Category: GSO

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Congratulations to new IGC GSO officers for the 2022-2023 academic year

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May 20, 2022

The Interfaces of Global Change Graduate Student Organization exists to benefit the IGC community as a whole through student contributions to infrastructural, educational, and social investments and activities. The leadership team has grown over the past several years to include a new Sustainability officer, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and student representatives to the Interfaces of Global Change Curriculum Committee (IG3C).

As we welcome in the newest officers of the IGC GSO, we also want to take a moment to thank all the officers who are finishing up their term.

Thank you, 2021-2022 leaders, for all your contributions this past year. Congratulations to the newest GSO officers!

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Melissa Burt
President

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Sam Silknetter
Vice President

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Tyler Weiglein
Secretary

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 Macy Kailing
Treasurer

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Meg Harris
Sustainability Officer

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Caleb O’Brien
Professional Development   Co-Chair

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Forde Upshur
Professional Development   Co-Chair

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Camilo Alfonso
DEI Chair

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Prashasti Agarwal
Outreach Chair

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Taylor Fossett
Social Chair

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Amanda Darling
IG3C Co-Chair

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Namrata Panji
IG3C Co-Chair

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP

IGC Fellows enjoy coffee and a chat with GCC Affiliate Dr. Ryan Calder

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December 14, 2021

It was quite the blustery morning for three IGC fellows, Jennifer Brousseau, Tyler Weiglein, and Isaac VanDiest, to grab a coffee with GCC Affiliate and Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Policy Dr. Ryan Calder. It was a delightful time that covered topics such as where you can find a warm place in Canada, how to tailor work to various audiences,  and how the science-policy relationship varies greatly by field and location. As this was the last IGC coffee conversation before the semester ends and we all were gearing up for conferences, reflection on the past year and our desire to get back to presenting work in person were also topics of conversation.

Dr. Calder’s work was of particular interest to the three of us, each of who has a desire to use science to inform public policy. The story of Dr. Calder challenging the science of government reports on the impacts of hydroelectric power was not only inspirational but a great starting point for discussions on how to use good science to support a conclusion that could have real world implications. This also led us into discussions of how to effectively message important scientific principles so that action can be taken (e.g. how might you convince a local coastal government that investing in raising roadways is worthwhile as a form of climate adaptation?).

Our discussions ranged a number of subjects in our hour together, but as the time flew by and we headed our separate ways I left with a renewed sense of excitement for my work and future directions as a scientist.

Written by Isaac VanDiest, IGC Fellow and PhD student in Biological Sciences[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”59313″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]If you are an IGC fellow or GCC affiliate faculty interested in participating in an upcoming CoffeeConvo, contact Caleb O’Brien at calebo@vt.edu.  This is a great opportunity to strengthen the GCC community![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP

The IGC DEI committee has recently received funding from the GCC to open a new DEI library in the GCC Steger Hall Office

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December 14, 2021

What? The Global Change Center Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Library.

Who? Available to all GCC affiliates, including faculty, staff, and IGC fellows.

Where? Books can be checked out (max 30 days, if there is a waiting list) by coming into the GCC office in Steger Hall. Members can check book availability or add themselves to the waiting list using the book availability sheet HERE. If a GCC member needs access to Steger Hall to check out a book, please reach out to Lara hopkinsl@vt.edu or Jess at jcoker@vt.edu (after Jess returns in January).

Why? The goal of the GCC DEI library is to encourage GCC members to continue their DEI education by providing free access to relevant books. We also hope that we can use the knowledge we gain from these books to plan DEI initiatives and foster a more inclusive GCC community.

Winter break would be a great time to do some reading! The library currently includes 2 copies of the following books:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”59347″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The IGC DEI committee organized a DEI reading group, and all IGC fellows are welcome to attend! During the past three semesters, they have covered a wide range of topics, notably How to be an Antiracist and Braiding Sweetgrass (two books that are now available in the GCC DEI library). Next semester they plan to host invited speakers and discuss more DEI topics, including building inclusive communities and developing strong diversity statements. Fellows should look out for an email from Lauren Maynard in January for scheduling the bi-monthly meetings for the spring semester. Also, if you’re interested in joining the IGC DEI committee, reach out to Lauren (ldmaynar@vt.edu) or any of the other committee members.    

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP

IGC Fellows enjoy coffee and a chat with GCC Affiliate Professor Wendy Parker

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November 9, 2021

On an unseasonably warm mid-October day, three IGC fellows met with GCC faculty Dr. Wendy Parker to discuss climate change, values, and the roles of philosophy and science in a changing world. This gathering was the second Fall 2021 IGC Coffee Convo, a recurring event designed to foster connections among fellows and faculty.

Dr. Parker, a professor of philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, focuses her work on the philosophy of climate science and meteorology. She contributed to two chapters of the recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 6th Assessment Report, where her writings explored the role of values in science and evaluating scientific models.

The participating fellows– Gabriel Borba, Caleb O’Brien, and Samuel Silknetter—spoke with Dr. Parker about their research and its linkages to climate change, values, interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, and the philosophy of science. Although we were never quite able to pin down what “values” are, exactly, it was a fruitful discussion as participants enjoyed medium-roast coffee from Deet’s Place and discussed the constraints and affordances that their work offers vis-à-vis personal and collective values.

Written by Caleb O’Brien, IGC Fellow and PhD student in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”58736″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]If you are an IGC fellow or GCC affiliate faculty interested in participating in an upcoming CoffeeConvo, contact Caleb O’Brien at calebo@vt.edu.  This is a great opportunity to strengthen the GCC community![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP Outreach

The Global Change Center and Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program collaborate to support diversity

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November 2, 2021

The wicked socio-environmental challenges of our time such as climate change, water pollution and scarcity, and emerging infectious diseases disproportionately affect marginalized communities around the globe.  These environmental injustices will only escalate in years to come without innovation and purposeful intervention.  Recognizing this urgency, the Global Change Center (GCC) and Virginia Tech Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) started a new collaboration last year to provide interdisciplinary training to a diverse community of aspiring undergraduate scholars.

In its first year, the Global Change Scholars Program provided financial assistance to two undergraduate students who demonstrated a commitment to academics, research, and community stewardship. Undergraduate scholars supported by the program conduct research with GCC faculty affiliates and receive a renewable award of up to $1,500. 

As part of the program, Global Change Scholars join the greater MAOP community, attend seminars and workshops designed to help students develop leadership skills, expand their appreciation for multiculturalism, and to achieve their academic goals. “This is an important partnership between MAOP and the Global Change Center because students are integrated into a community of like-minded scholars and are receiving support from both MAOP and the GCC,” said Taylor Swan, Assistant Director of MAOP. Swan adds, “we are lucky to have these students as a part of MAOP because they bring a unique perspective on research.” 

“MAOP has been doing impactful work on the Virginia Tech campus for years, and we are thrilled to engage in this new partnership with them,” says William Hopkins, Director of the GCC.  “By removing financial barriers that sometimes stand in the way, we are enabling students to explore the excitement of discovery and possible careers in research”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”58571″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Applications for 2022-2023 Scholars will open in Spring 2022. For additional information about the MAOP Undergraduate Scholars program, please visit the GCS Program website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP

IGC Fellows enjoy coffee and a chat with GCC Director Bill Hopkins

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October 5, 2021

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Last week, a group of IGC Fellows enjoyed a bit of sun and coffee with GCC Director Dr. Bill Hopkins for the first Fall 2021 IGCoffee Convo! IGCoffee Convo is a recurring event that facilitates informal meetings between a small group of Fellows and a GCC affiliated faculty members. These events are designed to help Fellows become better acquainted with the 80+ faculty and sustain the camaraderie and inclusivity of our growing community. During last week’s conversation,  Idowu Okeshola,  Amanda Pennino, Luciana Pereiria, Josh Mouser, and Gabriel Borba joined Dr. Hopkins, walking to the Hahn Gardens.  The group enjoyed conversation discussing topics such as the pursuit of research funding, the impact of COVID on graduate education, and capstone projects.

 

 

If you are a GCC Faculty member and interested in participating in an upcoming IGCoffee Convo, please contact IGC GSO Professional Development Committee Chairs, Caleb O’Brien and Jennifer Brousseau. Fellows should keep an eye on their email inboxes for opportunities to join in on future IGCoffee Convo meetings!

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC Interfaces of Global Change IGEP Outreach

Call for Global Change Center photos!

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September 7, 2021

As we settle into the new Global Change Center office space in Steger Hall, we are creating a display of large photographs to visually and artistically represent who we are as a Center.  We would love to incorporate images from affiliated faculty and Fellows that highlight the diversity, beauty, and scope of the GCC – and we need your help!  

If you have photos you would like to have considered for this display, please upload a high resolution image file to this Google Drive Folder and include the photographer’s name, GCC/IGC affiliate’s name, and subject of the photos in the description of the file (or email that information to Lara at hopkinsl@vt.edu). 

Images submitted by Friday, September 17 will be considered for the GCC office display.  We also aim to build a library of images to use on the GCC website, in newsletters, flyers, etc… so feel free to upload multiple images to assist us in building that library.  Thank you!

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Help us decorate your GCC space!

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IGC Fellows gear up and clean up the New River

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September 7, 2021

While many members of the Virginia Tech community stayed in to recover from the first week of classes, a small group of the Global Change Center’s Interfaces in Global Change (IGC) Fellows were working hard to clean the New River on Saturday, August 28th. Organized by Outreach Chair Melissa Burt of  the IGC’s Graduate Student Organization, Fellows joined hundreds of other community members who took to various sections of the river as part of the New River Valley Regional Commission’s ReNew The New annual Fall event.

Thank you to Sam Silknetter, Jennifer Brousseau, Becca O’Brien, Caleb O’Brien, and all other members of the GCC community who work to keep our local waterways clean!

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All photos courtesy of Sam Silknetter, Jennifer Brousseau, Becca O’Brien, and Caleb O’Brien. 

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IGC GSO transitions to new officers for 2021-2022

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As we welcome in the newest officers of the IGC GSO, we also want to take a moment to thank all the officers who are finishing up their term. The IGC GSO exists to benefit the IGC community as a whole through student contributions to infrastructural, educational, and social investments and activities. Thank you, 2020-2021 officers, for all your contributions this past year.

Congratulations to our newest officers!

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Chloe Moore
President

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Alaina Weinheimer
Vice President

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Devin Hoffman
Secretary

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Josh Mouser
Treasurer

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Melissa Burt
Outreach Chair

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Rebecca O’Brian
Sustainability Officer

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Caleb O’Brien
Professional Development   Co-Chair

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Jennifer Brousseau
Professional Development   Co-Chair

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Isaac VanDiest
Social Chair

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Amanda Hensley
IG3C Co-Chair

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Tyler Weiglein
IG3C Co-Chair

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Lauren Maynard
DEI Chair

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Announcements Blog GSO IGC

IGC GSO transitions to new officers for 2020-2021

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As we welcome in the newest officers of the IGC GSO, we also want to take a moment to thank all the officers who are finishing up their term. The IGC GSO exists to benefit the IGC community as a whole through student contributions to infrastructural, educational, and social investments and activities. Thank you, 2019-2020 officers, for all your contributions this past year.

Congratulations to our newest officers!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”48820″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]President: Korin Jones[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”41075″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Vice President: Bennett Grooms[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”45588″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Treasurer: Heather Wander[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”49859″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Secretary: Chloe Moore[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”44710″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Outreach Committee Chair: Isaac VanDiest[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”49860″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Sustainability Officer: Amber Wendler[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”42414″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Social Committee Chair: Alaina Weinheimer[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”41573″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”44794″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”4/6″][vc_column_text]Professional Development Committee Chairs: Jessica Hernandez and Sam Silknetter[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”45247″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”49174″ img_size=”100×100″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”4/6″][vc_column_text]IG3C Representatives: Melissa Burt and Sarah Kuchinsky[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row]