Month: July 2011

1. GSA MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC: THE TREE OF LIFE
Monday, Aug 1, 6:50pm, Lyric Theatre
Join GSA members and other grad students for a movie at the historic Lyric Theater (downtown on College Ave). Meet in front of the Lyric at 6:50pm to watch "The Tree of Life" starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Tickets are $6.00 per person and Mondays are free popcorn night! Questions? Contact Amanda Shea.

2. GLC CAFÉ PILOT
Thursday, Aug 4, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
As an experiment, we will turn the Graduate School lobby into a living room of sorts and provide free afternoon coffee and tea. Faculty special guests/hosts will be Drs. Robert Stephens and Heather Gumbert from History, who are also principals in the newly opening Honors Residential College. Join us for some coffee or tea (caffeine-free options will be available), maybe even espresso, and kick back for an hour with your fellow grads. Please let us know if you are planning to join us or if you have any comments or suggestions by completing this short survey.

3. MORE ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Graduate School is still looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 8-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). 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 at gibsonm@vt.edu, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

4. STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!
The 2011-2012 VT student health insurance plan provided by Aetna Student Health is now available for enrollment online at http://www.aetnastudenthealth.com. Graduate students (GA’s, GTA’s and GRA’s) eligible for the health insurance subsidy should choose a “subsidy plan” and should show a $0 balance when completing the enrollment process.  If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Student Medical Insurance Office at smi@vt.edu or call 540-231-6303. Aetna Student Health will be the new student health insurance carrier for the 2011-2012 academic year. Learn more about the insurance plans and rates at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/index.html.

5. GLC WAGE POSITIONS SOON TO BE OPEN FOR FALL 2011 – 3rd posting
Applications are accepted for Fall 2011 GLC wage positions. The position ads are posted on the VT Jobs site  as Student Centers & Activities “VT Graduate Student” Pool for Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate.  For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the SCA/GLC Employment Page. If interested, please apply online by the deadline.  

6. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDY – 1st posting
Do you like to drive in nice, clear weather? What about in thick fog, or heavy rain? Don’t you wish you just had a way to see through all that weather? VT researchers are testing a system for doing just this, and you could be one of the lucky people to experience it! Your task, should you choose to accept it, will be to test-drive a simulated "car of the future"! If you’re interested in participating, please contact Dan Tilden. Participants must have a driver’s license.

7. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 2nd posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating muscle endurance for muscles of the arm, shoulder, and low back. The study consists of 1 session lasting approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: age 18-25, no recent history of musculoskeletal or metabolic disorders, and not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training. If interested, please complete this brief survey.

8. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL CALLS FOR PAPERS AND ARTICLE REVIEWERS
Public Knowledge Journal seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 3, Issue 2 on Academic Research. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech. For more information and to view the Call for Papers, visit pkjournal.org. Public Knowledge Journal is also looking for graduate students and/or faculty members to serve as article reviewers. If you are interested, please contact our editor-in-chief, Sarah Surak. This is a great way for graduate students to learn more about the publication process!

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Tuesday, Aug 9, 3:00-5:00pm, GLC Student Lounge
Get out of your sweltering lab or office and cool off with some free ice cream provided by the Graduate Student Assembly! Ice cream in bowls or cones and all of the toppings will be provided. Questions? Contact Amanda Shea.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN BLACKSBURG
Thursday, Aug 18, 4:30-6:00pm, GLC Multipurpose Room
New and returning students are welcome to connect with faculty, staff, and community resources that can help you succeed in graduate school and maintain a healthy life balance. Food and door prizes provided. Please sign up here if you plan to attend. Contact Dannette Beane with any questions.

1. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 1-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). 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 during last week of July for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

2. GSA SUMMER 2011 WATER ACTIVITY SURVEY
Saturday, Jul 30
GSA is planning a water activity (canoeing/kayaking) for this Saturday, Jul 30, in Pembroke, and would like to survey your interest in this. They will work out all the logistics, but there will be a reasonable fee for the day-long trip. Advance payment might be required, depending on arrangements with the outfitters. Please indicate your interest by completing this survey. For questions contact Shree Narayanan.

3. POSITION OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT – 2nd posting
The Family and Community Research Lab in the Department of Human Development is seeking to hire a professional for 10-15 hours/wk starting Aug 2011 with a computer science, business administration, or information technology background, who has a strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, and practices.  Server-client computing and relational database environments, including SQL Server experience, is preferred. Must be proficient in Visual Basic (VB) programming, MS Excel (esp. macros and formulas), basic HTML, and in design and implementation of online surveys (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Preferred qualifications include proficiency in SQL and familiarity with LaTeX. Please email inquiries and resumes to Glenn Hollingsworth.

4. GLC WAGE POSITIONS SOON TO BE OPEN FOR FALL 2011 – 2nd posting
Applications will soon be accepted for Fall 2011 GLC wage positions. The position ads will be posted within the week for the following position names: UUSA Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate.  For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the UUSA/GLC Employment Page. If interested, please be on the look-out on the jobs.vt.edu site very soon.

5. PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR RESEARCH PROJECT – 1st posting
Participants are needed for a study investigating muscle endurance for muscles of the arm, shoulder, and low back. The study consists of 1 session lasting approximately 2 hours. Participants will be compensated $15/hour. Requirements: age 18-25, no recent history of musculoskeletal or metabolic disorders, and not involved in any regular aerobic or resistance training. If interested, please complete a brief survey.

6. CHILDCARE SURVEY: NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN! – 1st posting
The GSA Childcare Committee is issuing its final attempt to collect important data regarding the attitudes, opinions, and demographics of graduate and undergraduate students with and without children about the need (or not) for child-care services, support, education, etc on the Virginia Tech campus. Even if you do not have children or do not plan to have children in the future, your answers to this survey (in the relevant areas) will impact the future of our graduate and undergraduate student communities. Please take this confidential IRB-approved survey here. The survey will be closed by Sunday, Jul 31 at midnight. Questions? Please contact co-chairs, Shaimaa Abdallah and Michelle McLeese.

7. NEW HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER AND RATES ANNOUNCED
Aetna Student Health will be the new student health insurance carrier for the 2011-2012 academic year. The Office of Risk Management has posted on its website the 2011-12 student insurance rates. Qualifying graduate assistants will receive a 90% subsidy that is based on single student at $50,000 rate, which is $1979. Learn more about the insurance plans and rates>>.

8. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL CALLS FOR PAPERS AND ARTICLE REVIEWERS
Public Knowledge Journal seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 3, Issue 2 on Academic Research. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech. For more information and to view the Call for Papers, visit pkjournal.org. Public Knowledge Journal is also looking for graduate students and/or faculty members to serve as article reviewers. If you are interested, please contact our editor-in-chief, Sarah Surak. This is a great way for graduate students to learn more about the publication process!

9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

GSA MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LYRIC
Monday, Aug 1, 6:50pm, Lyric Theatre
Join GSA members and other grad students for a movie at the historic Lyric Theater (downtown on College Ave). Meet in front of the Lyric at 6:50pm to watch "Tree of Life" starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. Tickets are $6.00 per person and Mondays are free popcorn night! Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

GLC CAFÉ PILOT
Thursday, Aug 4, 3:30-5:00pm, Graduate School Lobby
As an experiment, we will turn the Graduate School lobby into a living room of sorts and provide free afternoon coffee and tea. An interesting faculty member or two might serve as hosts. Join us for some coffee or tea, maybe even espresso, and kick back for an hour with your fellow grads. Please let us know if you are planning to join us or if you have any comments or suggestions.

1. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 1-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). 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 at gibsonm@vt.edu, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session during last week of July for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

 

2. STATS EVENING SHORT COURSE: GENERALIZED LINEAR MODELS

Tuesday & Wednesday, Jul 19 & 20, 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgerson Hall

LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) provides a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.

 

3. GSA SUMMER WINE SOCIAL

Thursday, Jul 21, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club

Grad students are invited to this summer favorite of GSA events. Tickets are $10 for regular admission, $5 for GSA delegates and cabinet members, and $2 for non-drinking guests. Don’t forget your ID! If you would like to volunteer to help with the event (free admission), let the GSA know by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1309915571823. Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

 

4. GSA SUMMER 2011 WATER ACTIVITY SURVEY

GSA is planning a water activity (canoeing/kayaking) for next weekend, Saturday, Jul 30, in Pembroke, and would like to survey your interest in this. They will work out all the logistics, but there will be a reasonable fee for the day-long trip. Advance payment might be required, depending on arrangements with the outfitters. Please indicate your interest by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1310480509272. For questions contact Shree Narayanan at snsnair@vt.edu.

 

5. POSITION OPEN FOR GRADUATE STUDENT – 1st posting

The Family and Community Research Lab in the Department of Human Development is seeking to hire a professional for 10-15 hours/wk starting Aug 2011 with a computer science, business administration, or information technology background, who has a strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, and practices.  Server-client computing and relational database environments, including SQL Server experience, is preferred. Must be proficient in Visual Basic (VB) programming, MS Excel (esp. macros and formulas), basic HTML, and in design and implementation of online surveys (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Preferred qualifications include proficiency in SQL and familiarity with LaTeX. Please email inquiries and resumes to Glenn Hollingsworth, wghworth@vt.edu.

 

6. GLC WAGE POSITIONS SOON TO BE OPEN FOR FALL 2011 – 1st posting

Applications will soon be accepted for Fall 2011 GLC wage positions. The position ads will be posted within the week for the following position names: UUSA Graduate Information Associate and Graduate Services Associate.  For more information about the GLC Graduate Services or Information Associates positions, please visit the UUSA/GLC Employment Page http://www.uusa.vt.edu/hr/opportunitiesbyarea.php#GraduateLifeCenter. If interested, please be on the look-out on the jobs.vt.edu site very soon.

 

7. NEW HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER AND RATES ANNOUNCED

Aetna Student Health will be the new student health insurance carrier for the 2011-2012 academic year. The Office of Risk Management has posted on its website the 2011-12 student insurance rates. Qualifying graduate assistants will receive a 90% subsidy that is based on single student at $50,000 rate, which is $1979. Learn more about the insurance plans and rates at http://www.co.vt.edu/Risk/index.html.

 

8. PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE JOURNAL CALLS FOR PAPERS AND ARTICLE REVIEWERS

Public Knowledge Journal seeks articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and multimedia submissions for Volume 3, Issue 2 on Academic Research. Public Knowledge is a multidisciplinary, graduate-student-run electronic journal hosted by the Center for Digital Discourse and Culture at Virginia Tech. For more information and to view the Call for Papers, visit pkjournal.org. Public Knowledge Journal is also looking for graduate students and/or faculty members to serve as article reviewers. If you are interested, please contact our editor-in-chief, Sarah Surak at editor@pkjournal.org <mailto:editor@pkjournal.org> . This is a great way for graduate students to learn more about the publication process!

 

9. MALE RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 3rd 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. Looking for individuals who will be able to participate over the Summer (i.e. now-August). If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

1. STATS SHORT COURSE: MIXED MODELS AND RANDOM EFFECTS

Monday, Jul 11, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium

Many response variables are handled poorly by regression models when the errors are assumed to be normally distributed. For example, modeling the state damaged/not damaged of cells after treated with a certain chemical; and modeling the number of insects caught by a certain kind of trap. These types of situations can often be modeled well by a large class of regression models called generalized linear models (GLM). Participants will go over some of the basic statistical concepts of GLM and how it is relates to regression using normal errors; as well as some data analysis examples of GLMs in popular software such as R and SAS (possibly JMP if time allows) and explain how to interpret some of the output from each software. If time allows, the Bayesian approach to GLM will also be discussed. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.

 

2. ORIENTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Graduate School is looking for graduate student volunteers (graduate ambassadors) to assist with international graduate student check-in (Aug 1-19), GTA training (Aug 15-16), the Welcome Center and New Graduate Student Orientation in the GLC (Aug 15-19). 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 at gibsonm@vt.edu, and include in your email your full name, department, contact information, and availability/preferred dates for participation. There will be a short training session during last week of July for those who can help with new international student check in, and another training session during the week of Aug 8-12 for welcome week events. Volunteers will receive a Graduate Ambassador t-shirt and refreshments during the training session(s).  

 

3. EVENING SHORT COURSES IN STATS THIS SUMMER

LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining summer 2011 Schedule:

— Jul 19 & 20: Generalized Linear Models; 5:00-7:00pm, 3060 Torgerson Hall.

 

4. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 0.5 GA POSITION NOW OPEN – 3rd posting

Consider applying for a GSA Executive Assistant Position for the 2011-2012 academic year. The GSA Executive Assistant works with members of the executive board and program chairs to ensure the success of GSA programs and events.  The office assistant position is a 10-hour assistantship for the full academic year. Details can be found on the GSA website: www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu. The deadline for applications (resume and cover letter) is Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Please direct all questions and applications to gsa@vt.edu.

 

5. MALE 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. Looking for individuals who will be able to participate over the Summer (i.e. now-August). If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

 

6. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY FACULTY NETWORK – 3rd posting

Are you interested in visiting regional schools, serving as a scientific resource for teachers or K-12 students, and/or hosting groups of students and/or teachers for short visits? VT faculty members, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral researchers are eligible to sign up to participate in the Kids’ Tech University (KTU) Faculty Network! Through this new feature to KTU, the KTU Faculty Network, the public can connect with Virginia Tech faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers: http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/. You can register on the site- http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/ see "KTU Faculty Log in" button on the left. Please note that you can choose which of the outreach options you would like to be associated with; you do not have to sign up to participate in all outreach options. This message is posted on behalf of Dr. Kristy Collins, Education and Outreach in the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute.

 

7. DOCTORAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES SURVEY – 3rd posting

Researchers at Texas A&M invite, with approval of our Graduate School, VT doctoral students to participate in a research study assessing doctoral students’ experiences in their graduate program. The survey asks questions about your attitudes, health well-being, and relationships in graduate school. The results of the survey will help researchers understand aspects of graduate students’ experiences that are going well and those that could be improved. Participation will consist of filling out an online survey that will take about 20-30 minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to enter into a voluntary prize drawing to win one of twenty $100 prizes. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. The results of the research may be published, but your name will not be used. Access the study here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P7X3MKC. If you have any questions concerning this research study, contact Kathi Miner at kminer@tamu.edu or at 979.845.2780.

 

8. UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

GSA SUMMER WINE SOCIAL

Thursday, Jul 21, 5:30-9:00pm, University Club

Grad students are invited to this summer favorite of GSA events. Tickets are $10 for regular admission, $5 for GSA delegates and cabinet members, and $2 for non-drinking guests. Don’t forget your ID! If you would like to volunteer to help with the event (free admission), let the GSA know by completing this survey: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1309915571823. Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

1. GSA TUBING ON THE NEW RIVER

Saturday, Jul 9, 11:00am – 4:00pm, *** meet in the GLC lobby at 11***

De-stress from your hectic week with a relaxing trip down the New River in an inner tube! Grad students will escape the heat with an outing to the New River for some food (lunch will be provided!) and floating.  Renting tubes is usually $9 per person, but depending on how large of a group there is, the GSA will get a 10-20% discount. Check out the tubing website at http://www.newriverjunction.com/Tubing.html. The GSA will reserve a large van for the trip and may need some additional drivers (you will be reimbursed for parking). Register at the following link to join your fellow graduate students in some summer fun: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1308679518306. Questions? Contact Amanda Shea at ashea04@vt.edu.

 

2. EVENING SHORT COURSES IN STATS THIS SUMMER

LISA (Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis) is providing a series of evening short courses to help graduate students use statistics in their research.  The focus of these two-hour courses is on teaching practical statistical techniques for analyzing or collecting data.  See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more. Remaining summer 2011 Schedule:

• Jul 11: Mixed Models and Random Effects*; 4:00-6:00pm
• Jul 19 & 20: Generalized Linear Models; 5:00-7:00pm

*Course to be held in Fralin Auditorium. Other courses will be in 3060 Torgerson Hall.

 

3. GSA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 0.5 GA POSITION NOW OPEN – 2nd posting

Consider applying for a GSA Executive Assistant Position for the 2011-2012 academic year. The GSA Executive Assistant works with members of the executive board and program chairs to ensure the success of GSA programs and events.  The office assistant position is a 10-hour assistantship for the full academic year. Details can be found on the GSA website: www.gsa.uusa.vt.edu. The deadline for applications (resume and cover letter) is Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Please direct all questions and applications to gsa@vt.edu.

 

4. MALE RESEARCH SUBJECTS SOUGHT – 1^st 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. Looking for individuals who will be able to participate over the Summer (i.e. now-August). If interested, contact vthnfe@gmail.com for more information.

 

5. GRAD STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR KIDS’ TECH UNIVERSITY FACULTY NETWORK – 2nd posting

Are you interested in visiting regional schools, serving as a scientific resource for teachers or K-12 students, and/or hosting groups of students and/or teachers for short visits? VT faculty members, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral researchers are eligible to sign up to participate in the Kids’ Tech University (KTU) Faculty Network! Through this new feature to KTU, the KTU Faculty Network, the public can connect with Virginia Tech faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers: http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/. You can register on the site- http://ktu-faculty.vbi.vt.edu/ see "KTU Faculty Log in" button on the left. Please note that you can choose which of the outreach options you would like to be associated with; you do not have to sign up to participate in all outreach options. This message is posted on behalf of Dr. Kristy Collins, Education and Outreach in the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute.

 

6. DOCTORAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES SURVEY – 2nd posting

Researchers at Texas A&M invite, with approval of our Graduate School, VT doctoral students to participate in a research study assessing doctoral students’ experiences in their graduate program. The survey asks questions about your attitudes, health well-being, and relationships in graduate school. The results of the survey will help researchers understand aspects of graduate students’ experiences that are going well and those that could be improved. Participation will consist of filling out an online survey that will take about 20-30 minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to enter into a voluntary prize drawing to win one of twenty $100 prizes. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. The results of the research may be published, but your name will not be used. Access the study here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P7X3MKC. If you have any questions concerning this research study, contact Kathi Miner at kminer@tamu.edu or at 979.845.2780.

 

7. UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

STATS SHORT COURSE: MIXED MODELS AND RANDOM EFFECTS

Monday, Jul 11, 4:00-6:00pm, Fralin Auditorium

Many response variables are handled poorly by regression models when the errors are assumed to be normally distributed. For example, modeling the state damaged/not damaged of cells after treated with a certain chemical; and modeling the number of insects caught by a certain kind of trap. These types of situations can often be modeled well by a large class of regression models called generalized linear models (GLM). Participants will go over some of the basic statistical concepts of GLM and how it is relates to regression using normal errors; as well as some data analysis examples of GLMs in popular software such as R and SAS (possibly JMP if time allows) and explain how to interpret some of the output from each software. If time allows, the Bayesian approach to GLM will also be discussed. See www.lisa.stat.vt.edu/?q=short_courses for instructions on how to register and to learn more.