Professional Development Series

Summer 2023 Undergraduate Research Professional Development Series

Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Steger Center Auditorium (unless otherwise noted)

Note: Where possible, sessions will be recorded and posted on our video repository on Canvas (login required).

5/31: VT Graduate School Welcome

Location: Graduate Life Center (GLC)
The Virginia Tech Graduate School invites you to learn more about its programs through a fun and interactive welcome reception. Attendees will receive a VT graduate school application fee waiver.

6/7: Being A Good Mentee

The mentor-mentee relationship plays an important role in cultivating a culture of ethical research and innovation. Students who feel supported by their mentors are often more comfortable asking questions and voicing their concerns, which in turn helps researchers to work through potential issues in a more proactive manner. Join Kory Trott, Director of Research Integrity, and Consultation, to explore ways to make the most of your relationship with your mentor.

6/14: Graduate School Panel

Location: GLC Auditorium
Faculty and admissions officers from several graduate and professional programs at VT including Vet Med and the Medical School, will share tips for making you a highly competitive candidate for admission. Graduate students will also share their insights and experiences in graduate school, from applying and selecting a faculty advisor, securing funding, and the day-to-day activities that define graduate work.

6/21: Funding for Graduate School

Join Kelsey Reed, a PhD candidate in Translational Plant Sciences, to learn about the process and best practices to submit a competitive application to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Fulbright Programs. Information and tips will be relevant for other funding applications.

6/28: Writing Your Personal Statement

In this workshop, Dr. Paul Heilker, Associate Professor & Dir. Rhetoric and Writing and Director of the Honors Laureate Program, will lead participants in the stepwise process of crafting an effective personal statement.

7/12: Abstracts and Presentations Workshop

Join Amanda MacDonald from University Libraries to get tips on creating and presenting an effective poster, in preparation for the Summer Undergraduate Research Conference. Bring your draft poster and receive direct one-on-one feedback.

7/19: Skill Identification and Resume Writing for Researchers

Join Suzanne Shelburne from VT's Career and Professional Development Center in this workshop to help you identify the key skills you are gaining as a researcher and how best to showcase those on your resume.

7/26: Optional Presentation Practice Session

The peer mentors will serve as your audience as you practice your presentation before the conference.

7/27: Summer Research Conference

The summer culminates with our annual research conference where researchers celebrate a successful summer and showcase their work in poster presentations. Registration and abstracts are due at 5:00 p.m., July 17. More information about the Summer Research Conference, including registration form, is available on the OUR website.