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OUR Weekly: October 9

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. Translational Plant Sciences Center Research Opportunities

There are several opportunities available for paid or academic credit research with the Translational Plant Sciences Center.

  • Bargmann Lab
    • Seeking undergraduate research assistants to work with wheat tissue culture
    • $15/hr, 10 hrs per week
    • Email bastiaan@vt.edu
  • Jelesko Lab
    • Seeking undergraduate research assistants to work with wheat tissue culture
    • 9-12 hrs for academic credit
    • $10/hr for extensive genomics experience
    • Email jelesko@vt.edu
  • Williams Lab
    • Microbiome diversity and soy bean/corn characterization of nitrogen fixing bacteria as well as microbial activity in plants and soils- soil organic matter
    • Internships and paid positions
    • Email markwill@vt.edu
  • McDowell Lab
    • Seeking an undergraduate research assistant to help the group understand how plants and pathogens fight each other at the molecular level, and to examine new approaches for disease control in crops
    • $15/hr, 5-10 hrs/week during Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, and 20-40 hrs/week during Summer 2024
    • Will provide training in molecular lab techniques in the context of plant and microbial biology, based on broadly applicable principles of host-pathogen interactions.
    • Email johnmcd@vt.edu
  • Join our community

2. 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.

3. 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 website.

Conferences and Journal Submissions

1. Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia

The Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa) is a consortium of Virginia colleges and universities dedicated to supporting undergraduate research and creative activity throughout the state.

The NURVa conference is an opportunity for undergraduates in all disciplines to present their research and creative work at the 4th annual statewide conference. The conference will be held on November 18, 2023, on the campus of Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, VA.

Conference registration, which includes lunch, will be free as the conference has been completely underwritten by a generous grant from the 4-VA Foundation.

NURVa invites submissions from undergraduates in all disciplines in the categories of oral presentation (12-minute), poster, or performance.

Submit abstracts (750 words maximum) with one letter of support from a faculty mentor endorsing the presentation of the project. Submission deadline for students and for faculty letters is midnight, October 15, 2023. No more than two submissions are permitted per student. See the NURVa Submission Form. Email Dr. David A. Salomon with any questions.

2. 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. WEGE Prize

The Wege Prize is an annual team-based student competition focused on the circular economy and regenerative design. Applications are now open through October 8.

Program highlights are as follows:

  • Open to all full-time college/university students around the world, at all degree levels.
  • Phase 1 (Application): Students independently form teams of 5 and apply with a basic research plan that identifies a wicked problem and proposes a circular design solution.
  • Phase 2: Accepted teams refine their ideas and submit a full project summary, which is then reviewed by a panel of core judges: seasoned professionals in the fields of biodesign and materials, the circular economy, sustainable business, and more. All submissions will receive valuable feedback on their project summaries, regardless if they move forward in the competition!
  • Phase 3: After receiving feedback from the judges, the pool is narrowed down to a set of semifinalist teams who will then continue to work on their project summary.
  • Phase 4: Selected finalist teams present their project/ideas to a live audience in May (travel is reimbursed up to $3k) and compete for a portion of a $65k cash prize pool. Award funds can be used at the individual team members' discretion.

Visit wegeprize.org to learn more or email wicked@wegeprize.org with questions!

2. BMEN Student Ambassadors

As part of the Black Male Excellence Network's (BMEN) vision to expose students to ongoing undergraduate research opportunities and build confidence in securing internships, co-ops, and study abroad opportunities, BMEN is seeking to hire student ambassadors who provide peer mentoring and coaching, guiding them through the BMEN Scholars program journey. Student ambassadors will be recruited by BMEN's coordinator and graduate assistant and later receive professional development training. Familiarity with various campus resources will be an added advantage. Thus, they are hiring only sophomore, junior, and senior students. If you are an enthusiastic student leader, work-study eligible, and love peer mentorship, submit your application form.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Volunteer with Conversations to Remember

Conversations to Remember is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated towards combating loneliness and isolation felt by senior citizens. Their virtual visit program matches 2-3 college students with residents of long-term care, assisted living, and memory care communities for virtual video visits. These residents have been suffering from isolation, and your students could really brighten their days just by speaking with them. They provide training to students in the program about the best ways to interact with the seniors, as well as additional support throughout their service. Since these visits are virtual, students can do it without any travel. We provide this program free of charge to seniors across the country, and have students from around the country as well.

Typically, students volunteer 1-2 hours per week. Each call lasts up to one hour, based on the senior's attention span and mood on each day. We expect students to volunteer for approximately 16 weeks, so that they can build a friendship with the senior. This does not need to coincide with the start of a semester, as we have new seniors starting all the time, and train new volunteers weekly. The students are matched based on the times that they're available, with a senior who is available at the same time, and they will have a regular, weekly appointment for their visit. Students wishing for more visits or other opportunities that allow them to volunteer more hours can be accommodated with different ways to volunteer, such as assisting us with our social media, call support, or outreach.

More information can be found on the Conversations to Remember website. Students can register to volunteer by filling out a volunteer interest form.

7. Cybersecurity Month

Are you doing undergraduate research related to cybersecurity? Would you like to featured in a student spotlight for cybersecurity month? Fill out this form or follow the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia on LinkedIn for more information.

8. Project Design Studio and Group Project Labs

Project Design Studio: The Project Design Studio is accepting proposals for individuals or teams who are interested in having a consistent, dedicated space to work on a long-term project. The studio is open to both academic and personal projects at any stage of development. Please visit the studio website for more information.

Group Project Lab: The Project Design Studio is offering our first Group Project Lab in our new location. This is a great opportunity for students to get support on setting goals, managing time, holding one another accountable, and all the other complexities of collaboration. The Project Design Studio (now in Newman Library suite 419) will be open 12:00- 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, and students can drop in whenever is convenient during that time.