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OUR Weekly: October 30

2023

Hi Hokies,

In this week’s newsletter:

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Resources

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. 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. 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.

3. 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.

2. GYNECA

GYNECA, an open-access, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed publication that is supported by Columbia professors, is reaching out to share a new publication opportunity for undergraduate students. They are looking to not only fill the knowledge gap on the role that sex and gender differences play in health and disease, but also promote undergraduate student research in the discourse on healthcare.

They are currently accepting publications based on their originality, importance, and interdisciplinary interest from any field of research that is relevant to the journal’s aim and scope that includes but is not limited to reproductive health, mental health, global health, family planning, breast/ovarian cancer, prenatal health, menstrual health, medical sociology, or another type of science. Each paper published in the GYNECA undergoes a double-blind peer review process and a faculty review by the GYNECA Faculty Advisory Board. As a newer journal, they are interested in publishing research of a preliminary, introductory, and supplementary nature. This would not only be a great opportunity for students to get work published, but also ensures that data/results of larger projects would NOT be compromised by publishing with us.

All manuscript submissions are due by November 14, 2023 for full consideration in the Fall 2023 issue. Please note that additional opportunities for submissions in the future will be posted to the GYNECA website.

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. ACC Student Leadership Symposium

VT Engage is excited to announce this year's Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Student Leadership Symposium applications are now open. This unique experience is designed to develop a community of ACC undergraduate students who understand the relationship between global and local issues and work collaboratively to create innovative initiatives that advance students' capacity for global leadership. Student leaders will have the opportunity to learn through intensive engagement in educational sessions, keynote addresses, topical content exploration, simulations and experiential application. This is a coveted leadership experience as only five students are selected. 

When: February 16-18, 2024
Where: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: The conference travel, lodging, and meals during the conference are covered by the ACC Student Leadership Symposium.

The application deadline is November 5 at 11:59 p.m. Apply for the ACC Student Leadership Symposium
Interviews will take place February 21-25 via ZOOM. Please read the information carefully before completing the application. Only completed applications will be considered.

Questions & Accommodation Requests: If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, welcome! Please contact us during regular business hours by October 28, 2023 by emailing Natalie.

Important Information

  • If you are accepted on this delegation, your participation is required in 5-6 pre-symposium meetings.
  • Your participation is also required in a reflection meeting post-symposium.
  • You will be asked to share your experiences at the symposium with campus stakeholders upon return to Virginia Tech.
  • You may be asked to assist with the application review process for next year's Virginia Tech delegation.