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OUR Weekly: March 18

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.

5. 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 Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship program is 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 are required to conduct 12 hours of research per week with a Virginia Tech faculty member during the fall and spring semesters of one academic year. 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 is available on the FURF page. Applications are due March 29, 2024.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

4. Quantitative Biology May Course

The VT Department of Biological Sciences is excited to offer a course from May 13–24, 2024, on Quantitative Biology: Measuring and Modeling Biological Systems. Topics include cell cycling, circadian regulation, bioinformatics, image processing, computational modeling, and more. This is a great opportunity to interact with VT faculty to establish connections for future research and explore different topics in a hands-on setting! More information can be found on the Biological Sciences course page.

5. Cardiovascular Research at the University of Houston

The University of Houston is announcing two summer research opportunities for 2024:

  • UH-HEART (University of Houston’s Houston Experience for Advancing Research & Training) focuses primarily on basic cardiovascular research. The program is for any rising juniors, seniors, and immediate college graduates. Students will get a $6,000 stipend along with funds to travel to a research conference! More information is on the HEART website.
  • UH-CURE (University of Houston Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience) focuses on a broad range of cardiovascular research. This program is open to any student who is currently a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one year of undergraduate studies. Students will get a $6,000 stipend, funds to travel to a research conference, housing for on-campus stay for the duration of the program, and financial assistance to travel to the program if coming from outside of Houston! More information is on the CURE website.

Both programs are for aspiring undergraduates to participate in a full-time, 10-week cardiovascular research experience for this upcoming summer! The deadline for both programs is Sunday, March 31.

6. Internship with Impact Event

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 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at CrossPointe Center: Bridge Sanctuary in Christiansburg. Registration is required.

7. UNC Education Program Intelligence and Connectomics Summer Camp

UNC EPIC is a 5-day intensive designed to provide you with hands-on experience and mentorship in the analysis of connectome data, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Participants will be introduced to advanced techniques in brain processing, analyzing, and visualizing structural and functional connectome data, all within the context of addressing real-world challenges in neuroscience and substance use. This program is ideal for undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs eager to advance their expertise in neuroscience data analysis. Students from underrepresented minority groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply! Financial and accommodation support are available. Assistance is available to cover part of the costing of participation for those demonstrating financial need or outstanding merit. Indicate your interest in your application. Program dates are May 20–24, 2024, and applications are due April 1, 2024. Find out more and apply at the UNC EPIC website.