The Office for Research and Innovation hosted a virtual event on Jan. 27 for VT researchers that have near-term intention to write center proposals, pursue a large-scale funding opportunity of $10 million or more, and lead a center. VT's Vice President for Research and Innovation Dan Sui moderated the conversation with VT faculty who have successfully won center funding and know what it takes to achieve success.

Nitrogen is a widely-used, essential input to crop production. In many regions of the U.S., nitrogen from farms has leaked into drinking water and caused adverse health impacts. These health impacts include methemoglobinemia, a condition that inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen around the body. This workshop hosted by the Environmental Health Matters Initiative (EHMI) will explore what actions can be taken on several levels to address the nitrogen contamination problem. 

Workshop sessions will take place every Thursday from 2:30–5:30 PM (ET) from January 28 – February 25, 2021. Register here & Download agenda here. 

In 2021, the MAPAIS is offering a small grants competition and encourages interested groups and individuals to submit proposals for possible funding. We encourage broad participation from groups and individuals concerned about AIS issues in the mid-Atlantic region. A proposal submission must address an AIS problem.

The Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG) within the Global Change Center seeks a qualified, highly motivated individual for a unique research position working at the interface of the biological and social sciences. The ISWG engages in a broad range of invasion-related projects, including with various officials, academics, and other stakeholders across Virginia and beyond.

Presented by the Christiansburg Institute, the Black History Trail is a family-friendly driving tour that explores and rediscovers the history of African American life in Christiansburg, VA. Explore two centuries of history in 3.4 miles.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black Americans’ achievements. During this month, we recognize Black Americans’ roles in history. More on the origins of black history month can be found here.

In an experimental exposure study, Kendra Sewall, an associate professor of biological sciences in the College of Science, and a diverse team of scientists and students have found that lead levels like those reported in Flint, Michigan, can interfere with the neural mechanisms of vocal development of songbirds and affect mate attraction.

The Earth Leadership Program provides outstanding academic researchers with the skills, approaches, and theoretical frameworks for catalyzing change to address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, emphasizing new forms of individual and collective leadership. The program enables scientists to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and become agents of change within and beyond their universities. Dr. Carey is part of a cohort of 21 leading sustainability scientists across North America.

Congratulations Cayelan!

As ASM Young Ambassador to Virginia, Alaina Weinheimer will serve as a point of communication between microbiologists here at VT and the surrounding area for events, materials, and other resources provided by ASM. She is also planning to revive the student chapter of ASM at VT to provide a communication outlet and foster collaboration between local microbiology grad students.