Virginia Tech® home

OUR Weekly: October 23

2023

Hi Hokies,

In this week’s newsletter:

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Resources

1. 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:

2. Drop-in hours with OUR Ambassadors

The OUR Ambassadors will be holding drop-in office hours every Monday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in 220 Gilbert Street room 2101. Stop by and ask your research questions!

3. Undergraduate Research Opportunity Databases

4. Registering for Undergraduate Research Credits

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 page.

5. Undergraduate Research Excellence Program (UREP)

The Undergraduate Research Excellence Program is designed to recognize students for their engagement in undergraduate research. It is open to any student, any major, and any academic year. You will track your journey through undergraduate research, from training and engaging to disseminating and reflecting. You will receive recognition at graduation with a specialty designed cord, and are eligible to receive awards at the Spring Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research Conference hosted annually by Virginia Tech.

6. Apply to become an OUR Ambassador

Are you passionate about undergraduate research? Do you want to share that passion and help other students get involved in research? The OUR is accepting applications to the OUR Student Ambassador Program. Students from any discipline are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, applicants must have prior research experience in any field. OUR Ambassadors are the face of the office and help advise and guide students interested in research. They interact with students through office hours, conduct information sessions, and help with outreach events. We are currently looking for Ambassadors from agriculture, natural resources, humanities, business, and arts/design! Apply to be an OUR Ambassador!

Virginia Tech Research Opportunities 

1. VT Exchange: Technical University of Munich Practical Research Experience Program

Spend the summer of 2024 in Munich, Germany doing research with 40 others from around the world. The program is English taught and offers up to 60 different research projects.

Students can find the VT application and attached materials at the applicant search page. “VT Exchange: TUM PREP (Practical Research Experience Program)” is the search title.

The program runs from July 1-August 29, 2024.  Note, this does run through the first week of Fall 2024 semester so students should be prepared to speak to instructors about this issue by May 1, 2024 in order to gain approval to be late for the Fall term.

VT students should first apply by the November 1, 2023 deadline in the search platform. Then they will do a short interview and one student is nominated who will then do the TUM-PREP application including a ranking of their project preferences by November 22, 2023.  Students will also need to provide a letter of reference as part of the TUM-PREP application materials.

2. The Dr. Wayne Scales Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Symposium and Award

In honor of Dr. Wayne Scales, a renowned researcher in the field of engineering and science at Virginia Tech, the Black Male Excellence Network (BMEN) has established an award for outstanding and innovative undergraduate research in his name.

Black male students conducting research or participating in creative scholarship in any field are eligible to apply. Individuals who have completed undergraduate research or independent study projects and are ready to present their work to general audiences are strongly encouraged to apply. Participants will be provided with professional development and communication training leading up to presentations in front of peers, faculty, and stakeholders at the annual BMEN Uplifting Black Men Conference scheduled February 23-24. The symposium will occur Friday, February 23, followed by the conference Saturday, February 24.

Presentations will be judged by a group of Virginia Tech faculty and awards will be presented based on the quality and content of the presentation. Up to 9 students will be selected by a committee comprising faculty, administrators, and graduate students. Upon completing the presentation, students will receive a plaque, a small monetary award, and acknowledgement during the conference and on the BMEN website.

Applications and reference letters must be submitted by 11:59 PM, October 15, 2023.

Participants will be notified of their selection to participate by November 3. For more information and to apply, please visit the Uplifting Black Men Conference page.

3. 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.

4. First Year Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The First-Year Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship (First-Year FURF) Program provides first-year students—who are new to research—with authentic research experiences in their chosen discipline, under the direct mentorship of a faculty member. The aim of this program is to provide early access to undergraduate research, particularly to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity, such as those who identify as first generation or low income. The program is open to all students and areas of research.

Up to 10 undergraduate students will be matched with a faculty mentor, and during their second semester at VT, they will engage in research activities for approximately 5 hours per week. The major objective is gaining important research experience and building a professional connection with the faculty member.

First-year freshmen and first-year transfer students in any discipline. Students can view a list of available projects and find the application link on the First Year FURF website. Applications are due October 30!

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..

Other Opportunities

1. SPES 3954: Environment, Health, and Culture Trip to Ecuador

Spend over two weeks in the diverse regions of Ecuador, exploring the interactions of our environment and our health, and how we are shaped by our culture, community, society, and government. You will explore and learn about 3 ecosystems, comparative medical systems, service projects, agroforestry, medicinal plants, and South American culture. This is a 3-credit winter course; most departments count this in CLE Area 2/7 (check with your advisor). Trip dates are December 27, 2023–January 12, 2024.

Excursions:

  • Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage City
  • Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Center Isolated ecosystems and a "living museum and showcase of evolution"
  • Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Amazon Rainforest
  • Hacienda Verde, Andean dry forest, traditional medicine
  • Otavalo, traditional medicine and artisan market

Tentative program fee is $4,500 which includes most meals, all lodging, and all in-country travel. The program fee does not include airfare or tuition.

Email Dr. Matt Eick or Renee Eaton for information.

2. Biosafety and Biosecurity Month Events

  • Lab Activities Challenge: Work with your lab group to complete as many activities as possible that are listed on the BINGO activity card. Submit the card for a chance to win the annual traveling Biosafety and Biosecurity Month Lab Challenge Trophy!
  • Biosafety and Biosecurity Month Event Day: October 25, 2023, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in Steger Hall lobby and auditorium
    • Spill response escape room 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
    • Activities and games
    • Raffle prizes and free gifts

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Psychology Undergraduate Student Research or Presentation Awards

The CUR Psychology Division is again offering a limited number of awards for student research or for travel to conferences for students to present their research. Each award will be limited to not more than $400. The application deadline is November 1, 2023. For more information see the CUR Psychology website.

6. 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.