OUR Weekly: November 18

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Details on events and deadlines can be found in subsequent sections of this newsletter.

November 29, 2024 – Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship Application Deadline
December 3, 2024 – Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Graduate Student Summit
December 11, 2024 – The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at Michigan State University Virtual Open House
December 20, 2024 – Water Quality Lab Research Position Applications Deadline
February 10, 2025 – Undergraduate Research on Ice Nucleation International Summer Experience Applications Deadline
 

Opportunities for Starting Research

1. Open Research Positions in Water Quality Lab

The Carey Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting paid undergraduate research assistants for the Spring 2025 semester and throughout Summer 2025 (March-August). We are looking for a spring semester commitment of ~5-10 hours/week beginning in March and a summer commitment of ~30 hours/week from March to August. Students interested in working with the Carey Lab for multiple semesters beyond Summer 2025 are particularly encouraged to apply!

All applicants must be enrolled at Virginia Tech with junior standing or earlier. Both positions will start at $15/hour. Applicants may apply to both positions, but should email Katie and Maria separately with their applications (see contact info below).

Position 1 will entail water quality sampling of local drinking water reservoirs in Roanoke, VA and their inflow streams, preparing for field sampling, and assisting with chemical analyses of water quality samples in the laboratory. You will work closely with graduate student mentors and will gain experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists. There will also be opportunities to gain/develop skills in data management, coding (R programming language). Applicants should also be attentive to detail, excited about outdoor work experience, and able to lift 40 pounds. Please see attached flier and position description. 

Position 2 will be based in Blacksburg during the spring 2025 semester, and in Sunapee, NH from mid-June – late July/early August over the summer. All travel and lodging costs are covered as part of the position. The undergraduate researcher will assist with water quality sampling, field sampling preparation, data management, sample analysis, and science communication. They will work closely with a graduate student mentor, lab manager, and community members at a watershed association to gain field and lab experience as part of an interdisciplinary team. For more details, please see attached flier and position description.

For Position 1 Questions and Applications: Email Maria Popescu at mariapopescu100@vt.edu with the subject “CAREY UNDERGRAD POSITION”

For Position 2 Questions and Applications: Email Katie Hoffman at kkhoffman@vt.edu with the subject line “Carey Lab Sunapee summer research technician”

For both applications please include:

• A current CV or resume 
• A cover letter describing both your specific interest in the position and your relevant experience
• Contact information for 2 references

Applications for these positions are due via email by 11:59 p.m. EST December 20, 2024. 
 

2. Undergraduate Research on Ice Nucleation in Austria

This paid summer International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program is for undergraduates (current or recent graduates) interested in conducting research on ice nucleation in Austria. There are several important commercial applications for ice nucleation research, including the production of artificial snow, the freezing and preservation of water-containing food products, the freeze protection of infrastructure, and the potential modulation of weather.

Students will conduct pre-departure educational activities and peer mentoring in the Schmale Lab at Virginia Tech for about 2 weeks. Then, they will conduct about 7-weeks of field and laboratory research in the Grothe Lab at the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. Upon completion of the research in Austria, the students will return to Virginia Tech for post-trip activities, including presentation of data at Virginia Tech's annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Applications are due February 10, 2025.  For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the IRES webpage. 
 

Opportunities for Summer Research

1. Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) Summer Research Internship

For students interested in summer research at Virginia Tech, the MAOP Summer Research Internship has a variety of projects in areas of STEM, Social Sciences, Architecture, and Veterinary Sciences. Students selected for the internship will receive:

• $3,000 stipend
• On-Campus housing
• Meal Plan
• Graduate/Professional School Preparation
• Social Activities and Events

Applications open on December 1, 2024. To receive an email with more information when applications are available, please fill out the MAOP Summer Research Internship interest form.
 

2. University of Limerick Ireland Summer STEM Research Program

The University of Limerick Ireland (UL) Summer STEM Research Program is an 8-week program where you can embark on a project of your choice, closely guided by experienced mentors in state-of-the-art facilities. Enhance your skills and knowledge as you collaborate with UL researchers and even conduct your own pre-approved research project.

For more information on the projects and how to apply, visit the UL Summer Research Program webpage.
 

3. Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Experience at Michigan State University

Participants in this training program will be selected and trained in areas of reproductive biology and developmental sciences and participate in career development workshops to prepare them for graduate school. This is a 10-week training program to start on May 27, 2025. Travel, lodging and a monetary stipend will be provided to the selected students.

For more information on how to apply, visit the RDS Summer Training Website. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025.
 

4. Washington University ENDURE Neuroscience Summer Program

The Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) ENDURE summer research program prepares undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD programs. Accepted students are funded for up to two years. The program combines independent research, a rigorous academic and professional development curriculum, and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond. Benefits include a $7000 stipend per summer, travel to and from the program, housing, eligibility for academic year research stipend ($2000 per semester for up to two academic years) and funds to attend up to two scientific conferences annually. Applications are due by Feb. 3, 2025.

Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the ENDURE webpage.
 

5. The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at Michigan State University

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. Michigan State University, a Big Ten university, provides undergraduate students from across the United States or U.S. territory with eleven-week summer research collective to advance their future studies in STEM and Social Sciences disciplines. While the program provides many benefits, the main goal is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. For more information, please consider our virtual open MSU SROP Open House Sessions on November 6, 2024, and December 11, 2024, at 6:00 EST.

For more information on how to apply, visit the SROP webpage.
 

6. UCLA BIG Summer Program

Bruins-In-Genomics (B.I.G.) Summer Research Program is an 8-week full-time immersion program for undergraduates interested in learning how to read and analyze genes and genomes. Through this program students will have the opportunity to experience graduate-level coursework, and learn the latest cutting-edge research, tools and methods used by leading scientists to solve real-world problems.

Applications are due March 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.  For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the BIG Summer Program webpage.
 

7. Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship

The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship funds 12 exceptional student leaders for a transformative summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland, where they will draw inspiration from the legacies of two remarkable social justice leaders: Frederick Douglass and Daniel O'Connell.

We invite applications from 1st, 2nd or 3rd year students, with a GPA of 3.0 or above who are Pell Grant eligible. The application is online and due on November 29. There is an information session on Wednesday, November 13th at 12pm EST, registration for the event can be found on the Global Internship website.
 

8. University of Mississippi ARTSS Research Program

MU Alcohol Research Training Summer School & Internship (MU-ARTSS) is designed for undergraduate students interested in alcohol research and possible careers as alcohol researchers. Students participating in the program develop a research abstract and create a poster to present at the Summer MU Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum.

The internship is full-time with a stipend of $5,000 provided by the National Institutes of Health. In addition, the University of Missouri will be providing room and board at no cost to participants.

Applications are due at 6:00 a.m. CST on February 17, 2025.  More information and the full application can be found on the MU-ARTSS website. 
 

9. Plant Genomics at MSU Research Program

The Plant Genomics @ MSU REU Program is a 10-week research experience that provides participants with insight into scientific research, graduate school & STEM careers. Participants work on a research project with a faculty mentor. The program provides opportunities for training in computational biology & science communication. We host seminars, networking & social activities. $6500 stipend + campus housing + meals + travel support.

Program dates are May 18–July 26, 2025. Apply by February 7, 2025.

For more information visit the Plant Genomics at MSU webpage.  
 

Other Opportunities 

1. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Early Identification Program

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine is excited to announce that the 2025 Early Identification Program application is now open! The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a two-year summer preparatory program, which is designed to help strengthen a participant’s application to medical school.

The first summer of the program provides students with the opportunity to participate in hypothesis-driven research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. The second summer, students shadow clinicians throughout various departments and specialties at Carilion Clinic in the Roanoke Valley.

The program also includes the following:

• Free MCAT preparation and tutoring 
• Application counseling 
• Free room and board
• $3000 stipend each summer 

For more information as well as the requirements for admission, please visit the program’s website or email Katherine Murphy.  
 

2. VT Engage Alternative Breaks Service Opportunity

Interested in making a positive impact? We’re recruiting students for our Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 Alternative Breaks trip to Columbia South Carolina, James River State Park, and many other destinations!

Our Alternative Breaks program connects students with meaningful service opportunities that tackle important social issues (e.g., Environmental Conservation, Education, Poverty Justice, Social Justice & Advocacy, and Legal Aid). This winter and spring, we’ll be sending out five different trips to five different locations, each focusing on a unique project. 

We’re looking for participants who are passionate about service and willing to commit to a week of hands-on work, learning, and exploration. Join us in making a difference while connecting with new friends and communities.

More information and details on how to apply can be found on the VT Engage webpage. 
 

3. 2025 Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize Submissions Open

All undergraduate students at Virginia Tech are invited to submit an original poem to The Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize contest, established by the late President Emeritus Charles W. Steger and University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni, retired. The first-place prize is $1,500. The second-place prize is $800 and third-place is $500. The prize is administered by Professor Giovanni and judged by a committee of faculty from various disciplines at the university.

Submissions are due February 7, 2025, for more information on how to apply, email the selection committee.
 

4. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Graduate Student Summit

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) node is hosting a Graduate Student Symposium to be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Integrated Security Education and Research Center. The goal of this workshop is to provide a platform for sharing research objectives, approaches, and results. We look forward to learning more about the problem you are trying to solve, the progress you've made to date, the connection to security, and any results obtained.