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OUR Weekly: November 13

2023

Hi Hokies,

In this week’s newsletter:

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Resources

Pop-up Office Hours TODAY at 4:00 p.m. in Newman Library Café!

Check out the OUR website

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

Virginia Tech Research Opportunities 

1. Austin Michelle Cloyd Social Justice Scholarship

The Austin Michelle Cloyd Social Justice Scholarship recognizes the unique role that social justice leaders can play in shaping more equitable and just societies. Scholars are selected based on their commitment to social justice, demonstrated activism and leadership capabilities. Past Cloyd scholars have made strides in serving marginalized communities, expanded their awareness of social issues and strengthening their potential for compassionate leadership.

The Austin Michelle Cloyd Social Justice Scholarship provides financial assistance to exceptional undergraduate and graduate Virginia Tech students to offset the costs of social justice-focused leadership building activities that may not otherwise be accessible for students due to financial limitations. Social justice is interpreted broadly to reflect the spectrum of challenges facing underserved communities and marginalized populations. The range of acceptable activities for scholarship application include, but are not limited to, internships, study abroad programs, alternative breaks, co-ops, apprenticeships, fellowships, service-learning, and undergraduate research.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but students are encouraged to apply at least one month before the experience they intend to use funding for. More information can be found on the Cloyd Scholarship page.

Conferences and Journal Submissions

1. National Conference on Undergraduate Research

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2024 will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California from April 8-10, 2024. NCUR is now accepting submissions from students and faculty! Students are encouraged to apply to attend to present, make new connections, build their resumes, and more.

Student registration and accommodation to NCUR will be provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research, and a limited number of travel grants will also be available. To receive any funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research, students must list VT Office of Undergraduate Research (use the email address kswaby@vt.edu) as institutional representation on their NCUR application form. Note: VT can only support one student per presentation.

More conference information and abstract guidelines are available on the NCUR website. Submissions are accepted through December 8, 2023.

2. MARCUS Conference

Virginia Tech was well-represented by 16 undergraduate researchers earlier this month at the MARCUS Conference! Congratulations to all the presenters.

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. New Class: Ecology Research in Local Waterways

Are you interested in an authentic, collaborative research experience in the biological and environmental sciences? Consider taking a new offering in Biological Sciences, BIOL 2984 Special Study: Ecology Research in Local Waterways (CRN 21555). Learn about the health of local waterways through a semester-long group research project. Gain professional skills in water quality sampling, developing research questions, reading peer-reviewed articles, team science, working with environmental datasets, and science communication. Share the results of your research with freshwater scientists and local community members. The class meets MF 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m. and W from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and is for 2 credit hours. Email Dr. Erin Hotchkiss with questions or for more information.

3. INNOVATE Cyber Challenge

Apply now for the INNOVATE Cyber Challenge. This is a paid ($1000) experiential learning opportunity via Zoom (no in person meetings required!) for cybersecurity and IT field undergraduate majors. Apply by December 15, 2023.

4. Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields. Over its 30-year history, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to thousands of undergraduates, many of whom have gone on to win other prestigious awards like the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship, and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship that support our Scholars’ graduate school work. Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping defend the Nation, finding cures for catastrophic diseases and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship application is now open for Sophomores & Juniors in STEM engaged in research and planning to go on to graduate school. The award is for $7,500.

In order to gain access to the full application, a short pre-application is required. This should be done ASAP! Note: the pre-application asks you to identify 3 potential recommenders. At this stage these recommenders will not be contacted, and this is the rare exception to list people before asking them.

5. Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize

Submit a poem to the 2024 Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize and be a part of Virginia Tech history! Monetary prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, and the top 10 poets will read their poems publicly at the Nikki Giovanni Celebration of Poetry on April 10, 2024. See submission form and information.