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TRAVEL CHANGE: The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
by Teresa Hall 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW! This is NOT something I can assist with. The United Kingdom is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to enhance border security and streamline entry process for travelers. The UK ETA is a digital travel authorization required for visitors from visa exempt countries who wish to enter the United Kingdom. It allows the UK government to screen travelers before they arrive and ensures a smoother entry process. *Required Individuals:* * Non- UK and Non-Irish Citizens: Travelers who are not UK or Irish citizens and do not already require a visa to enter the UK. * Citizens of Visa-Exempt countries: This includes nationals from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and EU member states. *Implementation Timeline:* * January 8, 2025: ETA requirement begins for non-European nationals, including those from the US and Australia. * April 2, 2025: ETA requirement extends to European visitors. *How to Apply:* * Online Application: Complete the application through the UK government's official platform or via the UK ETA app, available on the App Store or Google Play *Information Required:* * Valid passport (will need to upload or take photos) * Face of person applying (will need to take photo) * Personal details, including contact information * Access to your email *Processing Time: * * Typically, decisions are provided within 3 working days. * Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their trip. *Cost:* * Fee: £10 (GBP) per applicant (reimbursable in the trip expense report). * Payment Methods: credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay * Non-Refundable: The fee is not refundable after application submission. *Duration and Validity:* * Stay Duration: Allows stays of up to 6 months for tourism, business or family visits. * Validity: The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. *Entry Requirements with an ETA: * * An ETA is not a visa. Travelers must still meet standard entry requirements, such as showing proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and the purpose of their visit. *Exemptions:* * Irish Citizens: Do not require an ETA. * Existing UK Visas or Residence Permits: Individuals with valid UK visas or residence permits are exempt. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta -- *Teresa Hall** **Fiscal Technician* Virginia Tech| Department of Computer Science Torgersen Hall, 1180E (0106) 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-8454 | teresa(a)vt.edu <mailto:teresa@vt.edu> Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, &Thursday Telework:Tuesday &Friday __

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Invitation to participate in a research survey: The Imposter Phenomenon in CS
by Farghally, Mohammed 22 Jan '25

22 Jan '25

Dear CS grad students, The Imposter Phenomenon (IP), has been documented to be a common phenomenon in high-achieving individuals. IP has been particularly well studied in higher education, with students, staff, and faculty all identified as having high incidences of IP. Given the long-standing and yet ongoing issues with minority representation in computing, the IP is a particular issue, as it may be particularly prevalent in minority groups and exacerbate the problem of retaining minority individuals in the field. In collaboration with the university of Toronto, our aim in this project is to understand how CS graduate students experience the Imposter Phenomenon. We invite you to participate in the study by responding to the survey accessible from this link. https://rotman.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7OiS6NcqOP4VTVQ This study is IRB approved (IRB # 24-1117). If you have any question about the study, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you! -- _____________________________________ Mohammed F. Farghally, Ph.D. Collegiate Assistant Professor Virginia Tech | Department of Computer Science 1220B Torgersen Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061 mfseddik(a)vt.edu<mailto:mfseddik@vt.edu> | (540) 231 - 6044 http://people.cs.vt.edu/mfseddik [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xqud6nkWyvhmhp7aVBEgn5o8KH…]

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Fw: GPSS Announcements & Meeting Tomorrow
by Moussad, Bernard 22 Jan '25

22 Jan '25

Hi everyone, Welcome back to a new semester! The first GPSS meeting of the year will be tomorrow (January 23rd) at 5:00pm in the GLC MPR. Feel free to drop by or join over zoom to learn more about what's taking place within the Grad school. Also, there's a welcome back mixer on January 31 at 11:30am-1:30pm. Fill out the form below to RSVP! Sincerely, Bernard Moussad ________________________________ From: Murphy, Quiyana <qmurphy(a)vt.edu> Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 1:43 PM To: gpss-senator-g(a)vt.edu <gpss-senator-g(a)vt.edu> Subject: [GPSS Senators] GPSS Announcements & Meeting Tomorrow Dear Senators, I hope everyone is having a great start to the Spring semester. Please see GPSS related announcements below and share this email with your constituents. 1. Next GPSS Meeting: January 23rd (Tomorrow) from 5:30pm - 7:00pm hybrid in the GLC MPR and over zoom * Open forum runs from 5:00pm - 5:30pm. * Zoom Link<https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduGprj8oHdZKaxJ6rzXPYMSni…> * Sign-In Link<https://forms.office.com/r/HUrn9qZyP7> * Meeting Agenda (attached) 2. GPSS End-of-Semester Report: See our end-of-semester report for Fall 2024<https://gpss.vt.edu/governance/exec-council1.html> on our website. 3. GPSS Committees and Commissions Networking Reception Pre-Registration. Please fill out the form here<https://forms.office.com/r/dGj5WaP6iG> to receive your invitation: https://forms.office.com/r/dGj5WaP6iG 4. Spring Semester Welcome Back Mixer. January 31 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow grad students, as well as the VT Graduate School team and departmental administrators. Whether you're new to VT or have been here for a while, this event is a great chance to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about available resources. Free variety of pizzas available while supplies last! RSVP by 1/29 to receive the location details: https://forms.office.com/r/mMmtNCwQwj. Best, Quiyana M. Murphy PhD Candidate Department of Mathematics Email: qmurphy(a)vt.edu<mailto:qmurphy@vt.edu>

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Recruiting for a Research Study on Using Gestures for Learning
by Bruen, Jacqueline 22 Jan '25

22 Jan '25

Hi fellow CS grads! The Mind Music Machine Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking individuals to participate in a (fun!) study to determine how gestures can improve the acquisition of algorithmic interpretation skills. During this study, participants will: * Complete a demographic survey. * Learn an algorithmic language either with or without accompanying hand gestures over the course of three 30 minute sessions. * Take two tests in a fourth 30 minute session which assesses your acquisition of various algorithmic interpretation skills. * Take a short 10 minute semi-structured interview. You’re eligible for our study if you: * Are over 18 years old * Have normal hearing, vision (or correct-to-normal vision), and fine motor skills * Do not know how to crochet The study will take a total of approximately two hours over the course of four 30 minute sessions. Each participant will receive compensation of $10/hour. Total compensation for time and effort for the whole study will be $20 in cash, distributed to the participant at the end of the fourth session. You are free to discontinue participation at any point if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Interested individuals can reach out to Jacqueline Bruen at jacquelineb(a)vt.edu. The research protocol for this experiment has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB #24-942). Jacqueline Elise Bruen Ph.D. Student | Mind Music Machine Lab Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech "Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes, And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills, Brings forth a thousand joys or a thousand ills." -James Allen

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Thoughts on Finding and Switching Research Advisors
by Dr. Eli Tilevich 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

Dear CS Graduate Students, As we begin another semester, I wanted to share some thoughts on finding and switching research advisors. I've discussed these tips and tricks with numerous students during one-on-one meetings. I thought it might be helpful to compile them in written form, hoping that some of you will find them useful. Best regards, Dr. T. Eli Tilevich, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dept. Head for Graduate Studies Dept. of Computer Science Virginia Tech <https://people.cs.vt.edu/tilevich/> https://people.cs.vt.edu/tilevich/ Zoom: <https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/tilevich> https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/tilevich From: Julien, Christine via Gradstudents <gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu> Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 9:48 AM To: gradstudents(a)cs.vt.edu Subject: [Gradstudents] Welcome back! Dear CS Graduate Students - Welcome back to campus! I hope this email finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready to embark on another rewarding semester. As we begin the spring term, I want to take a moment to express how thrilled I am to welcome you back to the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. For those who are returning, thank you for your continued dedication to your studies and our department. To our new students joining us this semester, we are delighted to have you as part of our vibrant Hokie community. Your curiosity, innovation, and enthusiasm fuel the success and growth of our department. This semester promises many opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. From groundbreaking research projects to collaborative learning experiences, I encourage you to seize every chance to challenge yourself, connect with peers and faculty, and engage with our dynamic field. A few reminders as we start the term: * Advising and Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your advisors or professors for guidance. We are here to support your journey and help you achieve your goals. If you need support beyond your direct advisor, please connect with Sara Coulson, Eli Tilevich, or me. * Events and Resources: Keep an eye on departmental newsletters and our website for updates on upcoming seminars <https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars.html> , workshops, and career-building events. Coming up soon is a slate of prospective faculty, with seminars on wide-ranging topics covering all aspects of CS. * Community: Join one of our many student organizations or seek out additional research collaborations to deepen your involvement and build lasting connections. As I enter my second semester as department head, I remain deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Your feedback is invaluable to this effort, and I welcome your ideas on how we can continue to improve your experience. Please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing to be part of the Virginia Tech Computer Science family. Let's make this semester one filled with discovery, collaboration, and success. Wishing you all the best this spring, Christine ============= Christine Julien, Professor and Department Head Virginia Tech | Computer Science 1180 Torgersen Hall, 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-9110 | christinejulien(a)vt.edu <mailto:christinejulien@vt.edu> If you could benefit from an accommodation for a meeting, please email me, and I will do my best to make arrangements. While it suits me to email now, I do not expect a response or action from you outside of your own working hours.

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FW: Spring Course Offering: ENGE 6714 - Contemporary Issues in STEM Graduate Education
by Kinder-Potter, Sharon 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

From: Knott, Tamara <knott(a)vt.edu> Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:11 PM To: coe-grad-coordinators-g(a)vt.edu Subject: Fw: Spring Course Offering: ENGE 6714 - Contemporary Issues in STEM Graduate Education Could you please send the following course announcement to your graduate students? Thanks! ~Mara ************************** The department of Engineering Education is offering the following Special Topics course in Spring 2025 - please see below for information. ENGE 6714 (Special Topics in Engineering Education Research and Practice) will focus on Contemporary Issues in STEM Graduate Education in Spring 2025. CRN 21425 Monday 9:20am-12:05pm Goodwin 244 This course examines the need for transforming the STEM graduate education based on various factors including but not limited to the recommendations in major national reports, surveys of doctoral graduates, need for convergent approaches for solving grand challenges in science and engineering, calls for new models of graduate education at the national and international levels, and the need for training a diverse STEM workforce. Ongoing innovations in the STEM graduate education will be discussed using a national resource supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Additionally, two signature programs of the NSF in the space of STEM graduate education, namely, the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) and Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) will be examined. An overview of administration of graduate education in the College of Engineering will be provided. About ten NSF principal investigators will share their transformative work in STEM graduate education and research covering variety of topics. Examples include design and manufacturing of medical devices and implants, materials innovation, food, energy and water systems, ethical AI and roboticists, innovation in Chemistry doctoral education, educational neuroscience, broadening participation, industry partnership for doctoral education, etc. This course is suitable for all STEM graduate students. First class meets on Jan. 27 in Goodwin 244 at 9:20 a.m. The instructor, Dr. Vinod Lohani served as a Program Director at the NSF for 4 years and was primarily assigned to the NRT and IGE programs. -- 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/SN6PR05M…<https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/msgid/coe-grad-coordinators-g/SN6PR05M…>. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/vt.edu/d/optout.

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FW: CS Faculty Candidate Seminars, January 22 & 23
by Zier, Debbie 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

CS Faculty Candidate Seminars 9:30 - 10:30am in 1100 Torgersen Hall. A zoom link is provided primarily for those faculty not in the Blacksburg area. Wednesday, January 22: Ali Vakilian Seminar: Algorithms in the AI Age: Fair and Learning-Augmented<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/ali_vakilian.html> Join via Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89370797326?pwd=4VHEhVvOACY0kYSQHe1RQDvOyk4J… Meeting ID: 893 7079 7326 | Passcode: 700279 Thursday, January 23: Debarati Das Seminar: Edit Distance to Clustering: A Fine-Grained Approach to Approximation Algorithms<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars/debarati_das.html> Join via Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83556419191?pwd=dUR3cTpO1bOPq0ZiiuJKmF8RRTTI… Meeting ID: 835 5641 9191 | Passcode: 714172 Have a great weekend! Debbie _________________ Debbie Zier Executive Assistant and Office Manager Department of Computer Science (0106) 1180 Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-1369 [cid:image001.jpg@01DB68D9.13382480]

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Welcome back!
by Julien, Christine 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

Dear CS Graduate Students - Welcome back to campus! I hope this email finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready to embark on another rewarding semester. As we begin the spring term, I want to take a moment to express how thrilled I am to welcome you back to the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. For those who are returning, thank you for your continued dedication to your studies and our department. To our new students joining us this semester, we are delighted to have you as part of our vibrant Hokie community. Your curiosity, innovation, and enthusiasm fuel the success and growth of our department. This semester promises many opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. From groundbreaking research projects to collaborative learning experiences, I encourage you to seize every chance to challenge yourself, connect with peers and faculty, and engage with our dynamic field. A few reminders as we start the term: * Advising and Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisors or professors for guidance. We are here to support your journey and help you achieve your goals. If you need support beyond your direct advisor, please connect with Sara Coulson, Eli Tilevich, or me. * Events and Resources: Keep an eye on departmental newsletters and our website for updates on upcoming seminars<https://website.cs.vt.edu/research/Seminars.html>, workshops, and career-building events. Coming up soon is a slate of prospective faculty, with seminars on wide-ranging topics covering all aspects of CS. * Community: Join one of our many student organizations or seek out additional research collaborations to deepen your involvement and build lasting connections. As I enter my second semester as department head, I remain deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Your feedback is invaluable to this effort, and I welcome your ideas on how we can continue to improve your experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing to be part of the Virginia Tech Computer Science family. Let’s make this semester one filled with discovery, collaboration, and success. Wishing you all the best this spring, Christine ============= Christine Julien, Professor and Department Head Virginia Tech | Computer Science 1180 Torgersen Hall, 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-9110 | christinejulien(a)vt.edu If you could benefit from an accommodation for a meeting, please email me, and I will do my best to make arrangements. While it suits me to email now, I do not expect a response or action from you outside of your own working hours.

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Fw: Invitation for PhD Datathon for Computer Science Students
by Seyam, Mohammed 21 Jan '25

21 Jan '25

Forwarded as requested! ________________________________ We are excited to announce that this Fall, we are partnering with Citadel and Citadel Securities to host the Global <https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…> PhD Datathon<https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…>, a data science competition that will bring the top quantitative PhD students across the world together! This event will have students competing for USD$25,000 in cash prizes and participants will also be eligible for exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel and Citadel Securities. The event is completely free and invite only. Could you share the information below with your students? We’d love to see students from Virginia Tech apply before we reach full capacity. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions - I would be happy to assist! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Best, Beatrice Please note: This message is a promotion of the Datathon and Terminal events. Campaigns are sent manually and monitored by our team - you can easily opt out of receiving future emails by replying with "Unsubscribe". Global PhD Datathon Hosted by Citadel and Citadel Securities in partnership with Correlation One, we’re inviting top PhD students all over the world to compete at the PhD Datathon this November. Top performing students have the opportunity to win $25,000USD in cash prizes along with exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel. The Datathon challenges students from the world's best universities to tackle real-world social challenges in topics such as urban traffic, renewable energy, and education. PhD Datathon is a global data science competition, even bigger and more exciting than our nation-wide events! This is an individual competition, whereby participants will be working on their submissions individually throughout the week of the competition in order to accommodate their schedules. When: November 4 - 11th Where: Virtual Who: Current Ph.D. students and post-doc researchers Prizes: $25,000USD + Exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel and Citadel Securities Apply for PhD Datathon here!<https://www.citadel.com/careers/students/datathons/?utm_source=correlationo…> Admissions are made on a rolling basis, so I encourage you to complete your application now! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at competitions(a)correlation-one.com<mailto:competitions@correlation-one.com> if you have any questions. Good luck! Best, Citadel and Correlation One -- Beatrice Khoo Business Operations Manager Correlation One<https://www.correlation-one.com/> 1330 Avenue of the Americas 12th Floor New York, NY 10019 [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4x_0XyUz9vSZxKBq5-g_ngGmA0h…]<http://www.correlation-one.com/> [https://t.yesware.com/t/f3508e25c57d8f8f063457f3e5fe23988cd4b1a7/d39e3ff48d…]

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Research assistant position for LLMs & security
by Gao, Peng 17 Jan '25

17 Jan '25

Hi All, I hope your new semester is off to a great start. I am looking for 2~3 research assistants (wage position) to join projects focused on (1) developing LLM-based agentic systems for cybersecurity applications, and (2) developing robust agent governance and oversight infrastructures. Ideal candidates should possess one or more of the following skills: * Strong programming and system building skills, particularly in Python * Experience working with closed-source and open-source LLMs and developing LLM agentic applications * Knowledge of system/software/network security, with preferred experience in threat detection, security operations, network protocol analysis. If you are interested in this position, please send your most recent CV and transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate studies to penggao.jobs(a)gmail.com<mailto:penggao.jobs@gmail.com>. Please use “LLM&Security + Your Name” in the email subject. I will reach out to discuss further if there is a potential match. Thanks! Best, Peng

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