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OUR Weekly: April 8

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.

4. Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research Conference

Applications for the 2024 Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship will open on December 15, 2023. This conference is a day-long event held at the end of each Spring semester that showcases the wide variety of research and creative scholarship taking place across Virginia Tech. The conference is April 26, 2024 in Squires. The deadline to submit is April 8, 2024. Students may also apply to be considered for several conference awards. For more information visit the Dennis Dean page on the OUR website.

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.

2. Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program Global Change Scholars

The Global Change Scholars program is a collaboration between the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) and the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech. The program provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from the U.S. who demonstrate a commitment to academics, research, and community stewardship. Undergraduate Scholars conduct research with Global Change Center faculty. Awards range from $750–$1500 and the deadline to apply for the 2024-25 academic year is April 15, 2024. More information and application details can be found on the GCC website.

3. Become a F.I.R.E. Starter

The F.I.R.E. (Forging Interest in Research and Engagement) Starters is an undergraduate research program to increase access to and training for research opportunities for underrepresented minority undergraduate students. Students will participate in cohort learning that introduces you to transdisciplinary research methods and prepares them to pursue further research opportunities in the future. Students will each receive a stipend of $3,200 for full participation in the program ($1,600 in Fall semester, $1,600 in Spring semester). The selected students will undertake an independent research project the following summer with support from a research mentor, in which further work may be supported by up to $3,200 of additional funding. The application and more information can be found on the F.I.R.E. Starters webpage. Applications are due April 15.

4. Research Positions in the Vlaisavljevich Lab

The Vlaisavljevich Lab is looking for undergraduate students who are interested in the development of ultrasound transducer arrays and power electronics for therapeutic ultrasound systems. These systems will be developed for use in environments ranging from benchtop laboratory set-ups to pre-clinical trials for treating cancerous tumors and other diseases. Candidates should be comfortable approaching challenging problems and working independently or in small interdisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in or completed coursework providing skills in analog or mixed-signal circuit design, ECAD and PCB design, Verilog/VHDL programming, Solidworks/Autodesk Inventor, and MATLAB. Most importantly, we seek highly motivated students with an eagerness to learn; even if you believe you do not meet all the technical requirements but are still interested, you are encouraged to apply! To apply, please email your resume and cover letter describing your research interests to Adam Maxwell, Alexia Stettinius, and Sarah Hall by April 16, 2024.

Conferences and Journal Submissions

1. Hume Center Colloquium

The 11th annual Hume Center Colloquium, sponsored through our Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) grant, will be full of exciting student and faculty presentations related to ongoing research and experiential learning programs from across multiple departments and colleges at Virginia Tech. The theme of this year's colloquium will be "The Role of the Intelligence Community in a Turbulent 2025-2075", and will showcase our students' continued endeavors to become the next generation of national security leaders. The event is on April 11, 2024, from 11:00 a.m–7:00 p.m. in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Register and find more information on the Hume Center event 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.