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OUR Weekly: August 26

2024

1. OUR Overview

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is a university-level service unit that promotes, enhances, and expands undergraduate research opportunities for all students at Virginia Tech. Research is broadly conceived to include discovery-based and creative activities. We are in 2100 Gilbert Place and can be reached via email at UGR@vt.edu; 540-231-7534.

2. OUR Services

The OUR website has many resources to support you at any stage in your undergraduate research journey including:

3. OUR Ambassador Office Hours

The OUR Ambassadors will be holding drop-in office hours every Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at 2107 Gilbert Place, and on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Space Rabbit Café (below Newman Library). Office hours will start on the second week of classes. Stop by and ask how to get started with research!  

Virginia Tech Research Opportunities 

1. Registering for Undergraduate Research Credit

If you are planning to complete undergraduate research for credit you must submit college-specific digital forms to your College Dean’s Office, typically within the first week of classes each semester. This form must be signed and approved by your research mentor (faculty member). Every college has their own procedure and deadline so check your college website for more information. Links to individual college pages are available on the OUR Research Credit webpage.

2. Theatre STEM Program

The goal of this new program is to help STEM students become effective and engaging communicators. In this pilot program, 10 students will be selected to participate during the 2024-25 academic year. Students accepted into the program will:

  • Complete TA 2024 (Introduction to Acting) or TA 2404 (Introduction to Applied Collaborative Techniques) in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025
  • Complete specially designed Theatre STEM workshop(s) in late Spring 2025
  • Register for and present research as a poster at the Spring 2025 Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship conference

Deadline for Application is January 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

More information about the program and how to apply can be found on the OUR Theatre STEM Program webpage.

3. HNFE Study Seeking Participants

Students are invited to participate in a research study focused on sustainable diets.

Participants will be asked to share their views about what motivates their dietary choices and graphic food-based dietary guidelines. To participate, individuals must be 18-25 years old, studying at Virginia Tech and living in Blacksburg, VA. The focus groups will take place in two-parts (2 hours each) and will take place on Virginia Tech’s campus. Lunch or dinner will be provided.

If you’re interested in participating, please email nleary@vt.edu with the subject line “Study on Sustainable Diets”. 

4. HUME Center Undergraduate Research Open House

The Fall 2024 Hume Center Undergraduate Research Open House is open to all Virginia Tech students. It will begin with the general session portion of the event followed by pizza and networking to allow students and faculty to discuss projects in more detail.

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Location: Moss Arts Center
Form: Registration is required

Conferences and Journal Submissions

1. Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Undergraduate Scholarship

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Undergraduate Scholarship (MARCUS) is a presentation venue for undergraduate scholarship in all disciplines.

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Location: Randolf College, Lynchburg Virginia
Deadline: Presentation Submission is Friday, October 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Website: Randolph College MARCUS

2. Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium

GCURS provides undergraduate researchers the opportunity to present original research discoveries to scholars from around the world. Participants give 12-15 minute individual presentations which include a question-and-answer period. Following the presentations, faculty mentors provide coaching to each student. Past participants have shared that GCURS helps to foster interdisciplinary, intercollegiate fellowship.

Date: November 9-10, 2024
Location: Rice University, Huston Texas
Deadline: Presentation Submission is September 29, 2024
Website: Rice University Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium

3. Network for Undergraduate Research Conference

The Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) is a consortium of Virginia colleges and universities dedicated to supporting undergraduate research and creative activity throughout the state. The NURVa conference is an opportunity for undergraduates in all disciplines to present their research and creative work at a statewide conference.

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Location: Virginia State University, Petersburg Virginia
Deadline: Presentation Submission is October 1, 2024
Form: NURVa Conference Submission