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OUR Weekly: February 12

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. Mentor Award Submissions Open

Do you have a wonderful research mentor? Nominate them for the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award! Current undergraduates may nominate one VT faculty or graduate student mentor. Nominations open on December 15, 2023 and are accepted through March 1, 2024. Information on how to nominate someone are available on the Mentor Award page of the OUR website.

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. 
  • Advanced Research Skills Program: ARS is a 6 workshop online series that introduces undergraduates to the concept of research and allows students a chance to practice high-level research skills. The program starts on January 23 and is worth points towards the university’s Undergraduate Research Excellence Program (UREP). Sign-up now!
  • Other 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. Summer Peer Mentor *Paid* Positions

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.

5. 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.

6. Experiential Learning Scholarship

Applications will soon open for the Jacklyn W. and William R. Jones, Jr. Experiential Learning Scholarship, which recognizes students who engage in experiential learning opportunities. Two scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually in either Fall or Spring semester, preference is given to the student. Any VT undergraduate student may apply who is participating in guided experiential learning opportunity at Virginia Tech including, but not limited to: study abroad, unpaid internships with nonprofits or NGOs, undergraduate research opportunities, etc. Preference will be given to students whose experience combines more than one mode of experiential learning, such as research abroad. Applications open December 15, 2023 and are due March 31, 2024. More information is available on the Jones Scholarship page of the OUR website.

Virginia Tech Research Opportunities 

1. Fralin SURF Program

The Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates the opportunity to engage in full-time (~40 hrs/week) research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training.

The goal is to offer students experiences that will help them determine if they want to pursue a career in research while they develop skills for graduate school. The program includes weekly research and professional development seminars, periodic social events, and a final symposium during which students will present their research.

15 students will be selected to participate in this training program during summer 2024 and will receive a $5,350 stipend. Applications are now open; the deadline to apply is February 26, 2024. See more information and the application.

2. Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Program (CUBE)

CUBE is an 8-week training program designed to provide undergraduates who are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to engage in a collaborative data science experience in the health field. This paid summer program will provide training and mentorship from data scientists at either VT’s Health and Technology Campus in Roanoke or at UVA in Charlottesville. In addition to the stipend, students receive professional development, housing, and free social outings. Find CUBE applications which are due March 1, 2024.

3. Water Quality Research Positions

The Carey Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting two paid research assistants for Spring and Summer 2024 (March–August) with the potential to continue through the Fall 2024 semester. These positions will entail aiding with water quality sampling of drinking water reservoirs and their inflow streams, preparing for field sampling, data management, and assisting with chemical analyses of water quality samples in the laboratory. Assistants will work closely with a graduate student mentor and lab manager and will gain field and lab experience as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists. All applicants must be enrolled at Virginia Tech through Spring 2024. Students should also be attentive to detail, excited to work outside, and able to lift 20 pounds. We are looking for a spring semester commitment of ~5 hours/week and a summer commitment of ~30 hours/week from May to August, with time off for breaks. Students interested in working with the Carey Lab for multiple semesters beyond Summer 2024 and members of historically- excluded groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The position will start at $15/hour. To apply, email Dexter Howard with your current CV or resume, a brief statement (~1 paragraph) describing your specific interest in the position and relevant experience, and contact information for 2 references.

4. Summer Data Sciences REU

This paid summer REU program is for undergraduates (current or recent graduates) interested in solving problems with data at the interface of biology and engineering. Students will collect data and learn to make decisions from these data. Research projects will use sensor-based assets and/or computational-based assets at Virginia Tech. Students will learn to communicate effectively with fellow students, policymakers, and the public. Students will be fully integrated into participating research groups and will experience hands on research, group meetings, and close collaboration with other members of related research groups. Projects include:

  • Using an Automated Pipeline to Count Centrosomes (Cimini Lab)
  • Emission, Transport, and Deposition of Atmospheric Microplastics (Foroutan Lab)
  • Automated Turfgrass Pest Mapping using Aerial Image Analysis (McCall Lab)
  • Data-Driven Methods for Science and Engineering (Ross Lab)
  • Data Sciences in Vienna, Austria: Transport of Biological Particles in the Atmosphere (Schmale Lab)
  • Autonomous systems for specialy crops load, canopy, and disease estimations (Seyyedhasani Lab)
  • Comparative Biomechanics of Animals (Socha Lab)
  • Detection of Waterborne Contaminants (Vikesland Lab)

Application and more information can be found at the REU program website. The deadline to apply is March 21, 2024.

Conferences and Journal Submissions

1. Black Doctoral Network Western Regional Conference

The Black Doctoral Network (BDN) welcomes current undergraduate students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate in our Research Poster Session at the BDN Western Regional Conference themed: Applying Research and Transforming Communities which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Los Angeles, California at Loyola Marymount University.

If you have a research project or thesis you would like to present as a poster at a professional conference, this is a good opportunity for you to showcase your academic work and receive feedback from scholars in a friendly and engaging environment. Undergraduate students are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition. Submissions are due March 1, 2024. More information and the submission portal can be found at the BDN website.

2. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Student Researcher Showcase

The CCI Student Showcase event will take place March 22, 2024, at the Integrated Security Education and Research Center in the Corps Leadership and Military Science Building on the Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus. Work in progress is welcome, and final results are not necessary. For more information check out the CCI sign-up page. Registration is due by March 4, 2024.

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. Summer 2024 REU with Maryland Sea Grant

The Maryland Sea Grant is offering a summer research experience on the Chesapeake Bay for undergraduates interested in estuarine science. During the 12-week program, each student works with a mentor on an individual research project. Students can develop research skills and interests by working with top science mentors studying America’s largest estuary. Research areas include: Benthic environment, Climate change, Contaminants, Environmental chemistry, Estuarine processes, Fisheries, Modeling and analysis, Molecular biology and genetics, and Physical oceanography. The REU pays a $7200 stipend as well as providing housing and travel expenses. Find out more and apply at the Maryland Sea Grant REU webpage; applications are due February 13, 2024.

3. Missouri University Ellis Fischel SURF

As part of the University of Missouri’s NextGen Precision Health Initiative, join the MU Ellis Fischel Cancer Center (EFCC) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. An immersive 9-week research experience for undergraduates interested in a career in the cancer field. Scholars select a faculty mentor conducting world-class research from 34+ internationally recognized departments across the University of Missouri System.

Students in this program will carry out a cancer research project under the guidance of EFCC faculty mentors and participate in seminars and other activities that will enrich their understanding of new technologies that are revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. SURF students will participate in a fully loaded and exciting series of events including professional development seminars, professional headshots, networking receptions, immersive experiences, and have an optional clinical shadowing opportunity.

Program dates are May 29–July 26, 2024. Students will receive a stipend, housing, meals, and travel to Columbia, Missouri. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. (central time) February 18, 2024. See more information and application.

4. 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.

5. Water Quality Engineering Research at GMU

Paid research opportunities for undergraduates are available for spring, summer and fall in the lab of Professor Kirin Furst. The Furst Water Systems Chemistry Lab conducts research across multiple domains of water quality engineering, with the primary goal of achieving equitable access to safe drinking water. The Furst Lab is located at the scenic Potomac Science Center, an interdisciplinary hub for environmental research. Positions are available for three projects; note each has a particular contact person. Email ugr@vt.edu for the full flyer.

  • Pollution from septic systems in NOVA drinking watersheds: The goal of this project is to identify septic systems that are threatened by flooding and evaluate contamination to nearby streams. Primary responsibilities for this position involve mapping and data analysis in ArcGIS, developing methodologies for novel GIS datasets to answer research questions, writing reports, and presenting results. You will participate in regular meetings, including with project partners at USGS. There will be opportunities to assist with field work. Hybrid work arrangements may be possible. Email Meghana Kuppa to learn more.
  • Resilient drinking water disinfection for extreme heat disasters: The goal of this project is to evaluate alternative drinking water disinfection processes to determine if they can be more robust to high temperatures than conventional chlorine disinfection. Primary responsibilities for this position involve assisting with laboratory work, including conducting experiments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. You will participate in regular meetings, including with project partners at Georgia Tech. Preferred candidates will have an interest in laboratory work, one year of college General Chemistry or comparable, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, commitment to safety protocols, and ability work collaboratively. Email Kadmiel Adusei to learn more.
  • Stormwater biofilter performance for stream baseflows under drought conditions: The goal of this project is to test the performance of woodchip bioreactors for treating contaminated streams. Primary responsibilities for this position involve assisting with laboratory work, including maintenance of woodchip bioreactors, conducting experiments, water quality data collection, analysis and interpretation of results. Preferred candidates have interest in laboratory work, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, commitment to safety protocols, and ability work collaboratively. Email Allan Rowley to learn more.

6. 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.

7. UNC-Chapel Hill Computer Science REU

In collaboration with Intel, the Computer Science department at UNC is hosting a research experience for undergraduates in the areas of hardware and system security. The program runs from June 3–July 26, 2024. Participants receive housing, support for travel to Chapel Hill, and a stipend. The deadline to apply is February 25, 2024. For more information and to apply visit the UNC CS website.