has multiple conferences to apply for to assist underrepresented students in the tech industry and related fields. Some examples include AISES, SACNAS, Tapia, Grace Hopper, SHPE, and Great Minds in STEM. 

Deadlines vary. Learn more here and apply today!

BestColleges is excited to announce their newest scholarship opportunity - The 2nd annual BestColleges Scholarship for Black Women in STEM. This year, BestColleges will be giving away five $6,000 scholarships to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM. Applications are due July 15th, 2024. 

Learn more here and apply today!

GSMI seeks to help 100 graduate school applicants from minority backgrounds with their graduate school applications in the sciences. They provide mentees with graduate school preparation material, one-on-one guidance from a mentor in their STEM field, financial assistance in the form of fee waivers, feedback on written materials, access to webinars, mock interviews, and access to a broader community of peers and mentors.

Stay tuned for news about applying to be a scholar in the GSMI 2024 program. Click here for the GSMI Scholar Interest Form and keep an eye for applications opening mid-April!

Spring Finals Extravaganza - Wednesday, May 1, 10am-2pm, Drillfield

• Where: Virginia Tech
• When: Summer 2024, specific dates not listed
• Application Deadline: Reviews begin May 1
• Stipend: $15/hour for 15-20 hours/week

[CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION]

The Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques (SISRT) is a diversity-oriented program at the university, promoting inclusivity through initiatives like the SISRT Diversity Fellowship Program. Designed for undergraduate college students with an interest in quantitative social sciences, the two-week program, running from June 17-28, 2024, offers an introduction to survey methodologies and data science. Beyond the basics, it sparks interest in pursuing graduate studies in Survey and Data Science at Michigan, presenting an excellent opportunity to explore and broaden scientific horizons.

Join our informational webinar about the 2024 Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques Diversity Fellowship. It's happening on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. REGISTER HERE

Join other female science students for dinner and community!

• When? March 21st at 5:30 PM
• Where? Women's Center lower level

RSVP here! 

Join other Black science students for dinner and community!

• When? March 19th from 6-7 PM
• Where? Squires 126

RSVP here! 

The VT Paleobiology Research Group is looking for 3 undergraduate students to participate as Jones Scholars in a field expedition in search of early dinosaurs and other reptiles in Upper Triassic strata (~215 million years old) in and around Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO) and Texas (mid-May to mid-June, 2024). Funded by the David B. Jones Foundation, these paid positions include: one summer scholar at PEFO (10 weeks) and two field scholars that will all be part of a three-week VT expedition to Texas and the park. All scholars will interact with the VT Paleo team starting Spring 2024 and will continue their research into the Fall 2024 semester.

This is a fieldwork-based position in which participants will be part of a science team within a national park. In addition, participants will help prepare fossils and will participate in public outreach on site and at Virginia Tech. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain a broader appreciation of our shared natural history, and experience in team science, basic geological interpretation, field exploration, collection techniques, fossil preparation, scientific communication, and an introduction to solving paleontological problems.

Applicants should have a background in geoscience or biology, but other sciences will be considered. Additionally, the applicant must not be graduating in 2024 (including December).

Completed applications must be sent by March 15th at 5pm ET to Dr. Sterling Nesbitt (sjn2104@vt.edu) AND Dr. Michelle Stocker (stockerm@vt.edu). Applications can also be obtained from either Dr. Nesbitt or Dr. Stocker.

Are you an undergraduate or soon-to-be recent graduate with experience conducting undergraduate research, especially during an organized summer program? Do you have excellent communication and organizational skills? Can you drive? Apply for a summer job with OUR as a Peer Mentor! Positions are up to 20 hours per week, $12-15/hr and run from May 13–July 26. More information and application are available on the OUR website. Applications are due March 15.

The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) Pilot Program provides students with full tuition and fees along with a monthly stipend, as well as internship and job placement opportunities within the Department of Defense.

Virginia Tech was one of four universities selected by the Department of Defense's Acquisition Innovation Research Center to participate in the pilot scholarship and talent development program. The interdisciplinary pilot program is designed to attract students with an interest in national defense careers related to acquisition, digital technologies, critical technologies, science, engineering, and finance. The program’s inaugural cohort began in fall 2023 and applications to join the next cohort are now open. The deadline to apply is March 31st.

Requirements:

• Applicants’ interests should align with a desire to serve in a national security role that supports the research, development, and production of military capabilities.
• Applicants must plan to become a DoD civilian upon graduation and complete a two-year service obligation (one year of service obligation for each year of scholarship).
• Applicants must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. Nationals and permanent residents are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have (and maintain) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must have 4 semesters remaining before graduation (i.e. an expected graduation date of May 2026) are currently enrolled at one of the DCTC pilot universities. The DCTC curriculum includes four 2-credit courses that must be taken over four semesters as part of Cohort 1.
• Applicants must be able to qualify for a security clearance and will be subject to a background check before final acceptance into DCTC.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time, in-person bachelor’s degree program or accepted as a full-time in-person transfer student from a community college.
• Applicants must currently be unencumbered by another federal scholarship and/or internship-type program.

Learn more and apply today!

Looking for an internship this summer? Virginia Tech and numerous local organizations have planned just the event for you! Internships with Impact can help provide you with the opportunity to connect with local companies, begin your professional journeys, and learn from young local professionals about what makes the New River Valley a great place to work and live. This speed-networking event offers you the chance to enhance your networking skills and inquire about a position for real-world experience. Come and find an Internship with Impact on March 19^th beginning at 4:00pm at CrossPointe Center: Bridge Sanctuary in Christiansburg. Registration is required. 

WHO: Graduate Research Fellows and Undergraduate Research Scholars from across the state will present the results of their research funded by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

WHAT: Attend oral presentations from Graduate Fellows and poster presentations from Undergraduate Scholars in researchareas including aerospace structures and materials, applied physics, and planetary science. Great opportunity to interact with students and learn about research of interest to NASA.

WHERE: Holiday Inn Newport News - Hampton; 980 Omni Blvd; Newport News, VA 23606

RSVP: Free registration begins at 8:00am. Presentations will be from 8:30a.m. to 4 p.m.. A response is appreciated but not required. Please email VSGC at vsgc@odu.edu. An invitation-only luncheon to honor the 2023-2024 VSGC Scholars and Fellows will be held during the conference.

Click below for information:

• March 2024 Support Groups
• April 2024 Support Groups
• APIDA & Indigenous Queer Questioning & Allies
• APIDA & Indigenous Mental Health Support Group
• APIDA & Indigenous Women's Support Group
• APIDA & Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
• APIDA & Indigenous Men's Support Group

Nighttime Guided Medidation with Vivek Rajan

The first meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Math Alliance is a one-day event on April 20 at UVA and will feature a plenary speaker, panels on undergraduate programs and graduate school and undergraduate research opportunities, and an activity focused on incorporating inclusive and equitable practices into research, education, and outreach.

The conference is open to faculty, postdocs, grad students, and undergrads. Registration is free and there is support available for travel, particularly for students.

It is open to everyone (from undergraduate students to faculty), but we are asking everyone to register by April 1.

 These are some of the planned activities:

• Planary talk by Noelle Sawyer from Southwestern University titled "I am not a Mathematician"

• Organized Activity by Padhu Seshaiyer from George Mason University prepared an activity about "Integrating Culturally Inclusive and Equitable Practices into Research, Education and Outreach"

• Panel on Mentoring Activities and University Programs featuring organizers of the Petey Greene Organization, Emerging Scholars, EDGE, and MORE

• Panel on Research Experiences, Internships, and Graduate School for students interested in these activities

• Posters by students (undergraduate and graduate students)

Click here for more information.

Our deadline for fall admission is April 1. Please find information below about our MAQRM program.

Program Synopsis

The Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM) program provides a unique combination of actuarial science, quantitative risk management and data science. These areas have become increasingly intertwined, creating a demand for graduates who have acquired expertise in these fields. The curriculum includes innovative courses in risk management, stochastic calculus and data analytics along with more traditional skill training in actuarial science, financial economics, statistics and numerical analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the MAQRM program will acquire proficiency in the core subjects of actuarial and financial mathematics. Those who choose the traditional actuarial science direction will acquire proficiency in the areas covered by the actuarial exams administered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. Program graduates will be able to communicate and present technical results to both a general business audience and professional experts clearly and effectively. 

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Students may choose to complete the degree via either a thesis option or a non- thesis culminating examination. Either option provides students the opportunity to showcase their subject matter expertise. The thesis option may be especially valuable for students considering eventually pursuing another advanced degree. 

Practicum Experience

Each student completes a practicum course designed to provide an opportunity to pursue special studies not otherwise offered through the standard curriculum. Presentations and class projects will be given by practicing actuaries on topics drawn from their fields of expertise, and students will give oral presentations on results of the projects and on selected topics in actuarial science, quantitative risk management and data science.

Connections with Employers

The program utilizes well-established connections to the statewide insurance industry and other businesses involved in risk management, which create practical experiences, provide additional mentoring during the program’s two years of study and assist with matching students with internships and future job placement of graduates. Most MAQRM students complete at least one internship prior to graduation, and past students in the program have found employment with industry leaders like Nationwide, KeyBank, DHL, Humana, Encova Insurance and Westfield Insurance, among others. 

APPLY NOW

Students are invited to apply to the Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship (FURF) program, a competitive award program that is open to all Virginia Tech undergraduates with a goal of increasing diversity in research. Fifteen (15) fellowships of $1,350 will be awarded annually to individual students demonstrating academic capability and a strong interest in undergraduate research, to enable them to conduct research with a Virginia Tech faculty mentor over the course of one academic year. This program is open to students from any discipline, who have already identified a faculty research mentor. Students from underrepresented groups (including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, first generation college students, students from low-income areas, students with disabilities, LGBTQ, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply.

More information including the application form are available on the program webpage. NOTE: the application deadline has been extended to March 29, at noon.

Questions about the program or application procedures should be directed to Keri Swaby.

Scientistas at VT is collaborating with the Association of Women in Mathematics and Girls Who Code, to host a roundtable discussion for women in STEM to come discuss their experiences at VT.

• When? March 18th from 7-8 PM
• Where? Hutcheson 310

Mark your calendar for for the Equinox Interfaith Festival! Students representing diverse religious and spiritual identities will share their Spring holiday traditions and Synergy Interfaith Collective will lead informal dialogues. There's snacks, too!

• When? March 18th from 4-6 PM
• Where? Squires Second Floor Atrium

 The “Mechanistic Biological Modeling Group” is offering the summer mini-course for undergraduate students (2 weeks in late May).

This is a two-week experiential learning course (May 13th - 24th) in Steger Hall for Virginia Tech undergraduate students and students from surrounding community colleges. 

The course covers “dry lab” (computational/mathematical) and “wet lab” (experimental) techniques in quantitative biology. 

The course is ideal for students with no or little research experience, who want to prepare for undergraduate research in biology or biology-related disciplines (example: mathematical biology). 

Attending the course is free. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day. Students cannot earn academic credit for attending but will receive a certificate of attendance when completing the course. For community college students not living in Blacksburg, shared rooms will be available from Mon - Fri each week. 

More information: https://www.biol.vt.edu/Mechanistic_Biological_Modeling/MBM_Summer_Course.html

Application link: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/QuantitativeBiologyCourse

The Big Event is the largest day-of-service program at Virginia Tech where thousands of Hokies go out and serve the Blacksburg and New River Valley. Through this experience, students will be able to make friends, bond with their teams, enjoy the kickoff celebration on the Drillfield, and be able to hear the stories of residents of the New River Valley, many of which are Hokie alumni. Students can sign up with their organizations, friends, or individually and meet new friends! The Big Event is on April 6 this year, and volunteer registration closes on March 29, so register now!

Fill out this form to become a volunteer

For any additional questions, please contact volunteertbe@vt.edu

CareerEco hosts a variety of virtual career and graduate school fairs throughout the year. They have an internship fair coming up next week and a graduate school fair for science and environmental studies programs next month.

• Internship Virtual Fair - March 26, 2024
• Science & Environmental Studies Graduate School Virtual Fair - April 18, 2024

The Civic Leadership Academy is an initiative to help students develop the skills and learn knowledge to be active members and leaders in their communities and at the university. In this 3-session program, participants will have a chance to learn about youth civic and social movements, systems thinking, active listening, communication and social media skills, and civic action. The academy will have three sessions April 11, 18, and 25 from 5:30-7:30p dinner will be provided at each event. These sessions do build on one another and students are encouraged to attend all three sessions. 

The academy is open to all students both graduate/professional and undergraduate regardless of major. To sign up just RSVP for this event on GobblerConnect! 

The deadline to apply is April 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. This is a program of the "Civic Democracy Leadership Initiative". 

Applications open for VT Engage’s 2024 summer global service immersion trips

Why serve globally? The combination of service, learning, and culture immersion can be a powerful experience for students. VT Engage: The Center for Leadership & Service Learning carefully selects the community partners we serve with, choosing ones we hope to develop a long-term partnership with. While these are service trips, we consider learning outcomes for student to be just as valuable as the service focus. 

 This summer VT Engage is offering two service-learning immersion trips. Our team will travel to Warsaw, Poland from May 23-June 13 four our second trip learning and serving with language enrichment programs for Ukrainian refugees and Polish citizens. Overall expect an informed and engaging learning experience on Poland refugee history, including excursion to Lublin, Krakow & Auschwitz. The estimated total cost of this trip is $3,000. 

 The second trip, to the Dominican Republic from May 19-27 has been in partnership with Community Service Alliance for nearly twenty years. This trip will head to Galeras, Samana where potential projects including building latrines and water filters for families, working with youth enrichment programs and supporting small women-owned business. This trip is an opportunity for participants to gain a greater understanding of Dominican life, culture and history, nonprofit work and more. The estimated cost of this trip is $3,500

 Students of any year or major (undergraduate or graduate) are invited to apply for these trips. There is a limited number of need based financial assistance available for both trips. All applicants will be considered. For questions or more information please check out https://engage.vt.edu/programs/global.html

Join us for the Biggest tradition around, The Big Event! Join thousands of Hokies around the New River Valley and beyond for a day of community engagement through service with the Big Event on April 6, volunteers must register before March 29. https://forms.office.com/r/tHNTVUEunU

Click here for information.

Join other first-gen Science students for dinner and community!

• When? April 2nd from 6-7 PM
• Where? Squires 219
• RSVP HERE

Join us for an interactive conversation on how internationally acclaimed East LA band, Las Cafeteras, and their community inspires their creative work, celebrating Chicana roots through narrative and song. The aim is to create healing spaces of hope and joy, bridging gaps in the struggle for social justice.

• When? March 25th at 5:00 pm (TODAY)
• Where? El Centro (Squires 309)

Light refreshments will be provided, offering a chance for attendees to connect over shared experiences and passions.

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE

The program strives to increase access to and training for research opportunities for underrepresented minority undergraduate students within the social sciences, humanities, and life sciences. Students selected will also receive a stipend for their participation.

Eligibility requirements:

• 2.5 GPA
  
• Rising sophomore and/or junior standing; students with at least 2 years remaining at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply

The deadline to apply is April 15th. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE

Study Abroad This Summer in Beijing!

Would you like an opportunity to study abroad this summer in Beijing, China, for only the cost of airfare and fees? Virginia Tech has a partnership with Beijing Institute of Technology for the following programs from June 30th to July 27th:

1. Future Decarbonizing Technology and Green Energy
2. Hands-on Learning for Emerging Technologies in Electronics Engineering
3. Emerging Technologies in Materials for Renewable Energy 
4. Aesthetics of Traditional Chinese Culture and Classical Chinese Humanities
5. Management and Innovation
6. Chinese Kung fu
7. Chinese Language and Multicultural Practice 

Want to sign up or learn more? Contact Katherine Burnham at knb@vt.edu with the subject line "BIT summer 2024 interest" by April 10th

The National Name Exchange (NNE) program aims to help underrepresented undergraduate and master’s students learn about, apply to, and matriculate into graduate programs. The students considered "underrepresented" by NNE are racial and ethnic minorities,  first-generation students, veterans, women in STEM fields,  rural students, students with disabilities, and students from low-income backgrounds. Students are nominated to participate by their current institution but they need to take the steps to accept the invitation.

The link for students to use to enroll is: https://cgsnet.org/national-name-exchange-for-students-enrollment-form#/webform/nne-profile

The Washington Semester in Leadership and Governance (WSLG) is a 9-credit summer program for undergraduates that combines a 10-week Washington, D.C.-area internship, policy seminar, and field study experiences immersing participants in the world of policymakers, public servants, beltway bandits, and others who make the D.C. area a unique place to work and live. Students participate in internships Monday through Thursday. Policy seminar meetings and field study experiences are scheduled on Fridays. 

The deadline for applications to participate in the Summer 2024 Washington Semester is February 18. Apply here.

Questions? Please contact: Professor Matt Dull (mdull@vt.edu) or join us for informational office hours February 8 & 9.  

Information Session - Office Hours

·       Thursday, February 8 from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Architecture Annex - Room AA 107 

·       Friday, February 9, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Thomas-Connor House, Waldo Room, 104 Draper Road and via Zoom on request

Applications to be a Diversifying Science Peer Mentor in Fall 2024 are now open! The program emphasizes relationship building and academic role-modeling between successful, more advanced Science students and beginning Science students, especially low-income, first-generation, minority, and female students. Through group and one-on-one settings, the peer mentors create a safe and non-judgmental environment in order to enhance and enrich the college experience of their mentees.

Students can apply here: https://forms.gle/dMuWXUzsfNpTcMuf9

Applications are due February 25th at 11:59 pm. After applications are submitted, they will be reviewed and candidates will be contacted for a 15-30 minute interview to occur after Spring Break. Expectations for being a peer mentor in the Diversifying Science Peer Mentor Program are:

• Currently be a College of Science major (double majors are fine)

• Be a mentor for 2-3 first year College of Science students for the first 13 weeks of the Fall 2024 semester.

• Meet with your 2-3 mentees once a week for the first 13 weeks.

• Attend one training session at the end of the spring semester (date to be determined).

• Meet with the other peer mentors once every other week for an hour to do ongoing training and prepare for mentor-mentee discussions for the first 13 weeks.

• Check in regularly with the program director.

• Receive a $300 stipend for the semester for your time

Students do not need to have been in the program before to be a peer mentor.

Our alternative break trips are designed to connect students with community members through engaging, experiential service and learning opportunities. These hands-on experiences prompt learning about community social topics, encourage self-understanding, and inspire commitment to future action. There are three alternative spring breaks being offered from March 2nd-9th. Cost estimates include transportation, lodging, and food for the entire trip. Travel grants will be offered to offset up to the entire cost for those that indicate financial need on their registration. ALL VT students are welcome!

Spring Breaks

Highland Support Project Richmond, VA

Estimated Cost: $450

The Highland Support Project (HSP) offers a Partners in Service program that focuses on Indigenous-led intercultural engagements spanning critical areas such as education, ecology, food security, and migration issues. Through this immersive service-learning opportunity, participants will have the chance to work directly with communities, understanding their wisdom, resilience, and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Activities will include visiting local museums to learn about Richmond's history, working in a community garden, and enjoying a concert celebration with local bands!

James River State Park Gladstone, VA

Estimated Cost: $150

On this trip, participants will learn more about conservation of the Virginia State Parks system. Day-to-day activities will include light maintenance projects, trail construction/maintenance/ and rehabilitation, habitat restoration and other projects identified by the State Park staff. Activities may require some light lifting and easy to moderate hiking abilities. Participants will also be outside for long periods of time.

Social Justice & Advocacy with The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation (Selma CNTR) in Selma, Alabama

Estimated Cost: $450

Selma, Alabama is known to many as the site of events which sparked the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but its history has not stopped there. Fifty years later, The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation (Selma CNTR) was established near Edmund Pettus Bridge to address the violence and conflicts that still afflict Selma and the nation to this day. Selma CNTR works to address the root causes of physical, mental, emotional, economic, political and racial violence with the goals of institutionalizing solutions to systemic violence and the building of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Beloved Community.

Questions or requests for accommodations? If you are a student in need of accommodations for an info session or interview, welcome! Please let us know five business days before the interview or application deadline. All questions or accommodations requests can be directed to Jett Sable, Engagement Coordinator, at jettls24@vt.edu.

We have begun our annual recruitment of Student Success Center tutors and peer academic coaches, and we are hoping for your help in getting some great students to apply by February 29.  We are also excited to share that there is a new position available this year; Virginia Tech has partnered with Knack, a leading peer tutoring platform enabling even more flexible, free tutoring across campus. Here’s a short overview video of how Knack works.  

Here are some quick facts about Knack: 

• We are looking for tutors who can support any of these courses 
• Positions are all paid with highly flexible hours; you can work more to earn more 
• Students will build skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving 
• Training is provided—no experience necessary 

Giuseppe Cotardo is offering a MAGMA workshop on Thursday, February 15, 5pm - 8pm in 345 Lavery Hall, to introduce basic programming concepts and libraries of MAGMA relevant to linear algebra, combinatorics, and cryptography. Register here. Please share this announcement with peers and students who might wish to participate. 

The recruitment/application cycle for next year’s BOV undergraduate and graduate/professional student representatives is under way and will culminate with the BOV selection committee interviews of finalists in late March.  Please take a couple of minutes to visit the BOV student representative webpage to learn more about the role of the student representatives.

The BOV student representatives have the unique opportunity to be at the table giving voice to the student perspective while important matters affecting students are being deliberated and decided, and the BOV members listen very attentively to the student reps’ views.  

Interested students can also contact Will (wills02@vt.edu) or Emily (emilytirrell@vt.edu) to discuss the position one-on-one. 

Instructions for applying can be found here.  The deadline for applying online is Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Feb 22: Deadline for two of our most important paid summer internship opportunities, particularly for undergrads.  (In both cases, eligibility is for undergrads, recent grads, grad students, and recently separated veterans…USA Citizens or legal permanent residents.). The applications for both require the usual resume, transcript and cover/statement, plus one letter of recommendation.

Here are the two programs:

Research Student Internships at ORNL (RSI)

These are 10-12 week internships in our research groups. 

ORNL Technical and Professional Internships (TPI)

These are also 10-12 internships, but in our more business-end groups or science technical careers (to pick an example, in both nuclear engineering and isotope sciences, which are not listed on the flyer but both want TPI interns)

They and all internships can be found online by visiting education.ornl.gov.

The selection process for both programs involves ORNL staff going into the pool of applicants and selecting their own interns.  As a result, the best strategy for being selected is to make contact with potential mentors so they know who you are and of your interest.  We urge students to do exactly this concurrently with or shortly after their application is made.  

Are you interested in getting more involved on campus? Do you love music, comedy, arts and crafts, or a good TED talk? Want to learn about the behind-the-scenes logistics of putting on a large-scale event? Join Virginia Tech Union! We give you, the students of Virginia Tech, the opportunity to learn all about event planning, management, and the inner workings of agency work. Apply on GobblerConnect today and join a great team of students who love a new experience and want to give back to their community. If you have any questions, please reach out to The VTU at vtu@vt.edu. 

Link to apply: https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/submitter/form/start/617132

Join us to hear Dr. Ronald Buckmire discuss the role that his identity as a Black gay man has played in his professional journey in academia. 

• When? February 16th at 1:30PM
• Where? D&DS 150

Snacks and coffee will be provided!

In this talk, Dr. Buckmire will discuss several different differences, specifically nonstandard finite differences (NFSD) that can be used to approximate the derivatives that appear in differential equations as a solution technique.

• When? February 16th from 4-5PM (arrive early to grab a snack and mingle!)
• Where? D&DS 230

Join other Hispanic/Latinx science students for dinner and be in community!

• When? February 27th at 5:30 PM
• Where? Squires 309
• RSVP here!

Join other LGBTQ+ science students for dinner and be in community!

• When? February 28th from 6-7PM
• Where? Squires 227
• RSVP here!

Interested in becoming a Hokie Ambassador? Now is the time! Interest meetings will take place February 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th. For more info, email vtharecruitment@gmail.com.

The Neuroscience Club at VT has a partnership with The Princeton Review and are holding a mock MCAT/DAT/GRE on February 24^th at 8am in DDS 220. They will be full length practice exams and students will receive in-depth score reports after completing their test. For MCAT and DAT test takers, the simulated environment closely matches that of their “real” test day experience and provides exposure to all those extra stressors to reduce test-day anxiety. Registration is $5 for non-members of Neuro Club. 

We wanted to get word out about this great opportunity for students, would you be able to send this information to the College of Science email list? Or, if you have any other recommended ways we could spread the word we would greatly appreciate it! I've attached the flyer to this email with a QR code to register. I will also attach the registration link here: https://forms.gle/N53STAxdZziPjrnf6. If they have any questions, they can email me at hprenya@vt.edu. Thank you so much for your help!

Synergy is a conference hosted by the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity that focuses on developing Virginia Tech Graduate students, stimulating the New River Valley workforce and building community connections across STEM fields. Through interactive workshops and engagement initiatives. This experience is designed to equip students with the necessary tools needed for their success in the technology industry.

Learn more here!

The NIIMBL eXperience is an exclusive in-person, all expenses paid immersion program that offers students real-world insight into biopharmaceutical industry careers through hands-on activities and direct interactions with industry professionals.

The program is open to freshman and sophomore students enrolled in any STEM-based major living in the United States.

• Dates: June 3-7, 2024

Applications are due March 1, 2024. Learn more here!

Energy and Climate Data Analysis Internship:

• This intern will conduct data research and analysis projects under the supervision of our Analysis team on issues around climate, clean energy, and energy justice challenges. Candidates should be excited by opportunities to use data to inform public policy and enjoy exploring creative ways to communicate their findings to broad audiences. Depending on the projects, the interns may have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, attend state hearings and meetings, and work in coalitions. More info can be found here.

Howard Gray, Jr. Climate, Equity, and Justice Internship:

• This intern will work with Acadia Center staff – policy experts, researchers, attorneys, and communications professionals – on projects that directly impact the organization's work, specifically focusing on climate justice, energy equity, and environmental justice. Interns may have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, attend state hearings and meetings, and work in coalition with other advocates. More info can be found here.

Roger E. Koontz Fellow in Law and Climate Policy:  

• The Koontz Fellow will work with Acadia Center staff – policy experts, researchers, attorneys, and communications professionals– on projects that directly impact the organization's work. Depending on the work, the Fellow may have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, attend public meetings, and engage in coalition interactions. More info can be found here.

Dear Virginia Tech Education Leaders: 

I am a high school principal at Lancaster High School.  I am looking for a few great teachers. I will be attending the RU/VT Job Fair at Radford University on Friday (Feb. 16) 

In Lancaster County, we have a wonderful signing bonus in several areas including:    English, Math, and Special Education.  $7500 paid over three years ($2500 per year)   

I am an experienced high school principal (year 18) who believes in the power of supporting teachers and relationships to create a strong school culture.   We have an AMAZING team of teachers at Lancaster High School (VA).  Please forward this email to any of your December 2023 or Spring 2024 graduates who may be interested in teaching at the high school level for the 2024-2025 school year.  I am hopeful to hire some Virginia Tech grads for Lancaster High School.  

Lancaster High School is one and a half hours from Richmond, VA Beach, and Fredericksburg, VA and one hour from Williamsburg, VA.    Lancaster is a beautiful county with many miles of waterfront property along the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay.    Please check out the video which describes Lancaster county.

https://www.lcs.k12.va.us/o/lhs/page/join-our-team

I have several anticipated positions for employment at Lancaster High School in 24-25 including the following:

• Math ($7500 signing bonus)
• English - ELA ($7500 signing bonus)
• Special Education ($7500 signing bonus)
• Media Specialist
• Environmental Science
• Spanish
• Social Studies
• Art

Lancaster Elementary has the following anticipated openings for 24-25:

• Elementary Teacher - grades 1, 2, & 5
• Middle Math ($7500 signing bonus)
• MS Science ($7500 signing bonus)
• MS English - ELA ($7500 signing bonus)
• Art
• Special Education ($7500 signing bonus)

Teaching candidates - If you are interested in applying for a position at Lancaster High School please go to the following website to apply  https://lcsd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx?jcat=Secondary

Interested candidates may send any questions directly to Mike Myers, Principal,  at mmyers@lcs.k12.va.us

If you are interested in obtaining CPR and/or AED training, see below:

"Good evening HPA, my name is Maxx Steinmann and I am a student leader of the Compress and Shock club here at Virginia Tech.

We are partnered with the Compress and Shock foundation and work together with medical professionals to provide CPR and AED training to the underserved areas of the NRV and the VT community.

Our club provides free CPR and AED classes and training for different organizations across campus as well as underprivileged communities in the area. We have our first class this Wednesday at 6:30pm in DDS room 150 and this event is open to everyone at no cost!

This is a useful skill in all health professions and could save a life in time of need. It is also a great opportunity to brush up on previous CPR and AED skills and a great leadership and service addition to any resume.

All participants will receive a certificate of completion from the foundation. I have linked a QR code directing everyone to the interest form below.

Please contact me at msteinmann26@vt.edu with any questions! "

For anyone interested in credit by exam (CBE) for CS 1114 or CS 2114.

IMPORTANT: A student should consider a CBE only if they feel that they know all of the course material without taking the course, and that it would not be a beneficial use of their time to take the course. (A common example is a transfer student who took a very similar course at another school but the credit did not transfer for one reason or another.) CBE is not meant as a way to avoid taking a course.

Below is a message from the CS Department:
CS is again offering CBE for CS 1114 and CS 2114. Students have an opportunity to take both exams as long as they have not already attempted the class (and/or the exam) at Virginia Tech. The exam should be completed and graded with results out to students before add/drop opens.

1. MAKE SURE YOU'RE ELIGIBLE: If you have attempted CS 1114 and/or CS 2114 at VT you are not eligible to take the CBE.
2. SELECT YOUR EXAM: Students have the option to attempt both CS 1114 and CS 2114.
3. SELF-ENROLL IN CANVAS: Opens February 26. Closes March 15.  [CS 1114 CBE] [CS 2114 CBE]
4. REVIEW ALL THE INFORMATION: The Canvas site will include the details of how to sign-up for the exam, the paperwork you need to submit, study materials, and deadlines.
5. STUDY, TAKE THE EXAM(S), & GET YOUR RESULTS: The exam is graded by Dr. Edwards from the CS Department. Once your exam is graded, Dr. Edwards will contact you directly via email. If all goes well, you will be able to enroll in the next course during drop/add.

The symposium will be a dynamic platform featuring opportunities for engagement, including research poster presentations, panel discussions, and distinguished guest speakers. 

• When? Thursday, March 14th from 9 AM - 4 PM
• Where? Squires Commonwealth Ballroom

Find more information here. 

Gateway is a one-of-a-kind program where admitted students from underrepresented backgrounds come together for a weekend filled with fun social activities to learn more about life at Virginia Tech and the opportunities available. 

As hosts, you will play a crucial role in escorting students to various Gateway-sponsored activities, exploring Virginia Tech's vibrant campus life, and offering lodging in your residence hall. All that's required is a passion for sharing your Virginia Tech experience, and residency in on-campus housing.

This event serves as the perfect introduction for our newly admitted students, many of whom are still deciding if Virginia Tech is the right home for them.

Ready to make a difference? Use the registration form to sign up as a student host for this year's Gateway program. The questions on the form help us match guests with hosts, and the more hosts we have, the more prospective students we can accommodate! So, don't hesitate—sign up today and please, spread the word to your friends!

srcLogic, a technical consulting company based in the Washington, DC area, is looking for smart, collaborative, and hard-working students to apply for their full-time, entry-level Associate Technical Consultant position. If interested, apply through www.srcLogic.com by March 3, 2024.

Questions? Contact Corey Kroboth at CKroboth@srcLogic.com or visit our website. 

The Spring 2024 Diversifying Science Undergraduate Research Mixer will be held March 27 4-6 p.m. The mixer is a poster fair where faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students promote their research to undergraduates looking to get involved in research. This event occurs every semester, hosted by the College of Science Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) committee. The mixer is an opportunity for undergraduate students to meet faculty from various disciplines and discuss undergraduate research opportunities. The goal of this event is to advance diversification of students engaged in undergraduate research. All undergraduate students are invited to attend and undergraduate students engaged in research are encouraged to present a poster!

Diversifying Science Undergraduate Research Mixer

March 27th 4-6 pm

Squires Commonwealth Ballroom B

If you are a research group that would like to present but does not have a poster to share, please contact Jess Hoopengardner (jessh@vt.edu) for accommodations. 

Both presenters and attendees can RSVP at the same link: https://forms.gle/74zpgXUbd6i7FjzK8

The applications for the DCTC scholarship program are open now through March 31^st. This is an excellent opportunity for students to receive a full tuition scholarship plus stipend in their last two years of undergrad, in exchange for service after graduation. 

Defense Civilian Training Corps Pilot Program Cohort 1 2024-2025

The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) Pilot Program provides students with full tuition and fees along with a monthly stipend, as well as internship and job placement opportunities within the Department of Defense.

Virginia Tech was one of four universities selected by the Department of Defense's Acquisition Innovation Research Center to participate in the pilot scholarship and talent development program. The interdisciplinary pilot program is designed to attract students with an interest in national defense careers related to acquisition, digital technologies, critical technologies, science, engineering, and finance. The program’s inaugural cohort began in fall 2023 and applications to join the next cohort are now open.

Requirements:

• Applicants’ interests should align with a desire to serve in a national security role that supports the research, development, and production of military capabilities.
• Applicants must plan to become a DoD civilian upon graduation and complete a two-year service obligation (one year of service obligation for each year of scholarship).
• Applicants must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. Nationals and permanent residents are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have (and maintain) a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must have 4 semesters remaining before graduation (i.e. an expected graduation date of May 2026) are currently enrolled at one of the DCTC pilot universities. The DCTC curriculum includes four 2-credit courses that must be taken over four semesters as part of Cohort 1.
• Applicants must be able to qualify for a security clearance and will be subject to a background check before final acceptance into DCTC.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time, in-person bachelor’s degree program or accepted as a full-time in-person transfer student from a community college.
• Applicants must currently be unencumbered by another federal scholarship and/or internship-type program.

Learn More & Apply Now

"I have a grant that will reimburse all travel expenses for undergraduate students to interview pioneers in physics and physical sciences (female and underrepresented minorities). 

There is travel funding for Virginia Tech students to interview their scientist role models about their life stories. The interviews (audio & transcripts) will be archived at the Niels Bohr Library & Archives. Travel can accommodate your schedules (e.g., Winter Break, Spring Break, or other). Travel expenses for multiple trips can be up to $2,500. You can also interview VT scientists if you wish. There is a short training session before conducting interviews."

If you have questions, please contact Mary Lanzerotti (marylanzerotti@vt.edu).

The Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides experience in biomedical and/or public health research to current undergraduate students from all backgrounds. The program provides research exposure for those interested in potential careers in science, medicine, and public health.

The program lasts 10 weeks with student stipends that range from $3,000-$5,500 and housing is provided at no costs to participants. 

There are 15 total programs including:

• Basic Science Institute (BSI-SIP)
• Institute for Computational Medicine (ICM)
• Johns Hopkins Neuroscience Scholars Program (JHNSP)

More information about the application and other programs can be found HERE.

Applications are due February 1, 2024. 

The Jackson Laboratory is bringing 40 young scientists to participate in mentored research projects in the labs of JAX scientists in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut.

During this 10-week paid fellowship, students participate in an ongoing research program at JAX with the support of an experienced scientific mentor. They develop an independent project, implement a research plan co-created with their mentor, analyze the data and report the results. Participants become members of a unique Living Learning Community that provides opportunities - professional development, ethics, and science communication workshops as well as adventures of all kinds – that enhance the research experience.

Applications are due January 29th at NOON (EST). 

This weekend-long program is an opportunity for those interested in the health professions. It is a free, multi-day experience that involves a tour of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, "Stop The Bleed" training, and more!

Target audience and other requirements:

• First-years students at Virginia Tech
• Students who are underrepresented in medicine
• Must be in good academic standing
• Applicants must have no past or pending student conduct violations

Tentative dates are February 23rd-25th with more detailed times on the program website. 

If you have any questions, contact Sophia Minor (sophiam@vt.edu). 

Are you interested in learning more about public health and laboratory science? YOU can help promote and protect the health and safety of all Virginians! Internships take place at our laboratory in downtown Richmond, Virginia during the summer, beginning as early as May, as a full-time (~40 hour/week) commitment for approximately 10 – 12 weeks. The exact internship start and end dates will be coordinated with the specific internship mentor. 

Who is eligible?

• Rising juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students
• Must be a Virginia resident or attending a Virginia college or university

Applications are due February 4th, 2024.

The application and other information can be found here.

The Central Intelligence Agency is recruiting Data Engineers to join the Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI). The CIA develops custom software, architectures, and systems to transform and condition incoming data that is needed for high-priority, mission-critical activities. Starting salary and the overall hiring package are extremely competitive.

Who is eligible?

• Students graduating in Spring 2024 (including undergraduate and graduate students)
• Students who have an interest in data engineering, especially those with degrees in Computational Modeling & Data Analytics, Math, Statistics, and Computer Science

More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a two-year summer program for students from groups that are underrepresented in medicine, which is designed to help strengthen a participant’s application to medical school.

The first summer of the program provides students with the opportunity to participate in hypothesis-driven research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. The second summer, students shadow various clinicians throughout Carilion Clinic in the Roanoke Valley. 

Program benefits:

• Free MCAT preparation and tutoring, application counseling
• Free room and board
• $3000 stipend for each summer

For more information as well as the requirements for admission, please visit the program’s website or email Katherine Murphy at kbmurphy@vt.edu or vtcadmissions@vt.edu.

We are pleased to announce the 15^th summer for our REU program in computational biology.  More information and our 2024 program flyer can be found at our website – tecbioreu.pitt.edu, which also has the link the application website.  

Application Deadline:  February 12, 2024

Program Dates:  May 20 – July 26, 2024

Student Support:  $6250 stipend, housing, travel, and VR equipment 

We wanted to draw your attention to the TXST summer school in mathematical physics.

Event: 2024 TXST Summer School in Mathematical Physics

Location: Texas State University. San Marcos, TX

Dates: June 3-7 2024

This is a one-week workshop aimed at advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students, with lectures and mini-courses being given by leading researchers in mathematical physics. Topics include quantum information, ergodic theory, random operators, localization, and more. There will be discussion and problem sessions in the afternoons and a panel discussion of careers in mathematics. More information can be found on the workshop's website.

We can cover travel and lodging for accepted students, as well as provide a daily stipend.

To ensure full consideration, students should apply by January 5, 2024.

To apply for funding, a student should complete the application at the following link no later than January 5, 2024 and arrange for one (1) letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with their academic work.  Application link.

A letter of recommendation should be sent by the letter writer to fillman [at] txstate [dot] edu.

The Data Science for the Public Good program at Virginia Tech (DSPG) is seeking applicants for its 2024 summer internship program. The program is part of the broader Data Science for the Public Good (DSPG) initiative offered by Virginia Tech's Agricultural and Applied Economics Department. It is a member and collaborator in the DSPG network led by the University of Virginia's Biocomplexity Institute's Social and Decision Analytics division. The program allows young scholars to conduct research at the intersection of economics, statistics, computation, and the social sciences to determine how information can be leveraged to inform public policy.

During the summer of 2024, young scholar teams will reside on the Blacksburg campus May 20 - July 26. They will collaborate on projects that address state, federal, and local government challenges around critical social issues relevant in the world today. Undergraduate summer interns will have their housing and meals provided, and they will also receive a $5,000 stipend.

For more information about the DSPG 2024 Summer Internship Program please go to our website (https://dspg.aaec.vt.edu). The link to apply (by Feb. 4th, 2024) is active and is https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/Application-VT-DSPG2024.

Come join us this summer in beautiful Blacksburg, VA for a vibrant research experience for undergraduates. 

 General Program Details:

·         2024 program dates: May 20 - July 26, 2024

·         Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia

·         Work Expectations: Full-time internship

·         Stipend: Undergraduate interns will be paid a stipend of $5,000.

·         Housing: The program will provide on-campus accommodation for undergraduate interns, if needed.

·         Travel: We can provide limited travel support based on financial need if you come from outside the Blacksburg area.

We will start to evaluate applications on February 4^th.  

Applications are being accepted for an undergraduate research program in mathematics. Participants work in teams with faculty mentors, doing research projects in topics such as:

• algebra and algebraic geometry
• coding theory and cryptography
• combinatorics
• math biology
• number theory.

Some applicants will be selected for fellowships up to $1500 (paid as wages) for performing research in the program. 

Interested Math and CMDA majors should complete this short application no later than January 18, 2024, to be considered for this opportunity. No prior research experience is required. Women, gender and underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and first generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Questions may be directed to Gretchen Matthews. 

We are excited to announce that we will be running our popular DRUMS (Directed Research in Mathematics and Statistics) REU program in the summer of 2024. Please forward this email to anyone you know (in particular students) who would be interested in the program.

Attached is a flyer about the program that will run from May 28th to August 2nd. Selected participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, housing, and funding to participate in a conference. 

More information about the program can be found at our website: https://drums.wordpress.ncsu.edu and the application can be found at  Mathprograms: https://www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1535. Applicant screening will start on February 15th. 

For more information about the program please contact Mette Olufsen (Math) msolufse@ncsu.edu or Brian Reich (Statistics) bjreich@ncsu.edu.

[CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION]

The Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) is a major international modeling/data science competition that takes place over four days (Thursday night - Monday night). This year's contest is scheduled to start at 5 pm on Thursday, February 1st and solutions are due by 8 pm on Monday, February 5th. Teams of three undergrads (any major) choose one problem (involving either continuous math, discrete math, or data science), and submit a careful write-up of their solution.  Attached is a copy of the 2021 contest problems and other samples of contest problems are here. 

In 2018 and 2019 more than 10,000 teams competed from around the world -- and each year, one of the 16 winning teams came from Virginia Tech. In 2020, 13,753 teams participated and a team from Virginia Tech was one of the 839 (6%) teams to receive a meritorious award. In 2021 the contest was virtual and 10,053 teams participated. 

The MCM is a great and grueling experience -- definitely something good to put on your resume. If you are interested in participating in the competition, the first step is identifying two additional team members.  We recommend that at least two team members are skilled programmers in MATLAB, Python, or R, and must at least have completed some sophomore level mathematics courses; CMDA 3654 experience is ideal if you tackle the data science problem.

Once you have a team, you are invited to apply for financial support from the Department of Mathematics to cover the registration fee. Fill out the application (https://forms.gle/C35B2oazo4p2G376A) before 5pm on Thursday, January 25th. We will contact you once we receive your application and a strategy and information session will be scheduled prior to the contest. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the VT contest advisors: Daniel Appelo (appelo@vt.edu), Jeff Borggaard (jborggaard@vt.edu), and Eric Ufferman (ericu1@vt.edu).

Statistical Programming Internship for Undergrads

SEED, the $5 million student-managed endowment here at Virginia Tech, is in the process of recruiting a new class of members. Click here for more information.

We're calling all interested students who want to participate in the 23/24 ICPC programming competition season. Our tryout contest is taking place Jan 27, preregistration is required.

For detailed information, see https://icpc.cs.vt.edu/blog/icpc23 or contact Dr. Godmar Back at gback@vt.edu.

The Math Department Tutoring Lab offers FREE tutoring for 1000-level and 2000-level MATH classes. Students can drop-in anytime the tutoring lab is open. No appointment is necessary. Information for Spring 2024 is below.

• Location: McBryde 136
• Hours: Mondays - Thursdays: 9AM-9PM; Fridays: 9AM-5PM
• Dates: January 16 - May 2, when VT classes are in session

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is asking for your help in recruiting students to apply for our 2024-2025 VSGC Scholarship and Fellowship program. Please see attached flyers for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship, the Graduate Research Fellowship, and the STEM Bridge Scholarship. You may find more information and links to the applications on our website or by using the QR code on each flyer.

Since 1990 the VSGC has made 2,127 awards totaling over 8.9M to students at our member universities. Each academic year, VSGC awards about $320,000 in scholarships and fellowships to about 75 students.

A major goal of the VSGC is to help produce the engineers and scientists of the future and diversify the STEM workforce. The career opportunities in STEM and aerospace have greatly expanded. To encourage talented individuals to pursue STEM fields and research, the VSGC offers the following scholarships and fellowships:

Graduate Research STEM Fellowship Program provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM and have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance. Link:  https://vsgc.odu.edu/graduatefellowships/

Undergraduate Research STEM Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $8,500 to rising juniors and seniors who are enrolled full-time in a program of study in STEM and have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.   Link:   https://vsgc.odu.edu/undergraduatescholarships/

STEM Bridge Scholarship Program provides scholarships of $1,000 to students who are rising sophomores or juniors majoring in STEM. Students from any federally recognized minority group in STEM and enrolled full-time in a program of STEM at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities are strongly encouraged to apply. Link:   https://vsgc.odu.edu/stembridge/

Thank you for your assistance in making these awards available to your students.  Please feel free to contact Veronica Warwick at (757) 766-5210 or vwarwick@odu.edu if you have any questions. 

Applying for summer internships or research opportunities? Come join Career and Professional Development and the Office of Undergraduate Research to make your application stand out. We encourage you to bring a copy of your resume (if you have one). Refreshments will be provided!

• When? Tuesday, January 23 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM
• Where? McBryde 216
• RSVP here

The AAAS Entry Point! program is seeking undergrad and grad students with disabilities for 2024 science and engineering summer internships. These are 10-week, paid STEM opportunities. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Acceptance is on a rolling basis
• Full-time enrolled student before and after Summer 2024
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Major in Life Science, Chemistry, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, and/or Neuroscience
• Documented apparent or non-apparent disability

Applications are open and due February 19, 2024. For more information, click here. 

The Office of Undergraduate Research would like to update you on some essential information about our programs and highlight some information of special interest for this spring and summer.

Scholarship and Funding Applications for this Spring:

• Jacklyn W. and William R. Jones, Jr. Experiential Learning Scholarship
  • Two $1,000 scholarships recognize students who engage in experiential learning. Applications are due March 31.
• Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research Scholarship
  • Two $1,000 scholarships recognize students engaged in research in any field. Applications are due March 31.
• Conference Travel Grant
  • Designed to assist undergraduate students who have had their research or creative scholarship accepted for presentation at a regional, national or international conference. Rolling deadline.

Students who are registered for research for credit or who are doing/have done paid or volunteer undergraduate research are encouraged to register for the Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference. Students may present results from any research or creative project. The conference takes place April 26, 2024, and student applications are due April 8, 2024. Participation is free.

VT's Undergraduate Research Excellence Program (UREP) recognizes student engagement in undergraduate research. This multi-tiered is open to any student, from any major, at any time in their academic career and allows students to track their journey through undergraduate research, from training and engaging to disseminating and reflecting, and receive recognition at graduation with a specially designed cord!

Summer 2024 Research Programs at Virginia Tech will run from May 20 – July 26, 2024. Deadlines vary, but many are in February!

• Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
• CardioSURF
• Center for Neutrino Physics NSF REU
• MAOP Undergraduate Summer Research Interns Program
• NeuroSURF
• Reactive Materials, Energetics, and High-Enthalpy Flows NSF REU
• Solving Problems with Data Science NSF REU
• Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience Summer Program
• Data Science for the Public Good NSF REU
• Translational Obesity Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
• VT Research and Extension Experiential Learning Program: Securing Our Food

The OUR website has many resources to support students at any stage in their undergraduate research journey. Please keep these pages of particular relevance in mind for students who ask about research opportunities:

• Getting Started Guide
• Research Opportunities: Contains opportunities at Virginia Tech, outside of Virginia Tech, and abroad
• Student Research and Engagement
• Student Funding and Support
• Student Present and Publish

Students who prefer more personal help can reach out to our team of Ambassadors who are available to help students navigate undergraduate research through drop in office hours or via email communication.

Finally, consider signing up for our Newsletter to get weekly updates about on- and off-campus opportunities, funding, conferences, and other information relevant to undergraduate research!

Health Professions Advising continues to support students who are interested in health professions through one-on-one appointments, drop-in advising, workshops, a committee letter process, practice interviews, and other events.  We encourage students interested in health professions to join the HPA Hub on Canvas (see "Join the HPA Hub on Canvas" here: https://career.vt.edu/advising/hpa.html) so that we can keep them apprised of relevant information.

The Univeristy of Cincinnati offers MS and PhD programs both in Mathematics and in Statistics.

A few of the most important bits of information about our programs:

• They are small, with an excellent faculty-student ratio.
• PhD students are funded for at least their first 5 years.
• Most Statistics PhD students complete internships with a Procter & Gamble joint venture, with Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, or another industry partner.
  
• In math, our main areas of strength are Analysis, PDEs, Probability, and Biological Modeling.
• In statistics, our focus is in Bayesian nonparametric analysis.

Application review for admission and scholarships begins on February 1.

The front page with links to the details of every program is here:https://www.artsci.uc.edu/departments/math/grad.html

We strongly encourage anyone who's interested in applying to contact our Graduate Program Director, Dr. Robert Buckingham (buckinrt@ucmail.uc.edu) to gather more information about our programs.

MATH GRADUATE PROGRAM

STAT GRADUATE PROGRAM

  The VA Academy of Science Annual Meeting this year is May 16-17, 2024 at the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA. Students should consider presenting their work.

   The VAS webpage is here: https://vacadsci.org

 And you can register for the meeting here: https://vacadsci.org/vas-meetings/annual-spring-meeting/spring-registration/

The Science Museum of Virginia is excited to share that we are hiring a math college intern this summer!

The Science Museum recognizes that math literacy is an important skill the general public needs. We showcase diverse math topics to guests of all ages in a fun and unexpected informal learning environment. 

The math intern will complete projects outlined by the Science Museum and propose their own project. This is a paid position and will leave students with valuable communication skills. Math majors are not required, but upper-level coursework and enthusiasm are! The deadline to apply is March 1.

Please share this opportunity with your university's math students and other related departments.

Thank you for your time. Don't hesitate to contact me if you or a student has any questions about the internship. For general information about applying, please get in touch with Jared Stawderman (jstrawderman@smv.org).

If you're seeking a flexible and meaningful volunteering opportunity, join us at the YMCA Blacksburg Middle School Afterschool Enrichment Program.  Our sessions run from 2:45 to 5:30 PM every Monday through Friday, and you're welcome to choose the days that fit your schedule best. We tutor middle schoolers with their homework and organize monthly-themed enrichment activities covering topics like leadership, healthy habits, arts and crafts, as well as discussions on respect, role modeling, among others.

Zoom orientation this Friday, 1/19 at 7 PM on zoom:

Once orientation is complete, you will be able to start volunteering on-site. 

Feel free to contact Jackie Hou, Program Leader, Blacksburg Middle School Afterschool Program, jackiehou@vt.edu if you have any questions!

Join other APIDA+ Science students for dinner and be in community!

• When? February 6th from 6 - 7 PM
• Where? Squires 140
• RSVP HERE

Women in Data Science (WiDS) – Blacksburg is being held on our Campus on February 12th and 13th. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other researchers and practitioners in the field of Data Science. It is also an opportunity for students who are conducting undergraduate research to showcase their work in a poster session!

When:

• Mixer: 5:30-7pm Eastern on February 12, 2024
• Main program: 5 - 8:45 pm Eastern on  February 13, 2024

Where: 

• Virginia Tech Data and Decision Sciences and New Classroom Buildings 220

The WiDS Blacksburg planning committee will select posters to ensure a wide variety of research areas (including but not limited to statistics, mathematics, computer science, physics, biology, engineering, etc.). Students interested in presenting a poster should complete this form: form link.

The College of Science seeks applicants for camp counselors to staff five residential science camps for middle school and high school students in the summer of 2024. Applicants can apply to be a Resident Hall Advisor (RA) and/or a Program Assistant (PA)  for one or more of the camps. Undergraduates and graduate students are encouraged to apply!

Successful applicants will be highly responsible individuals with common sense, good problem-solving abilities, the ability to work well with pre-teens, teens, faculty, and staff; and a familiarity with campus. Knowledge of the College of Science and its majors is not required. Experience working with pre-teens and teens is a plus.

Camp counselors must complete online training before the start of camp and attend an in-person training on best practices for working with children on a weekend in April. A description of duties for the two types of positions is listed in the application: here.

Counselors will be paid $20/hr and provided meals while camps are in session. During training, pay is $12.50/hour.  RAs and PAs will be paid through the university payroll system; compensation is subject to taxes, social security, and other deductions.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT:

Mandatory Training:                                       

• Spring 2024 (2-hour training; ONLINE)
• Saturday, April 20, 2024 (3 hour in-person; ON CAMPUS)

Camps, Ages, Dates:

1. Explore Science (rising 9-10th grades): Monday June 24 to Thursday, June 27
2. Explore Science (rising 7-8th grades): Sunday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 3
3. Explore Data Science (rising 10-12th grades): Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12
4. Explore Physical Sci (rising 10-12th grades): Monday July 15 to Friday, July 19
5. Explore Life Science (rising 10-12th grades): Monday. July 22 to Friday, July 26

To apply for this fun and important position, click here. We will start looking at application on Feb. 8 and hope to hold interviews the week of Feb. 19.

Descriptions of camps can be found here.

Questions, please email or call (540-232-8705 or explorescicamp@vt.edu).

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) is pleased to announce we are accepting applications for the SIAM-Simons Undergraduate Summer Research Program, which will provide research, networking, and mentorship opportunities to U.S. students from underrepresented groups. Participating students will receive a stipend of $1,000/week and will have their housing, meals, and travel expenses paid. This is an amazing opportunity for students to immerse themselves in applied math, computational science, and/or data science research while simultaneously participating in professional development and community-building activities designed to foster a strong sense of belonging.

Note that while all projects will have an applied math and/or computational science approach, students do not need to have an applied math background to apply. Projects appropriate for students at all undergraduate levels will be available, and prior research experience is not required.

Applications are due February 7 and supporting letters of recommendation are due February 14. Interested students can apply online.

If you have questions, please reach out to programs@siam.org.

LEARN MORE

Program Flyer

The Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health will be hosting its annual summer program in Biostatistics and Computational Biology. The program takes place in Boston for 6 weeks, and we will provide housing and a stipend.

The Summer Program in Biostatistics and Computational Biology will be taking place this year from June 3^rd-July 12^th ! The program, intended for undergraduate students and recent grads that are underrepresented in graduate education, provides a unique opportunity to learn about the use of quantitative methods for biological, environmental, and medical research alongside Harvard faculty, researchers, and graduate students.

The application is now open and the deadline to apply is February 16, 2024. Please share this with anyone who might be interested!

Please direct any questions to Priti Thareja at pthareja@hsph.harvard.edu

Each year in the Commonwealth of Virginia the Governor invites rising college seniors, graduating college seniors, and students in graduate/professional school to participate in the Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program. Applications for 2024 are now open, and will be due on Monday, March 4^th. As part of this program, students will receive a stipend of up to $3,600 for their two-month service from June 3^rd, 2024 to August 2^nd, 2024. Program details and commonly asked questions can be found on the FAQ page of the program website.

If you are interested in the program, please visit the Virginia Governor’s Fellow Program homepage for more information, or view the attached flyers!

Submit your application today!

Submit a poem by Friday, February 2 and be a part of Virginia Tech history!

• First Place: $1500
• Second Place: $800
• Third Place: $500

Information and submission form

Emotional Support by Students, for Students. Be there for you. Be there for others.

FEELS Peer Support Groups* are mental health support spaces by students for students. This group is a space to connect with fellow Hokies who are navigating their mental health concerns and exploring how to maintain their emotional well-being.

Mondays: 12-1pm, Goodwin 244

Thursdays: 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Newman Library 101S

No registration or swipe-in required.

For more information, check out the website. 

https://hokiewellness.vt.edu/feels.html

*Not a substiture for mental health treatment or counceling

From little hiccups to epic failures, we all stumble on our path to growth. Let's talk about it! Join us for a night of Hokies sharing their stories of struggle and resilience through performance and creative mediums!

• Tuesday, March 19, 2024
• 6:30-8pm
• CID Performance Room

Interested in performing? Check out www.hokiewellness.vt.edu/hokiehiccups for more information. Submissions due March 1, 2024.

Join other Indigenous science students for dinner and be in community!

• When? February 13th at 6:30 PM
• Where? Squires 122
• RSVP HERE

Student Staff Leaders (SSLs) work to create a safe, welcoming community and learning environment for the high school participants of the Black College Institute (BCI). SSLs work to positively expose students to the college experience, helping them explore college life at Virginia Tech. 

Applications are due February 12, 2024. Apply and learn more today!

Join us in Squires, Brush Room B at 4:00 on Thursday, January 31st for a conversation with Henry Yampolsky about managing conflict.  Moving from Conflict to Collaboration is a highly interactive, practical, and thought-provoking workshop.  It introduces the participants to four principles of conflict transformation and effective communication and explores real-life strategies for responding to conflict with strength, clarity, and compassion as opposed to reacting to it with fear, avoidance, or aggression.  The tools and skills in this workshop will include using mindfulness to shift behavior in conflict; the art of compassionate listening; the power of asking questions and many others.  

Henry Yampolsky, J.D. is a best-selling author of Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: an Inner Path for Conflict Transformation. He is a mediator, educator, lawyer and a multi-time TEDx speaker. Henry serves the Hokie Nation as the Assistant Director for Education, Outreach and Conflict Resolution with Virginia Tech’s Office for Equity and Accessibility. He also teaches conflict resolution, mediation and peace building as part of Virginia Tech’s Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention. Henry has worked with hundreds of complex conflicts and has taught and lectured around the world including at: Columbia University School of Law, the New York Peace Institute, Swiss Mediation Society in Zurich, Switzerland, the International Gandhi Center and Museum in New Delhi, Bharathiar University in Coimbatore, India and at the Sattva Summit in Rishikesh, India. Before starting a peace building career, Henry was an award-winning trial lawyer in Philadelphia focused on civil rights, labor and employment issues. He has earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Temple University and also has a BS in International Relations from the University of Scranton. A native of Kyiv, Ukraine, Henry resides in Southwest Virginia. 

You can register for the event here or arrive day-of.  

Are you interested in democracy and advocacy? Do you wish you could be a part of designing events and programs for students at VT?  Are you already thinking about the Fall 2024 election season? Then join VT Engage's Second Annual Civic Leadership Academy (CLA). In this semester-long program students will develop their dialogue and advocacy skills and be equipped to launch civic engagement programs next Fall Semester.  

This cohort will be made up of 15 students who will meet on a bi-weekly schedule every Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The meetings will be at VTEngage (417 Clay Street, Blacksburg), where dinner will be provided. All students participating in the program can expect to gain great community organizing skills and experiences to enter the professional world with.  

Sign up here: https://baseline.campuslabs.com/vpiasu/civicleadershipacademy

Employers are seeking students in all majors for co-ops, internships, and full-time positions.

• February 14 (in-person): 10am-4pm, Latham Ballroom - The Inn at Virginia Tech - [REGISTER HERE]
• February 20 (virtual): 10am-4pm [REGISTER HERE]
• Click here for more spring career fair information.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is hosting a spring career fair:

• Wednesday, February 7
• 10am-3pm
• Squires Commonwealth Ballroom

This career fair is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech (you DO NOT need to be a major in CALS).  Click here for the list of participating schools/employers.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is accepting applications for paid internship and fellowship opportunities at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Apply now!

Some examples:

Arctic Sea Ice Dynamics and Permafrost Remote Sensing
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree to be received by 6/20/2025
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Algorithm Development - Undergraduate Summer Internship
Location: Natick, Massachusetts
Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Summer 2024 Undergraduate Hypersonics Technology Internship at the Air Force Institute of Technology
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Military Nutrition Research Fellow
Location: Natick, Massachusetts
Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Summer 2024 EACE Undergraduate Research & Surveillance Division Internship
Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

My name is Ryan Moruzzi Jr, and I am reaching out to spread the word about the 2024 Lathisms Scholarship to you and members of the community. This scholarship intends to support Hispanic/Latinx students interested in pursuing a career focused in the mathematical sciences; such career paths include, but are not limited to, scientific research, mathematics education, engineering, and finance. 

We will be awarding scholarships of up to $500 (each), aimed at prospective and current undergraduate/graduate students. The deadline is February 29th. I have attached a flyer with some information to this email and would appreciate posting it in your department.  Full scholarship details, along with the application, can be found on our website: https://www.lathisms.org/scholarships

Please feel free to let your colleagues at other institutions know as well; we would appreciate it greatly!

Warm regards,

Ryan Moruzi, Jr, Ph.D.

On behalf of the Lathisms Scholarship Team

The Math Tutoring Lab (in McBryde 136) is now accepting applications for tutors for the Spring 2024 semester!

The tutoring lab provides free tutoring for students taking 1000 and 2000 level math courses: MATH 1214, 1225, 1226, 2114, 2204, 2214, 2534, 1014, 1025, 1026, and 1524.

More information is available on the application.

Priority consideration will be given to students who apply by December 11, 2023.

The College of Science Student Ambassadors Team (COSSAT) is looking to recruit new members this upcoming spring:

Why join COSSAT?

1. Make a Difference: By joining our team, you'll play an important role in welcoming and engaging with new and prospective students, answering their questions, and helping them make informed decisions about their academic journey.

2. Develop Leadership Skills: Being a student ambassador is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. You'll be an essential part of our college's recruitment and outreach efforts.

3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow student ambassadors, faculty members, alumni, and other professionals within the COS. This is a great extracurricular that post-grad schools love to see!

To join our team, you don't need any specific prior experience; all you need is enthusiasm, a commitment to promoting the College of Science, and a willingness to learn. We welcome students from majors and programs within our College.

Here's the link to apply: https://forms.gle/mwfPFgZGeVNn82or6

The application deadline is December 15th, and we will conduct interviews over winter break!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wz9m6dK5in_VJR3bheKvV_axcW5-yYU5tz-ujbAlKxA/edit?usp=sharing

An updated solicitation for the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program is now available (NSF 24-506). IRES supports international research and research-related activities for U.S. science and engineering students. Students do not apply directly to NSF to participate in IRES activities. Students apply to NSF-funded investigators who receive IRES awards. Please see the program webpage full information.

The next deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.

ATTENTION SENIORS!

Please join Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) staff as we host an informational application webinar at 2:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, December 7. This one-hour-max Zoom session (register here) will provide an overview of the program and guidance for applying, and it will serve as a forum to ask related questions in a live Q&A format. A recording will also be made available via the fellowship website.

The DOE CSGF provides outstanding benefits and opportunities for doctoral students in various fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex problems in science and engineering. Renewable up to four years, the fellowship also seeks candidates researching applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, computer engineering or computational science advances that contribute to more effective use of emerging high-performance systems. Learn more about the program's two tracks here.

Benefits:

• A $45,000 yearly stipend
• Payment of full tuition and required fees
• Yearly program review participation
• An annual professional development allowance
• A 12-week DOE laboratory research practicum experience

Additional Resources:

• Application details and this year's 11x17 fellowship poster
• Annual DEIXIS publication highlighting the work of fellows and alumni

Click here for the schedule.

Are you stressed out over all the exams, papers, and group projects that will soon be taking up your time? Learn how to stay motivated, manage the stress, and find the time to do all of the things you need (plus some time for fun!). We will also review strategies for effective test taking.

Making it Through the Final Stretch

• Monday, December 4, McBryde 129, 6-7 pm
• Tuesday, December 5, McBryde 113, 5:30-6:30 pm

The Cultural and Community Centers are hosting Ramen for Reading Day. We will have 500 bowls of ramen along with toppings that include kimchi, American cheese, seaweed, bean sprouts, and so much more! Everything is first come first serve! Please feel free to drop by and be in community with one another.

Open Market hours will be during the following times:

• When? Reading Day! (December 7th) from 11AM - 2PM
• Where? APIDA+ Center, Squires Room 140

For questions and/or accommodations, contact Dr. Nina Ha (nha@vt.edu)

The Market of Virginia Tech is excited to announce our new Open Market Hours initiative. From October 25 through December 13, we will open our free non-perishable pantry to any Virginia Tech student in need of food assistance. 

Location: 801 University City Blvd (next to the Himalayan Curry Cafe)

Open Market hours will be during the following times:

• Wednesday: 1 - 5 PM
• Thursday: 5 - 7:30 PM
• Friday: 10 AM - 1:30 PM

We ask that students please bring their own bags when visiting the pantry. For more information on food assistance, please visit foodaccess.vt.edu.

Are you interested in learning more about public health and laboratory science? YOU can help promote and protect the health and safety of all Virginians! Internships take place at our laboratory in downtown Richmond, Virginia during the summer, beginning as early as May, as a full-time (~40 hour/week) commitment for approximately 10 – 12 weeks. The exact internship start and end dates will be coordinated with the specific internship mentor. 

Who is eligible?

• Rising juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students
• Must be a Virginia resident or attending a Virginia college or university

Applications are due February 4th, 2024.

The application and other information can be found here.

The Central Intelligence Agency is recruiting Data Engineers to join the Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI). The CIA develops custom software, architectures, and systems to transform and condition incoming data that is needed for high-priority, mission-critical activities. Starting salary and the overall hiring package are extremely competitive.

Who is eligible?

• Students graduating in Spring 2024 (including undergraduate and graduate students)
• Students who have an interest in data engineering, especially those with degrees in Computational Modeling & Data Analytics, Math, Statistics, and Computer Science

More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

The Cook Counseling Center in collaboration with its partners is offering the fall Finals Extravaganza to help students de-stress during this time of the year. The fall Finals Extravaganza is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the McComas Hall Lobby (Rec Sports side of the building).

Click here to learn more about the Rotational Finance Internship and Fellowship Program in Virginia Tech's Division of Finance

Both programs provide participants a cross-departmental, hands-on learning and development experience that is tailored to each individual’s interests.

The School of Architecture in the College of Architecture, Arts and Design welcomes applications from students of all undergraduate majors.  Our 3-year Master of Architecture program is especially designed for students coming from disciplines other than Architecture.  Experience in design is not required.  We start you with a foundation of Basic Design in the first year, followed by Design Lab and technical courses in the second year.  The program ends with a third year focused on a thesis project of the student’s choosing. 

You can have a part in designing the built environment, addressing global climate change and the global housing shortage, researching  innovative new materials and methods of digital fabrication along with the opportunity to participate in one of our study-abroad opportunities.  

For more information, please contact Kay Edge, Graduate Program Chair, School of Architecture

kedge@vt.edu

Seeking an undergraduate student to work on a research project starting in January 2024, and hopefully continuing through the Fall 2024 semester. The project seeks to understand how stress is transmitted through groups of people in controlled experiments in a motion capture studio. The student will be responsible for building the experimental apparatus (a maze-arrangement of light walls), including electronic components for lighted exit signs. The student will also participate in the running experiments in Spring and Summer 2024, led by a psychology graduate student and the project faculty. This may include instrumenting participants with equipment to measure physiological signals or assisting with other aspects of study administration (e.g., study reminders, participant surveys, etc.). This is an exciting opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research and work with faculty from psychology, mathematics, and engineering.

No previous research experience is required, but familiarity with basic electronics and microcontrollers is preferred. 

Wages are $20/hour, for an approximate commitment of 10 hours per week during the semester and 100 hours throughout the summer. 

Please email a resume and a short statement of interest to Nicole Abaid (nabaid@vt.edu) by Dec 21, 2023 to apply.

From Nov. 15 - Dec. 15, The Market will be hosting a Pop-Up Pantry in partnership with University Libraries. The Pop-Up is located in room 427, on the fourth floor of Newman Library across from Torgersen bridge. This pantry will be open to any Virginia Tech student in need of food assistance.

The Pop-Up will be open during the following hours:

• Monday: 5-8 p.m.
• Tuesday: 12-3 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Friday: 4-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 1-4 p.m.

November Seminars include:

• Time Mangement
• Reading and Note Taking
• Effective Learning Strategies
• Online Classes
• Procrastination
• Final Stretch

Click here for details!

• Monday, Nov 6: Brent Cody (VCU) The mathematics and music of maximally even sets
• Monday, Nov 13: Joe Wells (VT) How to give a (good) math talk
• Monday, Nov Nov 27: Daniel Valvo (VT) Coding Theory

Click here for more information

The Central Intelligence Agency is recruiting Data Engineers to join the Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI). The CIA develops custom software, architectures, and systems to transform and condition incoming data that is needed for high-priority, mission-critical activities. Starting salary and the overall hiring package are extremely competitive.

Who is Eligible?

• Students graduating in Spring 2024 (including undergraduate and graduate students)
• Students who have an interest in data engineering, especially those with degrees in Computational Modeling & Data Analytics, Math, Statistics, and Computer Science

More information including how to apply, can be found through this link. 

Let's R.A.P. (Research, Analyzing Data, and Presentations): 

• Get help with a research project, understand data, or prepare for anupcoming presentation
• December 5, 2023, 2:00pm-4:00pm, SOAR House (207 W. Roanoke Street)

“End Of Semester Stress? There’s A Hack For That!”

• December 6, 2023, 5:30pm-6:30pm, McBryde Hall, Room 210

“Let’s Talk”: Get introduceed to counseling BEFORE engaging in University counseling services.

• 30-minute appointment to discuss questions, concerns, and issues with a counselor.
• First-come, first-serve walk-in appointments.
• All conversations and counselor notes are kept confidential and are kept for emergencies and referrals to Cook Counseling Center*
• Stop by the SOAR House (207 W. Roanoke St.) EVERY Thursday from 2:00pm-4:00pm to chat with a Cook Counseling Counselor, Antonio Bolden!
• *All Discussions are kept confidential unless your counselor has reason to believe you may be at immediate risk to harm yourself or others, or the abuse of children, elders, and/or those psychologically unable to take care of themselves is suspected.

The Central Intelligence Agency is recruiting Data Engineers to join the Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI). The CIA develops custom software, architectures, and systems to transform and condition incoming data that is needed for high-priority, mission-critical activities. Starting salary and the overall hiring package are extremely competitive.

Who is Eligible?

• Students graduating in Spring 2024 (including undergraduate and graduate students)
• Students who have an interest in data engineering, especially those with degrees in Computational Modeling & Data Analytics, Math, Statistics, and Computer Science

More information including how to apply, can be found through this link. 

KDSAP at Virginia Tech is a new student-run organization comprising of student volunteers and physicians aiming to increase awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and promote preventative screening in the New River Valley community. 

Through our health screenings, on-campus discussion panels, physician shadowing program, and others, students have opportunities to gain valuable clinical hours and engage in leadership roles while raising awareness of CKD in our community, confirming their interest in pursuing a medical-related career in the process.

General Membership/How to get involved

We are looking for members of the Virginia Tech community passionate about making a difference in health promotion in our community here in Blacksburg and the surrounding areas. General body meetings will be bi-weekly (every two weeks) with special dates for training sessions and other events. If you are interested in getting involved, fill out the form below, and keep an eye out for more information and announcements soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewVhfANHkR5szwX6P7SlFxMX2-doZoUinkCzZxMo9BZ9Tpvg/viewform

For further information or if you have any questions:

contact us at kdsap.vt@gmail.com or visit our website here
Follow us on Instagram @kdsapvt for more announcements and updates.

Science Outreach is a new 2-credit hour service-learning course for VT students. In this class you will teach K-12 students fundamental science concepts by leading demos and hands-on activities in their schools and on our campus. You will deepen your own understanding of science while inspiring others. It’s fun and helpful! 

Intended for 2nd year students and beyond. 

Any questions should be directed to Dr. Victoria Corbin at cvictoria@vt.edu.

The Market of Virginia Tech is excited to announce our new Open Market Hours initiative. From October 25 through December 13, we will open our free non-perishable pantry to any Virginia Tech student in need of food assistance. 

Location: 801 University City Blvd (next to the Himalayan Curry Cafe)

Open Market hours will be during the following times:

• Wednesday: 1 - 5 PM
• Thursday: 5 - 7:30 PM
• Friday: 10 AM - 1:30 PM

We ask that students please bring their own bags when visiting the pantry. For more information on food assistance, please visit foodaccess.vt.edu.

As finals approach, there are many resources to help you succeed! The APIDA+ Center and ICC, both located in Squires, have multiple tutors that can help in a range of courses such as biology, chemistry, and even German! 

To request a tutoring appointment, click here.

UNC - Chapel Hill is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 term. The application deadline for students who wish to be considered for departmental assistantships and fellowships is December 12, 2023.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Epsilon Camp is a unique residential summer camp for highly gifted 7-12 year-olds with exceptional mathematical ability and a love of mathematics. We are currently in the process of recruiting our counselors for the summer of 2024. We require that all of our counselors be math majors who have taken at least some upper-division math courses; they must also be excited about working with children. Our campers study topics such as methods of proof, number theory, projective geometry, sets and functions, and group theory in classes taught by university professors, so counselors with a very strong math background are essential. Many of our counselors find it to be such a rewarding experience that they choose to return several years in a row.

MATH CAMP COUNSELOR (apply by March 1)

STAFF ASSISTANT (apply by April 1)

Watch this short video with info and preparation steps for the upcoming Google storage changes (which will take place over winter break).

For more information about upcoming changes to storage, email, and calendar services, visit the license changes website. If you have questions or need help with Google Workspace or another Virginia Tech IT service, contact 4Help.       

Per their website, https://www.wolfspeed.com, “Wolfspeed is a powerhouse semiconductor company focused on Silicon Carbide and GaN technologies. We’re leading the transformation from silicon to Silicon Carbide (SiC) and GaN as we shape the future of semiconductor markets: the transition to electric vehicles, the move to faster 5G networks, the evolution of renewable energy and energy storage, and the advancement of industrial applications”.

Click here to learn about a series of spring virtual information sessions for students to learn more, starting in January.

ENGE 1984 Explore Engineering Majors is being offered for the spring semester. It is open to non-engineering students. If you are interested in adding a second major in engineering but not sure of which major, this could be a great course for you.