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OUR Weekly: April 22

2024

Hi Hokies,

In this week’s newsletter:

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Resources

1. General Resources

The OUR website has many resources to support you at any stage in your undergraduate research journey. Some pages of particular relevance:

2. Become an Ambassador for OUR!

Do you love your undergraduate research? Do you like talking about your research and helping fellow students? The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is accepting applications for its Ambassador program to start in Fall 2024. This program helps to build student leadership skills and resumes, while providing crucial service to the OUR. The OUR ambassadors help with disseminating information about undergraduate research and the OUR and facilitating key services offered by the office. Candidates can have undergraduate research experience in any discipline and must be reliable, organized, and exhibit excellent communication skills. OUR Ambassadors are required to host office hours for up to two hours per week, conduct two information session or per semester, and help at two OUR events per semester, in addition to the annual Spring Undergraduate Research symposium. Weekly commitment varies, but should average under 2 hours/week over the entire semester. Ambassadors get leadership experience, opportunities to network across campus, and a cord to wear at graduation! Applications can be found on the OUR page.

3. Library Liaison Undergraduate Research Resources

Amanda McDonald is the librarian for the Office of Undergraduate Research. There are many ways that she can support you, as well as some upcoming opportunities you may be interested in.  

  • Research consultations: Amanda can meet virtually with you individually or in small groups to provide a one-on-one consultation about your research (where to search, search terms) or about citation managers. Students and faculty can email me directly to schedule an appointment. 
  • Finding full text: VT Libraries has an abundance of resources available electronically; for more information on accessing full text, check out the School of Education Research Resources page. If we don’t have something, such as a journal article or book, you can request it for free via Interlibrary Loan.
  • Library workshops: The library offers many other free workshops and events throughout the semester, including many virtual options. To see a full list, visit the library's calendar page.

Virginia Tech Research Opportunities 

1. Bridge Undergraduate Research Student Grant Program

This brand new program is to increase access to Bridge undergraduate research experiences. Grants up to $3,000 each to will fund student research activities to be conducted for 6-15 weeks from now through June 30, 2024. Students may use funds to support mentored research they are already engaged in or to begin a new project. Awards may be used for student wages ($15/hr), supplies, and/or travel for research activities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 1, 2024, or until funds run out. The application and more information can be found on the OUR page.

Other Opportunities

1. Pathways to Science Summer Research Programs and Scholarships in STEM

Programs and professional development resources for undergraduates, including research experiences, scholarships, and travel, are available in a searchable database at the Pathways to Science website. There are currently over 65 scholarships and fellowships posted! Many have fall deadlines, so check them out soon.

2. Project Design Studio

The Project Design Studio supports students working on long-term projects by offering space, resources, and advising. There are currently three spaces available in the studio; curricular and independent projects are welcome. To learn more or submit a proposal, see the Project Design Studio page.

3. Cyber as Service Call for Proposals

CCI seeks proposals for Cyber as a Service projects to enhance students’ skills to enter the cybersecurity workforce on graduation and benefit the local economy. Projects, performed primarily by students, should provide a cyber service to Virginia small businesses or not-for-profits in the same county as the institution of higher education. More information on the program, application requirements, and proposal submissions can be found on the Cyber Initiative website.

4. Building Better Bioscience Workshop

This event is hosted with the Federation of American Scientists to help undergraduates gain insight into new institutional models and career paths in bioscience. This workshop would interest undergraduates enthusiastic about biotechnology, life sciences, and emerging technologies. We will explore topics such as accelerating biological innovation, biotechnology and climate action, and funding and structuring research programs. Our selected speakers include Seemay Chou, Dan Goodwin, and Jessica Alfoldi. By attending this event, participants will be able to gain insights into career paths in bioscience, while engaging with biotechnology professionals. The event will be on April 25, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. EST on Zoom; to register visit the Building Better Bioscience Workshop webpage.