Month: July 2010

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Walk-in counseling in the GLC has been suspended for the rest of the summer due to low interest. Please visit the Cook Counseling Center for assistance. Walk-in counseling in the GLC will resume in the fall.
• Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. SHORT COURSE IN STATISTICS: LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR MIXED EFFECTS MODELS  Tuesday, Jul 27, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Many times researchers take measurements on experimental units (i.e. subjects) at given time intervals. Most of the time subjects are set on different conditions (treatments) and the measurements (response) are expected to change due to the effect of these conditions. Two concepts are important when such experiments are run: longitudinal and repeated measurements. This short course presents some of the analysis techniques when either situation is present and highlights the differences between the two concepts. Taught by Ciro Velasco-Cruz.  LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this short course to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Register and learn more.  Refreshments will be provided.

3. GROOVE TO BOLLYWOOD MOVES
Tuesday, Jul 27, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
RAINDATE: Wednesday, July 28, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
Get your groove on with Bollywood Dance!  Burn a few calories in grace, style, and rhythm and spice up your personal dancing style by learning some classic Bollywood dance moves. Join this FREE dance session organized by GSA. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Register here. Questions? Contact Ranjana Mehta.

4. GSA SUMMER 2010 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Jul 30, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club
Join GSA and your fellow grad students at a favorite annual summer event—the GSA Summer Wine Social! Wine service will stop at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $10 and can be pre-purchased online or at the door. GSA Delegate and Cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

5. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 2-20), GTA training (Aug 16-17), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 16-20). Roles include: check in and registration assistance, information and guidance to attendees; Welcome Center staffing; orientation crowd control; program set up and more. If you are available and interested in assisting with any of these events, please contact Monika Gibson, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session this week for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 9-13 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

6. GRAD STUDENT LEADERS SOUGHT FOR LEADERSHIP TECH PROGRAM
The Department of Student Activities seeks 12 graduate student volunteers who want to improve their small group facilitation and mentoring skills through an undergraduate leadership development program.  Participants in the Leadership Tech: Engaging Leadership develop their potential for responsible citizenship and leadership through community service and a range of other experiential learning activities.  Facilitators will work in teams of two to guide a group of 10-15 junior and/or senior students organized around one of the following issues: Environmental Sustainability; Social Justice; Global Issues; Health and Wellness; Community Vitality. If interested, submit your resume and complete the application. An interview will be scheduled for those who meet the minimum qualifications. If you have any questions, please contact Allison Dunn, by email or phone at 540-231-8628.

7. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR DISTANCE DETECTION STUDY – 1ST POSTING
An ISE graduate student is seeking participants for a two-part experiment: In the first part, the participant’s hearing level and condition is checked in the Auditory Systems Lab in Whittemore, taking about 30 minutes. The second part of the experiment will be conducted in an open field at Bissett Park in Radford city (transportation available). In the second part, the participant will be instructed to estimate the distance at which a backup alarm signal will be detectable and it will take around 4 hours to complete this part. Participants will be compensated $8/h for their participation. If you are interested please contact Khaled Alali by email or phone at 540-257-3199.

8. GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PC VOLUNTEER – 2nd posting
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) seeks a returned Peace Corps volunteer to serve as a full-time Graduate Assistant (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Monthly stipend, tuition scholarship and insurance subsidy. The successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin Fall 2010 and run through Spring 2011. Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Mike Bertelsen, bertel@vt.edu, 540-231-9655.  Application reviews will begin on July 30, 2010 and continue until a qualified candidate is found.  For further information, see OIRED website.

9. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 2nd posting
Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

10. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS-SIGN UP NOW!
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
• Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. SHORT STAT COURSE: REGRESSION USING BAYESIAN STAT IN R
Wednesday, Jul 21, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Taught by Nels Johnson, this course addresses the use of an alternative paradigm called Bayesian statistics in which to perform statistical analyses. The presenter will explain some of the basic terminology of Bayesian statistics (prior distributions, posterior distributions, credible intervals, conjugacy, etc.), some software options to perform the analyses, and how interpretations of results change in this new paradigm. Participants will use the R software language to run some examples of multiple linear regression and probit regression using the bayesm package that will illustrate these concepts. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this short course to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Learn more or read registration instructions.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course.

3. WOOF, WOOF: GSA DOG HIKE!
Saturday, Jul 24, 9:00am, Gateway Trail- Jefferson National Forest
Get out for a morning hike in the Jefferson National Forest with Cinnamon and Lyle! It should be a fun play time for 4-legged friends and also a nice hike for people (with or without a dog). Detailed information, directions, and optional RSVP are located here. Questions: contact Brian Templeton.

4. GRAD ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURNED PC VOLUNTEER
The VT Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED) seeks a returned Peace Corps volunteer to serve as a full-time Graduate Assistant (20 hours/wk) Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Monthly stipend, tuition scholarship and insurance subsidy. The successful candidate will serve as the main university and SW Virginia point of contact for students and others interested in joining the Peace Corps.  Subject to the availability of funding, the position will begin Fall 2010 and run through Spring 2011. Interested persons should send a letter of application, a current resume, and names/addresses of three references to Mike Bertelsen, 540-231-9655.  Application reviews will begin on July 30, 2010 and continue until a qualified candidate is found.  For further information, see OIRED website.

5. GSA RE-OPENS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FOR 2010-11—APPLY NOW!
The Graduate Student Assembly is re-opening the 10 hour assistantship executive assistant position for the 2010-2011 academic year, effective immediately. A brief description of this position can be found on the GSA website. If you are interested, please send inquiries, your CV/resume, AND a cover letter to GSA President, Michelle McLeese by Friday, Jul 23, 2010 at 5pm.

6. ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROPEDOLOGY-3rd posting
Two research assistantships are available for students in ag, engineering, science and natural resources, beginning January 2011 or sooner: for projects supported by the NSF at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. The study focuses on feedbacks between hydrology, soil characteristics, and catchment biogeochemistry and is aimed at explaining the spatial and temporal variation in stream water chemistry at the headwater catchment scale. The project has an intensive field component that will require extensive travel. Students work with VT faculty, as well as with federal and other university scientists. Strong background in hydrology, forest soils, and/or geospatial analyses is highly desired; M.S. degree in hydrology, soil science, ecology or related field is required. The student may enroll in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation or in the interdisciplinary Geospatial and Environmental Analysis program in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. PhD assistantships will start at approximately $20,000 per year, plus tuition and health insurance subsidy. Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the departmental teaching program. If interested, contact Dr. Kevin McGuire, Research Assistant Professor of Forest Hydrology, 231-6017.

7. RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 1st posting
Research subjects are wanted for a study to determine whether daily consumption of corn oil/omega-3 fat will influence muscle soreness, damage and inflammation that occurs after weight training. Must consume supplement for 45 days, perform strenuous weight training bout, go through several weeks of weight training program developed by the researchers, and provide seven blood samples over 45 days. Eligibility: must be healthy males (non-smokers, no orthopedic limitations to exercise; no chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bleeding, or inflammatory diseases); 18-28; schedule compatible with testing and training. Benefits: development of personal weight training program by experienced professionals, financial compensation up to $175. If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

8. PAYROLL DEDUCTION OF COMP FEES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
Graduate students on assistantship appointment may pay their comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction during the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for this program, students must commit to paying the full-time comprehensive, technology and capital fees through payroll deduction. Enrollment is managed through Hokie SPA and students must sign up _each_ semester in which they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more.

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

SHORT COURSE IN STATISTICS: LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR MIXED EFFECTS MODELS 
Tuesday, Jul 27, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Many times researchers take measurements on experimental units (i.e. subjects) at given time intervals. Most of the time subjects are set on different conditions (treatments) and the measurements (response) are expected to change due to the effect of these conditions. Two concepts are important when such experiments are run: longitudinal and repeated measurements. This short course presents some of the analysis techniques when either situation is present and highlight the differences between the two concepts. Taught by Ciro Velasco-Cruz. LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides this short course to help graduate students use statistics in their research. Learn more or read registration instructions.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course.

GROOVE TO BOLLYWOOD MOVES
Tuesday, Jul 27, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
RAINDATE: Wednesday, July 28, 5:30-6:30pm, GLC Plaza
Get your groove on with Bollywood Dance!  Burn a few calories in grace, style, and rhythm and spice up your personal dancing style by learning some classic Bollywood dance moves. Join this FREE dance session organized by GSA. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please register by filling out this survey.  Questions? Contact Ranjana Mehta.

GSA SUMMER 2010 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Jul 30, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club
Join GSA and your fellow grad students at a favorite annual summer event—the GSA Summer Wine Social! Wine service will stop at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $10 and can be pre-purchased online or at the door. GSA Delegate and Cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
• Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. SHORT COURSE IN STATS:  T-test, ANOVA, and ANCOVA
Tuesday, Jul 13, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium
Taught by Jennifer Kensler, this course covers the one sample, two sample and matched-pairs t-tests, one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance).  These techniques will be demonstrated using JMP. JMP is available for free download to VT students. Participants may want to bring a laptop with JMP installed.

3. GSA POTLUCK AND POT PAINTING
Tuesday, Jul 13, 5:00-6:30pm, GLC Room B
Join GSA for a potluck dinner and artistic escape! Use your creativity to paint a terra cotta pot and relax with friends while enjoying a potluck dinner. Pots, paints and brushes will be provided, but feel free to bring your own paint to add to the rainbow of choices. All guests are asked to bring a covered dish to add to the collective dinner.  Be sure to wear clothes you can paint in!  Please register here. Questions: contact Amanda Cronin Rumore (VP of Programs).

4. SUMMER SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS – SCHEDULE
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Visit LISA’s website for instructions on how to register and to learn more.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 4-6PM. Remaining summer 2010 schedule:

• Wednesday, Jul 21: Regression Using Bayesian Statistics in R
  Taught by Nels Johnson, this course addresses the use of an alternative paradigm called Bayesian statistics in which to perform statistical analyses. The presenter will explain some of the basic terminology of Bayesian statistics (prior distributions, posterior distributions, credible intervals, conjugacy, etc.), some software options to perform the analyses, and how interpretations of results change in this new paradigm. Participants will use the R software language to run some examples of multiple linear regression and probit regression using the bayesm package that will illustrate these concepts.
•  Tuesday, Jul 27: Linear and Non-linear Mixed Effects Models

5. GSA RE-OPENS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FOR 2010-11—APPLY NOW!
The Graduate Student Assembly is re-opening the 10 hour assistantship executive assistant position for the 2010-2011 academic year, effective immediately. A brief description of this position can be found on the GSA website at www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu. If you are interested, please send inquiries, your CV/resume, AND a cover letter to GSA President, Michelle McLeese by Friday, Jul 23, 2010 at 5pm.

6. ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROPEDOLOGY-2nd posting
Two research assistantships are available for students in ag, engineering, science and natural resources, beginning January 2011 or sooner: for projects supported by the NSF at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. The study focuses on feedbacks between hydrology, soil characteristics, and catchment biogeochemistry and is aimed at explaining the spatial and temporal variation in stream water chemistry at the headwater catchment scale. The project has an intensive field component that will require extensive travel. Students work with VT faculty, as well as with federal and other university scientists. Strong background in hydrology, forest soils, and/or geospatial analyses is highly desired; M.S. degree in hydrology, soil science, ecology or related field is required. The student may enroll in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation or in the interdisciplinary Geospatial and Environmental Analysis program in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. PhD assistantships will start at approximately $20,000 per year, plus tuition and health insurance subsidy. Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the departmental teaching program. If interested, contact Dr. Kevin McGuire, Research Assistant Professor of Forest Hydrology, 231-6017.

7. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA SUMMER 2010 WINE SOCIAL
Friday, Jul 30, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club
Join GSA and your fellow grad students at a favorite annual summer event—the GSA Summer Wine Social! Wine service will stop at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $10 and can be pre-purchased online  or at the door. GSA Delegate and Cabinet members can get in for $5 at the door. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Amanda Cronin Rumore, VP of Programs.

1. WEEKLY SERVICES IN THE GLC

• Walk-in counseling: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1:00-5:00pm, Green Room (across from G)
• Writing support and career advising in the GLC will resume in the fall. For writing assistance in the summer, contact the Writing Center at 231-5436.

2. GSA GOES TUBING ON THE NEW RIVER
Saturday, Jul 10, 10:30am, meet in front of GLC
Join the GSA for a great day of fun and relaxation while tubing down the New River! Meet in front of the GLC (Otey St.) on Saturday car pool to the New River Junction. Spread the word and bring along your friends and family. Don’t forget your towel, sunscreen, and lunch. Parking costs $2 and tube rentals are $9 for a full day of tubing. Please register here to help organizers determine travel arrangements and arrange for a group discount (Note: a consent form and waiver will need to be signed before leaving the GLC). Learn more about tubing at the New River Junction here. Please send any questions to Jay Pembridge at jpembrid@vt.edu.

3. GSA SUNDAY FUN RUN!
Sunday, Jul 11, 6:30pm, meet outside the GLC doors facing downtown
Join GSA for a run on the Huckleberry Trail. All graduate students, family, and friends are invited. The run will be 1-4 miles based on your ability and water will be available at the 2 mile mark. Meet outside the GLC doors facing College Ave, rain or shine. If you plan on attending, please register here. Please direct any questions to Bobby Beaton at rbeaton@vt.edu.

4. ELIGIBILITY FOR IN-STATE CLASSIFICATION
Please review your student status for in-state or out-of-state classification. If you believe that you are eligible for in-state classification for tuition, please review our policies and submit the appropriate paperwork to the Graduate School as necessary. Contact 231-8636, gradappl@vt.edu with any questions.

5. ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROPEDOLOGY
Two research assistantships are available for students in ag, engineering, science and natural resources, beginning January 2011 or sooner: for projects supported by the NSF at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. The study focuses on feedbacks between hydrology, soil characteristics, and catchment biogeochemistry and is aimed at explaining the spatial and temporal variation in stream water chemistry at the headwater catchment scale. The project has an intensive field component that will require extensive travel. Students work with VT faculty, as well as with federal and other university scientists. Strong background in hydrology, forest soils, and/or geospatial analyses is highly desired; M.S. degree in hydrology, soil science, ecology or related field is required. The student may enroll in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation or in the interdisciplinary Geospatial and Environmental Analysis program in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. PhD assistantships will start at approximately $20,000 per year, plus tuition and health insurance subsidy. Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the departmental teaching program. If interested, contact Dr. Kevin McGuire, Research Assistant Professor of Forest Hydrology, 231-6017; kevin.mcguire@vt.edu.

6. PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR BIOMECHANICS STUDY – 3rd posting
Participants are sought for a study investigating the effects of flexion and lifting on the biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the human torso.  The study consists of five separate experimental sessions (each lasting approximately 1 hour) and participants will be compensated $10/hour.  To qualify you must be male, between the ages of 18-29, and regularly exercise at least 2-3 times per week.  For more information or to inquire about participation, please
contact Nima at neema@vt.edu.

7. iPHONE USERS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH STUDY – 3rd posting
Computer science grad student is looking for iPhone users to serve as research participants for a project called ‘InstaRide’ to understand the perceptions of trust in a mobile software application that integrates collaboration and social networks. InstaRide is a ridesharing application that would leverage social networks to embed trust. Your participation will help researchers gain insight into the design of their application and user interfaces. The study will consist of two parts, including a set of scenario-based tasks using the iPhone and a short questionnaire. The whole experiment will last for about 1 hour. This study has been approved by Virginia Tech IRB (approval number 10-352). Please contact Vineeta (vineetac@vt.edu). You must be 18 or older to participate.

8. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA POTLUCK AND POT PAINTING
Tuesday, Jul 13, 5:00-6:30pm, GLC Room B
Join GSA for a potluck dinner and artistic escape! Use your creativity to paint a terra cotta pot and relax with friends while enjoying a potluck dinner. Pots, paints and brushes will be provided, but feel free to bring your own paint to add to the rainbow of choices. All guests are asked to bring a covered dish to add to the collective dinner.  Be sure to wear clothes you can paint in!  Please RSVP here: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1277851505796. Questions: contact Amanda Cronin Rumore (VP of Programs) at ajcronin@vt.edu.

SUMMER SHORT COURSES IN STATISTICS
LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research. These two-hour courses teach practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  Review  instructions on how to register and to learn more.  Refreshments will be provided at the end of each short course! All courses will be held in Fralin Auditorium from 4-6PM.
Summer 2010 Schedule:

• Tuesday, Jul 13: T-test, ANOVA, and ANCOVA;
  Taught by Jennifer Kensler, this course covers the one sample, two sample and matched-pairs t-tests, one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance).  These techniques will be demonstrated using JMP. JMP is available for free download to VT students at http://www2.ita.vt.edu/software/student/products/sas/jmp/index.html. Participants may want to bring a laptop with JMP installed.
• Wednesday, Jul 21: Regression Using Bayesian Statistics in R;
• Tuesday, Jul 27: Linear and Non-linear Mixed Effects Models.