February 2026 - Gradstudents - mailman.cs.vt.edu

Fw: Please share: Student Jobs - Evidence Synthesis Services Project Assistant (2 openings)
by Sirles, Andrea 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Evidence Synthesis Services is looking to hire two students part-time to help with projects. Pay is $15/hour, work is remote. See below for more information. Best, Andrea Sirles, Graduate Program Coordinator Virginia Tech | Computer Science Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Dr., Suite 1180 asirles(a)vt.edu<mailto:asirles@vt.edu> | (540) 231-8945 ________________________________ From: Johnson, Alicia <jalicia(a)vt.edu> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 12:19 PM To: COE Grad Coordinators <coe-grad-coordinators-g(a)vt.edu> Cc: McGlothlin Lester, Marlena <marlenal(a)vt.edu> Subject: Please share: Student Jobs - Evidence Synthesis Services Project Assistant (2 openings) Hello team, Sarah Over (our research librarian) shared these two opportunities for student work. If you know of any great students for this position in their Evidence Synthesis Services (systematic reviews and related projects), please encourage them to apply. There are two openings for remote, hourly positions (up to 15 hours/week), so students up in the DC region can apply as well. It is open to undergrads as well, so you are welcome to share with any students looking for work. Leila Ledbetter is the contact for the job and can be contacted with questions via leilaledbetter(a)vt.edu. Take care, Alicia Alicia L. Johnson, PhD Director of Graduate and Professional Studies Virginia Tech College of Engineering Director, Cardinal Education "Power of Six"<https://www.cardinaleducation.org/> 3009 Torgersen Hall-Dean’s Office 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 jalicia(a)vt.edu<mailto:jalicia@vt.edu> Begin forwarded message: Hello colleagues, Evidence Synthesis Services is looking to hire two students to help with some of the exciting projects we have brewing! Most of the role will be involved in project work and project support. * Projects can vary, but general focuses will be: * Assisting with data and project tracking, data management, and data cleaning. * Creating and updating service materials. This can include a variety of tasks including video editing, library guide creation and editing, and content/image creation and editing. * Performing specific tasks on evidence synthesis projects when assigned by supervisor (e.g. retrieving full-text). * Finding, organizing, and evaluating information and resources online. * Editing instructional slides. * Scheduling meetings. * Drafting and providing input to inform data collection approaches. * Assisting with data collection through surveys, searches, or interviews. For more information and to apply, this is the link<https://vt.joinhandshake.com/public/jobs/10787374?utm_source=web&utm_campai…> <https://vt.joinhandshake.com/public/jobs/10787374?utm_source=web&utm_campai…> to the job in Handshake. I am happy to answer any questions. Leila Ledbetter, MLIS, AHIP Evidence Synthesis Information Scientist Virginia Tech | University Libraries 560 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 leilaledbetter(a)vt.edu<mailto:leilaledbetter@vt.edu> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "COE Grad Coordinators" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to coe-grad-coordinators-g+unsubscribe(a)vt.edu<mailto:coe-grad-coordinators-g+unsubscribe@vt.edu>. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/coe-grad-coordinators-g/PH0PR05M…<https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/coe-grad-coordinators-g/PH0PR05M…>. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/optout.

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Amazon - VT Initiative: Call for Research Proposals and Ph.D. Fellowship Nominations!
by Zier, Debbie 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Hello, In 2022, Virginia Tech and Amazon announced their partnership to advance research and innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Amazon - Virginia Tech Initiative for Efficient and Robust Machine Learning<https://www.vt.edu/link/partners/amazon-partnership.html> includes machine learning-focused research projects, doctoral student fellowships, community outreach, and an establishment of a shared advisory board. The fourth set of awards for fellowships and research projects were announced in Fall 2025, you can learn more about the awardees (link to this page: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/11/amazon-virginia-tech-initiative-announ…) The Amazon-Virginia Tech Initiative for Efficient and Robust Machine Learning (ML) is soliciting proposals <https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/2026%20-%20Cal…> from Virginia Tech faculty in the College of Engineering for research projects with anticipated support beginning Fall Semester 2026 (FY 2027). The objective of this initiative is to advance research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML, specifically in the areas of efficient and robust machine learning. Virginia Tech faculty members are invited to submit proposals for research projects that work to revolutionize the way ML is developed, evaluated, and embedded in everyday contexts, devices, and applications. Please note that, as instructed in the Call for Research Projects<https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/2026%20-%20Cal…>, abstracts are due March 13, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the submission process, please review our FAQ<https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/Amazon%20-%20V…>. Additionally, the program invites nominations<https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/2026%20-%20Cal…> for doctoral student fellows with anticipated support beginning Fall Semester 2026. Fellowships will be awarded to Virginia Tech doctoral students that includes one academic year of funding, tuition, travel support to conferences, and an invitation to interview for an Amazon internship intended to provide students a greater understanding of industry and use-inspired research. Students selected for fellowships will be known as Amazon Fellows. The fellowship enables students during the academic year to pursue independent research projects in the areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence and the optional paid summer internship at Amazon will enable them to gain valuable industry insight and experience through direct engagement with Amazon researchers. Please note that, as instructed in the Call for Fellowship Nominations<https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/2026%20-%20Cal…>, nomination packets are due April 27, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the submission process, please review our FAQ<https://amazon.cs.vt.edu/content/dam/amazon_cs_vt_edu/year-5/Amazon%20-%20V…>. Thank you, Wanawsha Wanawsha Shalaby Manager of Operations Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics - Virginia Tech 3625 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305 E-Mail: wanah92(a)vt.edu<mailto:wanah92@vt.edu>

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FW: Hokie Wellness Event for all student (if you would like to share with your grad students)
by Kinder, Sharon 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

From: Johnson, Alicia <jalicia(a)vt.edu> Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 1:54 PM To: COE Grad Coordinators <coe-grad-coordinators-g(a)vt.edu> Subject: Hokie Wellness Event for all student (if you would like to share with your grad students) Hi team, I double checked that this was for all students. I have attached the flyer if you would like to share it with your students. Take care, Alicia Alicia L. Johnson, PhD Director of Graduate and Professional Studies Virginia Tech College of Engineering Director, Cardinal Education "Power of Six"<https://www.cardinaleducation.org/> 3009 Torgersen Hall-Dean's Office 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 jalicia(a)vt.edu<mailto:jalicia@vt.edu> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "COE Grad Coordinators" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to coe-grad-coordinators-g+unsubscribe(a)vt.edu<mailto:coe-grad-coordinators-g+unsubscribe@vt.edu>. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/coe-grad-coordinators-g/PH0PR05M…<https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/coe-grad-coordinators-g/PH0PR05M…>. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/optout.

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CS Faculty Candidate Seminars, February 23-27
by Zier, Debbie 20 Feb '26

20 Feb '26

Faculty Candidate Seminars, February 23-27 Monday, February 23, 9:30 - 10:30am, 1100 Torgersen Yuhan Liu, Tenure Track Candidate from the University of Chicago Seminar: Rethinking AI Systems Through Efficient Model Communication<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Yuhan_Liu.html> Monday, February 23: 1:30 - 2:30pm, 1100 Torgersen Anshul Shah, Collegiate Faculty Candidate from UC San Diego Seminar: Bridging the Gap: Aligning Computing Education with Modern Software Development<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Anshul_Shah.html> Tuesday, February 24: 9:30 - 10:30am, 1100 Torgersen Richard Li, Tenure Track Candidate from the University of Washington Seminar: Designing and Deploying Next-Generation Personal Health Technologies: Translating Digital Biomarkers into Actionable Insights Beyond the Clinic<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Richard_Li.html> Tuesday, February 24: 1:30 - 2:30pm, 1100 Torgersen Alex Hicks, Collegiate Faculty candidate from Virginia Tech Seminar: Understanding Student Help-Seeking in the Era of Generative AI<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Alexander_Hicks.html> Wednesday, February 25: Ruihan Wu - POSTPONED ________________________ Debbie Zier Administrative Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 3160E Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 541-231-1369

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Fw: Spring 2026 funding: Laura Bassi Scholarship
by Shaffer, Cliff 20 Feb '26

20 Feb '26

FYI. -- Dr. Cliff Shaffer Professor Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer<http://www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer> ________________________________ From: Charles Anderson <c.anderson(a)editing.press> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 7:52 PM To: Shaffer, Cliff <shaffer(a)vt.edu> Subject: Spring 2026 funding: Laura Bassi Scholarship You don't often get email from c.anderson(a)editing.press. Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> Dear Dr. Shaffer, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to provide the updated notice for the Spring 2026 round of funding for the Laura Bassi Scholarship. I would be very grateful if you could share it with your department's graduate students and junior academics (within the first five years of full-time employment) as before. We are also in the process of rolling out a subsidized non-AI editorial support programme for departments, so please do let me know if that might be of interest as well. Here is the Spring 2026 LBS notice: The Laura Bassi Scholarship was established in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed. The scholarships are open to every discipline and the next round of funding will be awarded in Spring 2026: Spring 2026 Application deadline: 8 March 2026 Results: 20 March 2026 All currently enrolled master’s and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply, as are academics in the first five years of full-time employment. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with their CV through the application portal by the relevant deadline. Further details, including previous winners, and the application portal can be found at: https://editing.press/bassi In case it might be helpful for your administrators, a PDF poster of this notice can be found here<https://editing.press/LBS_Winter2025.pdf>. All the best, Charles Anderson -- Director of Publications Editing Press www.editing.press If you have received this e-mail in error, please accept my apologies for the inconvenience. You may, if you wish, unsubscribe<https://trail.editing.press/api/unsubscribe/cam_yqL6sT5x4sJTK9HgP/c2hhZmZlc…>. Further, this e-mail is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal, and / or privileged information. Please contact me immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and please do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Editing Press LLC | 641 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 1, 19709

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Participant Recruitment for Eye-Tracking Study
by Narkar, Anish 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Sharing from Dr. David-John’s lab, they are recruiting for a user study: Greetings, everyone. The Private-Eye lab is looking for participants for a user study selection techniques in VR. To participate, you need to * Be 18 years or older * Have normal vision, or corrected vision using contact lenses * Have conversational proficiency in spoken and written English * Can perform basic arithmetic operations The study will take up to 75 minutes and participation is voluntary. If you want to participate, please complete the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9d9Gs3wf0vq04qWevpdI6udij0ehJmy3… and schedule the experiment using the link in the form If you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch with Anish Narkar(anishnarkar(a)vt.edu). The study is in person and will take place in Gilbert 3216. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. This study was approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #23-501). Best, ------------------------ Anish Narkar PrivateEye Lab Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech anishnarkar(a)vt.edu<mailto:anishnarkar@vt.edu> [cid:42e40b74-43e1-4368-a938-b91d423712e3]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/1ba10f530bad48178c6e1dce04762e28…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/1ba10f530bad48178c6e1dce04762e28…>

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Scott McCrickard competes in Faculty Nutshell Talks, Thurs, March 5
by Zier, Debbie 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Virginia Tech's Center for Communicating Science presents our very own, Scott McCrickard at The Faculty Nutshell Talks, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Center for the Arts at VT Come see faculty compete for prizes by explaining their research in just 90 seconds to a public audience and a panel of judges, including two 7th graders! Please see the attached flyer for more information! This event is free and open to the public! ________________________ Debbie Zier Administrative Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 3160E Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 541-231-1369

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CS Faculty Candidate Seminars, February 16-20
by Zier, Debbie 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Two CS faculty candidate seminars next week. Both seminars will be 9:30 - 10:30am in 1100 Torgersen Monday, February 16: Sha Yi Seminar: Learning to Design Robots<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Sha_Yi.html> Tuesday, February 17: Shwetha Rajaram Seminar: Balancing User Experience and Privacy in Wearable AI Systems<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/Swetha_Rajaram.html> ________________________ Debbie Zier Administrative Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 3160E Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 541-231-1369

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CS Graduate Student Discord (Revived!)
by Madabushi, Sindhuja 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Hello everyone, We are reviving the CS Graduate Student Discord server because we have found it to be an effective way to communicate and stay connected as a graduate student community. This server is a space exclusively for CS graduate students to ask questions, share resources, and support one another. You can use it to discuss courses, research, quals, internships, or general grad-life questions. Feel free to ask questions openly, many others are likely wondering the same things. Join here: https://discord.gg/caMZP2wseW To keep discussions focused and relevant, this server is limited to CS graduate students. We hope this becomes a useful and low-pressure space to stay informed and connected. Best, — Sindhuja Madabushi, Secretary, Computer Science Graduate Council PhD Student in CS@VT (505) 457-7721 msindhuja(a)vt.edu<mailto:msindhuja@vt.edu> | Website<https://sindhujamadabushi.github.io/>

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Final Ph.D. Defense of Abdul Haddi Amjad
by Muhammad Ali Gulzar 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Dear CS Faculty and Students, I am pleased to invite you to Haddi Amjad's final Ph.D defense at 3pm (ET) on Friday, Feb 13. Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/7370786267 Title: Enhancing Web Privacy through JavaScript Code-Aware Program Analysis Abstract: Advertisers and tracking services (ATS) are pervasive on the modern web. To counter these practices, millions of users rely on privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), such as ad-blockers, which primarily depend on filter lists composed of regex-based rules to block network requests associated with data exfiltration. However, this approach has become increasingly ineffective in the face of an ongoing arms race. Currently, PETs struggle to handle mixed JavaScript (JS) scripts that combine tracking behavior with legitimate website functionality. These tools operate at the network level and can only block entire script requests rather than specific behaviors within a script. As a result, once a mixed script executes, any subsequent data exfiltration carried out through encrypted URL requests becomes invisible to network-based defenses, rendering existing PETs ineffective. Mixed JS scripts create a fundamental dilemma for PETs: aggressively blocking them risks breaking websites, while allowing them undermines user privacy. This thesis addresses this challenge by asking: How can code-aware program analysis be leveraged to design privacy-enhancing technologies that effectively mitigate tracking while preserving essential web functionality? This thesis makes three primary contributions. First, we focus on identification of mixed JS by introducing TrackerSift, a large-scale measurement framework that reveals mixed behavior in a substantial fraction of web JS scripts. Second, we validate that mixed JS scripts can be effectively handled through program analysis, demonstrating that functions inside mixed JS scripts can clearly separate tracking code from functional code. Finally, we address mitigation by presenting NoT.JS, a code-aware, ML–based system that accurately identifies tracking JS functions inside mixed JS scripts and refactors them to selectively remove tracking logic while maintaining legitimate functionality. Together, these contributions advance privacy-enhancing technologies by enabling principled mitigation of mixed JS scripts through code-aware program analysis. Best regards, Gulzar — Muhammad Ali Gulzar Assistant Professor Virginia Tech | Department of Computer Science 220 Gilbert Street, Room 4106 Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 231-0851 | gulzar(a)cs.vt.edu | https://people.cs.vt.edu/~gulzar

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