Virginia Tech, Graduate School National Capital Region

09/29/2016

NCR GSA Fall Kick Off Event

12/08/2015

WAGE POSITION AS NEWS ANALYST AVAILABLE - The Discovery Analytics Center of the VT Department of Computer Science in Arlington is looking to fill 3 wage positions for News Analysts. This is a 20-hrs/week, online, work from home position paying $20/hr. News Analysts will be responsible for reading news articles in Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish and extracting information from them. Analysts are trained on how to record the extracted information. Requirements: proficiency with at least one of these three languages; knowledge of and interest in world and regional politics; excellent written and spoken communication skills. Email application by EOD Dec 9 to [email protected] with a subject line: Application for News Analyst, including detailed CV; list of languages you know, along with your proficiency level; brief note (300 words max) on why are you interested in this opportunity. Complete info at http://dac.cs.vt.edu/job-opening/6-month-onlinework-from-home-wage-position-at-discovery-analytics-center-department-of-computer-science-vt/. Some restrictions may apply for employment of international students.

12/08/2015

BEYOND BOUNDARIES - National Capital Region Session; Virginia Tech is in the midst of an ambitious project to envision what the university will be like at our 175th "birthday" in 2047. More information on this process can be found on www.beyondboundaries.vt.edu As part of this visioning, we are hosting student-focused sessions. The next session will be held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 5:30 - 6:30 pm in Alexandria (1021 Prince Street, Oronoco Room, #313).

Join Provost Thanassis Rikakis at town hall meetings to discuss the input process related to the proposed Destination Areas. A forum will take place on Friday, December 4th from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in the GLC Multipurpose room and is open to the Virginia Tech community. The forum will be live streamed…

12/08/2015

GSA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT SUBMISSION OPEN THROUGH JAN 1 -
The 32nd Annual Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Research Symposium and Exposition will take place on Mar 23, 2016 in the Graduate Life Center. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract for this event between by Jan. 1, 2016 at 11:59pm (EST). Visit the Research Symposium website at http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduatestudentassembly/graduate-research-symposium/ for details and to submit an abstract. Please read all information and see resources available for tailoring your abstract to this event in order to communicate your research to a broad audience. Contact the Research Symposium and Exposition Chairs (Anthony Carno and Yesim Keskin) at [email protected] with any questions.

Graduate Research Symposium & Expo We are excited to announce that the 32nd annual Graduate Research Symposium and Expo will be held in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) at Virginia Tech on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016! Along with the theme of “Beyond Boundaries, Across Disciplines”, we would like to in…

12/08/2015

ACADEMY FOR GTA EXCELLENCE APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED - The Academy for GTA Excellence (https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/jwrgrad/academy-for-advanced-teaching-and-transforming-learning-aattl/) invites applications for Academy member, Associate, and Fellow in its Learning Community. The Academy provides opportunities for graduate students to receive advanced education and training in innovative teaching and learning strategies. It also provides a space to recognize excellence in teaching by graduate students. Membership is open to graduate students at all VT campuses. Applications are available at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3Vsd1V1nnizMkqp; and nominations or recommendation form at https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4PzjmrgAFGhBQUt; both are due Saturday, Jan 30. For questions about the Academy, contact VP and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw ([email protected]) or Nicole J. Johnson ([email protected]).

Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Excellence working document (8/15) The Virginia Tech Graduate School developed the Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant Excellence (Academy) in August 2014. The purpose of the Academy is two-fold: (1) to enhance the knowledge and skills in teaching th…

11/24/2015

NEW SPIA COURSE - offered by Dr. Mark Orr, Research Associate Professor with the Social and Decision Analytics Lab at Virginia Tech. This is a great opportunity to enrich your methodological skills and to advance your ability to analyze complex systems and processes for advancing public policy.
UAP 5984: Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling of Social and Political Process
Tuesdays, 6:45 - 9:15, VT SPIA, Alexandria campus
Overview: Agent-based simulation approaches are becoming recognized as a highly useful tool for understanding not only how social & economic processes operate but also how policy can benefit from the development of such tools. This course will provide the following: 1) the foundational and general theory behind the agent-based approach (from complex systems and dynamical systems); 2) a broad review of the use of agent-based modeling in both science and practice; and, 3) in-depth, hands-on training on how to build agent-based models of social and political processes using the Netlogo platform (Netlogo is an open source platform that was designed as an educational tool to introduce agent-based modeling to non-programmers; see https://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/ ). Participants will, by course end, be able to build simple agent-based models of social and political processes and to be critical consumers of existing models in the literature. The overarching goal is to provide participants with a have a deep appreciation of what it means to transform concepts and theory into dynamical algorithms.
Prerequisites: None. This is targeted for students without programming background; the course will provide all necessary background to build simple agent-based models.

NetLogo is a multi-agent programmable modeling environment. It is used by tens of thousands of students, teachers and researchers worldwide. It also powers HubNet participatory simulations. It is authored by Uri Wilensky and developed at the CCL. You can download it free of charge.

11/23/2015

SEMINARS

“VISION FOR THE NEW INOVA CENTER FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH”; presenter: Todd Stottlemyer, Inova CEO and rector, The College of William and Mary. Mon., Nov. 30, 2015; 4:00 - 6:30 p.m., VTRC-A.
Schedule:
4:00-4:30: Registration and networking
4:30-5:30: Lecture and Q&A
5:30-6:30: Reception
Please respond via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-st-lecture-todd-stottlemyer-tickets-19400215567
by the close of business on Mon., Nov. 23.

SIREN - Armond Mascelli, IFRC: "An International Approach to Preparing for the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Emergencies"; Department of Science and Technology in Society at Virginia Tech; Tues., Dec. 1, 2:00 PM to 1:30 PM; VTRC-A
Abstract: Since 1945, components of the International Red Cross Movement have responded to the humanitarian consequences of various nuclear and radiological emergencies. The growing global adoption and application of nuclear and radiological technologies, the impacts of past major nuclear emergencies, along with significant international political, social, economic and demographic trends, support a focused attention to the accompanying risks, along with the potential consequences of other technology related emergencies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has established a Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Program. Its objectives are to assist its 188 member national societies in preparing for the emergency nuclear risks they may face within their respective countries, and to collaboratively join other international organizations in nuclear emergency preparedness initiatives and response strategies. This is being conducted within a complex environment of diverse national government and legal structures; different emergency management approaches, organizations and priorities; multiple political, cultural settings; and a wide spectrum of residing knowledge and resources. In addition, attention is required for the inherent organizational challenges of effectively addressing low frequency/high consequence events, ensuring the ongoing acquisition, retention and provision of relevant knowledge, and the development and maintenance of relevant skills.
This lecture continues a successful new speaker series featuring leading international experts on nuclear emergency response. Part of an NSF CAREER grant and hosted by Virginia Tech’s Department of Science and Technology in Society, with generous support from the Office of the Vice President for the National Capital Region.
• Light refreshments will be served.
• Graduate students are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 to chat with Mr. Mascelli before his talk.
• A URL to the online version of the event will be sent to registered participants who would like to join remotely.
• To submit a question to the speaker, please e-mail it to [email protected].
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCTIFIC REPRODUCIBILITY IN EVIDENCE-BASED RULEMAKING – Wed., Dec. 2, VTRC-A. Presenter: Victoria Stodden, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Abstract: The talk will unpack the widely-discussed notion of reproducibility, see e.g. "How Science Goes Wrong," and present a framework for addressing the credibility crisis based on the traditional notion of the scholarly record and features of research investigations. Dr. Stodden will then use this framework to evaluate and propose criteria for transparency in the policy making context, and set other efforts such as the Open Access and Open Data movements within this context. Time permitting, she will give a recent policymaking example to illustrate the issues and potential steps forward.
WebEx meeting number: 640 600 002 or phone: 1-855-749-4750

2015 S&T Lecture: Todd Stottlemyer

11/18/2015

FREE FOR ALL!

13TH ANNUAL ARTFUL WEEKEND AT FORT C.F. SMITH PARK –
Reception: Fri., Nov. 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; meet 40 artists and enjoy light refreshments in the historic Hendry House; includes paintings of many genres, ceramics, sculpture, artists cards, unframed works and more.
Sat., Nov. 21, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 22, Noon – 4:00 p.m.
http://www.spingo.com/calendar/event/5026340-artful-weekend

MOSAIC DISTRICT –
Mosaic Central Farmers Market, Sundays until Dec. 20th, 9:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Olive Oil Tasting and Food Sampling at Ah love Oil & Vinegar, Sun, Nov. 22, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
http://mosaicdistrict.com/events/event/mosaic-central-farm-market/

GALLERY UNDERGROUND - During November, Gallery Underground features a new exhibit of members’ work in the Main Gallery, including sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media. The featured artist this month will be Patricia Andril (colored pencil works), as well as mini-shows during November for “Small Works” and a tribute to American Pop painter, Wayne Thiebaud. http://www.galleryunderground.org/

PARK MANAGER WALK AND TALK - Sat., Nov. 21; join the Park Manager at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria to learn about the wetland restoration project and go for a walk from 3 to 5 p.m. to look for plants and animals in the park’s 50-acre marsh. Meet in the visitor center. No reservations needed. This program is for adults. Free. For more information, call 703-768-2525. See more Huntley Meadows events here: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/

CONCERTS AT THE ALDEN – Mclean - the Premier Showcase for Great Chamber Music in Northern Virginia. This free classical music series, now in its 40th season, features professional musicians who have won international recognition for their artistry. The series also includes Young Soloists Recitals that showcase the talents of local school-age musicians.
Sunday, Nov. 22 - The concert will begin at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
Cosponsored by the Music Friends of the Fairfax County Public Library and The Alden.

It’s Almost Here! Annual Pre-Holiday Artful Weekend at Fort C.F. Smith ParkFt. C.F. Smith Park2411 24th St N, Arlington, VA 22207Reception: Friday, November 20, 6-8pmSaturday, November 21, 10am - 5pmSunday, November 22, 12noon-4pmArlington, VA – Join us for the 13th Annual "Artful Weekend" coming to…

11/18/2015

ATHLETICS

TABLE TENNIS –Community Café, first floor, Northern Virginia Center. Chang-Tien (CT) Lu, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, has organized weekly tournaments on Wednesday afternoons beginning at 3:00 p.m., all are welcome to participate.

TAI CHI – Dr. Lu also leads a Tai Chi group for everyone on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. on the campus of the Northern Virginia Center. Inclement weather: Tai Chi will be held outside room 100.

ZUMBA FITNESS WITH MIRLA! Every Thursday - free Zumba class will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 100 in the Northern Virginia Center.

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY: Gym night, Friday, 6:30 p.m. Please let GSA Athletic Chair Kaiqun Fu know if you plan to attend: [email protected]

11/18/2015

JOBS

Versatile PhD:

TUBERCULOSIS MODELING INTERN AT USAID Graduate students studying anything related to mathematical or dynamic modeling: you might qualify for this outstanding 6-month internship in the DC area. "The Intern will use existing TB models, and develop new models to better guide and prioritize USAID-supported TB interventions for priority countries, and to better determine the impact of TB interventions on morbidity and mortality.” DEADLINE NOVEMBER 18.

GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES MGR AT UCLA CAREER CENTER Build collaborative relationships with academic departments in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts in order to coordinate grad student access to quality career resources. Quote: “An understanding and passion for serving graduate students is a must!” No deadline specified but early bird gets worm.

FACULTY INSTRUCTIONAL CONSULTANT, U of KENTUCKY “Coach and advise faculty one-on-one, conduct workshops, and collaborate with a larger team in designing large-scale, college and university-wide initiatives that reimagine learning goals in light of digital technology. The successful applicant will assume a leadership role in envisioning how pedagogy can be enhanced by new technologies in traditional and technology enabled environments at the University of Kentucky.” Open to PhDs in ANY discipline. Deadline Dec. 2.

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITY - Student, teacher or graduate to link my two websites with Benchmark (a list builder company), Vimeo (a YouTube type service) and WebinarJam (a webinar software company). Essentially, I need someone with API/auto responder coding experience that can collect contact info from various forms on my websites, webinar, and video features, in a format recognized by my Benchmark service. I can set a three-way call with myself, the Benchmark representative and the programmer.
Please contact: Jay Quinn, [email protected], (703) 371-2174

HOKIE NATION NETWORK – Job listings

LINKEDIN – Virginia Tech’s Alumni Group; over 33,000 members in this group, with 124,000 Hokies on Linkedin

11/18/2015

HOKIE PASSPORT PERKS

BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL near the Northern Virginia Center offers a 10% discount to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students who show their Hokie Passport:
1116 W. Broad St
Falls Church, VA 22315
703 237 0020

GOLD’S GYM in the National Capital Region also offers 10% bi-weekly dues off to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students. Contact: Amanda Holmes, [email protected], 703-655-0291

11/18/2015

FELLOWSHIPS

WHITE HOUSE FELLOW APPLICATION CYCLE NOW OPEN - The 2016-2017 White House Fellows application cycle is open until Jan 12, 2016. This program seeks to recruit the most promising leaders in the US to gain first-hand high-level experience in the federal government and develop themselves as leaders. The fellowship year consists of a full-time work placement in the offices of Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, and other high-ranking administration officials. Fellows also participate in a robust education program that provides a behind-the-scenes look at leadership in government, non-profits, business, the media and more. Jeffrey Daniel Stern was appointed a White House Fellow during his doctoral studies at Virginia Tech in 2006. For more information, contact Betty Watts, coordinator, Global Initiatives, [email protected].

2017 SEA GRANT KNAUSS MARINE POLICY FELLOWSHIP - DEADLINE: 5:00 p.m., Feb. 12, 2016. Virginia Sea Grant is pleased to announce the availability of the 2017 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship for Virginia graduate students. Please share this email broadly with faculty and students that may have an interest in marine or environmental science, engineering, law, management, policy, planning or related disciplines.
The fellowship provides a unique educational experience in the policies and processes of the federal government to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting these resources. Fellows are placed in various executive and legislative branch offices throughout Washington, D.C. The fellowship period is one year beginning February 1, 2017. Any student, regardless of citizenship, who, on February 12, 2016, is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate or professional program in a relevant field at a Virginia institution is eligible to apply through Virginia Sea Grant.
A list of application materials can be found in the Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO), which is attached. Applicants must submit all materials to Virginia Sea Grant via email to [email protected]. Letters of recommendation must come to Virginia Sea Grant directly from the letter writer, and should also be emailed to [email protected]. All materials must follow the requirements in the FFO and must be received by the deadline to receive full consideration. For more information, and to learn more about Virginia Knauss fellows, please visit http://vaseagrant.vims.edu/category/knauss-fellowship/.
Students who are interested in applying are strongly encouraged to contact Susan Park ([email protected], 804-684-7436) to discuss application content and submission.

In addition, the following fellowship opportunities will soon be open to applications from Virginia graduate students:
NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship: http://vaseagrant.vims.edu/category/coastal-management-fellowship/ 2016 ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
NMFS-Sea Grant Population and Ecosystem Dynamics Ph.D. Fellowship: http://vaseagrant.vims.edu/category/pop-dy-fellowship/ 2016 ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
NMFS-Sea Grant Marine Resource Economics Ph.D. Fellowship: http://vaseagrant.vims.edu/category/marine-resource-economics-fellowship/ 2016 ANNOUNCMENT COMING SOON

Susan Park, Associate Director, Virginia Sea Grant, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
College of William and Mary
P.O. Box 1346 (regular mail)
1375 Greate Road (shipping)
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
Phone: 804-684-7436
Fax: 804-684-7269
http://vaseagrant.vims.edu