The GCC WEEKLY | March 25, 2025 | | |
Inagural Invasive Species & Restoration Community Day
Join the GCC’s Invasive Species Collaborative (ISC) and Biocultural & Ecological Restoration Initiative (BERI) for the inaugural Invasive Species and Restoration Community Day! In partnership with the Town of Blacksburg, this interactive event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 1:00 to 6:30 PM at Heritage Park and Rising Silo Brewery. Enjoy hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and a partner meet-and-greet while learning about invasive species management and restoration techniques. Registration is required for workshops—find more details and sign up on the event webpage.
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Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Grad School
The Interfaces of Global Change (IGC) Graduate Student Organization (GSO) has partnered with the Latin American and Iberian Graduate Students Association (LAIGSA) and Científico Latino to host a free virtual workshop titled Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Graduate School. The event will take place on April 10 at 5:30 PM and will feature inspiring speakers who will share personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. This workshop is open to all graduate students. RSVP to secure your spot and complete this survey to tailor the workshop to your needs.
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Meredith Snyder PhD Seminar on March 31
IGC fellow Meredith Snyder will present her PhD defense seminar on Monday, March 31, at 10:00 AM in Derring 2084. Her dissertation, Soil Microbial Response to Land Management Practices and Wildfire in Central and Southern Appalachian Ecosystems, explores how different practices impact soil health and resilience. A remote option will be available via Zoom.
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Federal Research Policy Updates
New executive orders may impact federal research priorities and funding. Virginia Tech is monitoring these changes and will provide updates as agencies interpret the directives. The Office of Research and Innovation encourages researchers to stay alert.
The latest update was provided on Monday, March 24.
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Final Call for IGC Global Change Fellowships
Applications for the 2025-26 IGC Global Change Fellowships close soon! These prestigious 9-month assistantships, supported by the Virginia Tech Graduate School, provide funding for PhD students committed to interdisciplinary global change research. Eligible applicants must have been enrolled in the IGC IGEP for at least 12 months, be in good academic standing, and not have previously received an IGC fellowship. Priority will be given to students who have completed coursework and are actively progressing on their capstone. Don’t miss this opportunity—applications are due April 1.
Submission Deadline: April 1
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Final Call for Early Career Synergy Grants
Applications close soon for 2025 Early Career Synergy Grants! This program fosters innovative collaborations between faculty research programs while promoting the development of early career researchers within the GCC community. This funding initiative seeks proposals from current GCC Postdoctoral Affiliates and later stage IGC IGEP Fellows that catalyze research collaborations between two or more GCC Faculty Affiliates. Priority will be given to proposals that establish new research partnerships or explore entirely new directions with existing collaborators.
Submission Deadline: April 1
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Present Your Research at NAISMA Conference
The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) invites you to share your expertise at the 2025 Annual Conference, taking place November 3-6 in Stateline, Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. Contribute to this gathering of professionals, researchers, and policymakers by submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation, or propose a special session on invasive species management topics ranging from prevention and education to policy and innovation. Abstracts are due by April 15.
Submission Deadline: April 15
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Join the Coastal Hazards Lab at Virginia Tech
The Coastal Hazards Lab at Virginia Tech, led by GCC faculty affiliate Dr. Tina Dura, is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to study the frequency and magnitude of historic and prehistoric earthquakes and tsunamis at key subduction zones. This position offers the opportunity to develop independent research, gain experience in grant writing and mentoring, and participate in professional development activities. The successful candidate will also collaborate with a dynamic research team to advance coastal hazard assessments and community preparedness.
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Claudia Nuñez-Penichet
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
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GCC postdoctoral affiliate Dr. Claudia Nuñez-Penichet is an entomologist and macroecologist in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation department at Virginia Tech, working with Dr. Haldre Rogers. Her research focuses on invasive species, dispersal ecology, and conservation biology.
In collaboration with the Invasive Species Collaborative, Dr. Nuñez-Penichet is using ecological modeling to identify areas in Virginia that may be vulnerable to invasive fleshy-fruiting plants and their dispersers. With a strong background in data analysis and ecological modeling, she also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM through research, teaching, and outreach.
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Attend VT Board of Visitors Open Sessions Today
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will meet TODAY, March 25, with the full board meeting at 1:15 PM in Latham Ballroom A/B at The Inn at Virginia Tech. Open sessions will occur earlier in the day, with committee meetings at 7:45 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM. Key discussions will include the university’s growth in the greater Washington DC area, and plans for a new business building in Blacksburg. The meeting will be livestreamed, and the full agenda is available. Public comment will not be received during this meeting.
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Explore Science in VA’s Wilderness with GALS
The GCC is excited to once again co-sponsor GALS SWVA, a free summer adventure for high school students and rising freshmen! This annual 1-week backpacking program, taking place July 7-13, was started three years ago in Viginia by our very own IGC Fellows. It offers participants the chance to gain outdoor skills, form lasting friendships, and engage with science in Virginia's wilderness. GALS promotes diversity in STEM by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, with a focus on personal growth, teamwork, and science exploration. Apply by April 1.
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Register Now to Attend the BERI Symposium
Join the GCC’s Biocultural and Ecological Restoration Initiative (BERI) for an afternoon of engaging presentations and discussions at the BERI Symposium on Friday, April 4, from 1 to 5 PM in Steger Hall. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. James Aronson, restoration ecologist and founder of the Ecological Health Network, followed by flash talks from Ryan Klopf, John Munsell, and Desiree Shelley. The symposium will also highlight poster presentations from researchers at all stages. Please RSVP by March 28 to secure your spot.
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Join the "Just One Can" Effort to Support BIFP
The Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry (BIFP) is facing a budget deficit of over $100,000 for 2025 due to rising food costs and an increased number of individuals seeking assistance. To help offset this shortfall, the community is coming together for a "Just One Can" food drive. You are invited to contribute by donating canned goods—just one can, or more—by Sunday, March 30. A collection box is located inside the Steger Hall Main office (2nd floor). Help BIFP reach its goal of 30,000 cans to support the growing number of families and individuals in need.
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Cast Your Vote for Audience Favorite in the 2025 Faculty Nutshell Talks to Support GCC Affiliate Dr. Sally Entrekin!
GCC faculty affiliate Dr. Sally Entrekin recently took the stage at the 2025 Faculty Nutshell Talks, an exciting event where Virginia Tech faculty present their groundbreaking research in just 90 seconds. Dr. Entrekin captivated the audience with her talk on mayflies in space, exploring what these tiny insects can teach us about stream, river, and wetland health.
You can now watch her presentation on the Center for Communicating Science's YouTube channel. Support Dr. Entrekin by watching her video from beginning to end. Every complete view counts toward the coveted Audience Favorite Award. The talk with the most views by 8 AM on April 11 will win the award, along with a $1,000 prize toward professional development.
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Forecasting Water Quality at Falling Creek Reservoir
The Virginia Tech Center for Ecosystem Forecasting, co-directed by GCC faculty affiliates Dr. Cayelan Carey and Dr. Quinn Thomas, is actively monitoring the water quality at Falling Creek Reservoir in Vinton, Virginia. As part of their ongoing research, teams collect critical data on various environmental factors, including nutrient and metal samples, as well as greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and methane. This collaboration with the Western Virginia Water Authority helps inform decisions related to water management and climate change adaptation. The center’s efforts aim to enhance ecosystem forecasting by better understanding the dynamic changes occurring in reservoirs, offering invaluable insights for climate and environmental research.
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Honoring the Achievements of Black Scientists
The Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Project, launched by Virginia Tech's Center for Communicating Science, captures the powerful stories of Black scientists overcoming adversity in their careers. Spearheaded by Patty Raun and Carrie Kroehler, the project aims to celebrate the contributions and resilience of Black professionals in STEM, showcasing their experiences and successes. IGC fellow Amber Wendler and IGC alum Dr. Daniel Smith are among the graduate students who helped collect these important narratives, highlighting themes such as mentorship, the value of historically Black colleges, and the importance of diversity in scientific research. The project provides an inspiring and hopeful message for future generations of scientists.
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Report Reveals Troubling Bird Population Trends
GCC faculty affiliate Dr. Jeff Walters was recently quoted in an NPR story discussing the troubling trends in bird populations, as highlighted in the latest "State of the Birds" report. The report shows that about one-third of bird species, particularly in the Mountain West, are facing high or moderate conservation concerns. Dr. Walters, who co-chairs the conservation committee at the American Ornithological Society, emphasized the importance of public interest in birds and the economic benefits from bird-watching. The report also sheds light on the declines in bird populations across various biomes and the need for focused scientific research to protect these species.
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One Year of Science Talks at Ocean on Tap
Ocean on Tap, a science-based lecture series at Footbridge Brewery in Boothbay Harbor, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this February. Founded by IGC alum Dr. Alaina Weinheimer, the series has brought local scientists together with the community to discuss topics ranging from ocean ecosystems to coastal resilience. The grassroots initiative has grown from small gatherings to standing-room-only events, fostering meaningful connections between researchers and residents. With its conversational format, Ocean on Tap aims to make science accessible and engaging for everyone, helping to bridge the gap between science and the community.
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Do you have an opportunity or announcement you'd like to share with the GCC community? Send us an email!
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