10 a.m.

Nibir K. Dhar, Ph.D., will give a talk titled the “Future of Infrared Technology: Research, Workforce and Education” via Zoom as part of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Central Virginia Node spring speaker series. Dhar specializes in semiconductor research and electro-optic and infrared applications. Questions: Visit cci-cvn.org.

For more information, contact Zahra Ndirangu at ndiranguzw@vcu.edu.

11 a.m.

Learn how to establish your ideas in a strong, logical manner that will capture your audience. Click on the following URL for the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

12 p.m.

Join VCU's Global Education Office and faculty from UNIV and PSYC to learn more about a study (and intern) abroad opportunity during summer 2024 in Sorrento, Italy at the Sant'Anna Institute. Register on Rams Connect. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86354362355

For more information, contact Amy Leap at abroad@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6958.

7 p.m.

Students Together Assisting Refugees helps new refugees in Richmond through collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC-Richmond) and raises awareness for refugee struggles. Meet the STAR@VCU officers virtually, learn more about the club and volunteer efforts. See the Zoom Link via Ramsconnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Students Together Assisting Refugees @ VCU at staratvcu@gmail.com or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/STARatVCU/club_signup.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gain some helpful personal finance tips from the Financial Success Center coaches in the atrium of Snead Hall, 301 W. Main St. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

For more information, contact Jessica Forrest at finsuccess@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/?id=28abaea2-46fe-4f94-b10d-1ab7b82fa10b&utm_source=telegram.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU Transform is the living-learning program centered around leadership and service aimed at transforming your VCU experience. Join the faculty and staff of Transform for a virtual open house to learn more about the program before applications close Wednesday, Feb. 7. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81556520986

For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

VCU's Global Education Office will host the ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, in Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. The ambassador will deliver a lecture to the public and the university community regarding the interdependence and common futures of Mexico and the United States. The event is open to all and registration is not required.

For more information, contact Nicol Tinsley at nctinsley@vcu.edu or (804) 426-8053 or visit https://global.vcu.edu/media/global/pdf/strategies/Ambassador%20to%20Mexico%20flyer.pdf.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Zoë Gadegbeku, the 2023 winner of the Rebecca Mitchell Tarumoto Short Fiction Prize for outstanding short fiction, will read her her story “Of Flowers and Sorrows,” published in v20n3 in the spring of 2023 of VCU's Blackbird. This event is part of the VCU Visiting Writers Series in partnership with VCU Libraries, VCU Department of English and the M.F.A. in Creative Writing. The reading will be in the third-floor Lecture Hall of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. The event is free and open to all and will also be live streamed via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86438376433#success

For more information, contact Ryan Pander at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2023-2024/2024-tarumoto-prize.html.

Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon

Facilitated by SideBySide, participants learn of identities, terminology and pronoun inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ community. Reflect upon individual biases and unintentional discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community. Recognize key celebration/remembrance opportunities as well as important figures in LGBTQ+ history. Learn to be an ally if you identify in the LGBTQ+ community. Explore how to be an ally if you do not identify in the LGBTQ+ community. Identify resources for support and education. The session will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St.

For more information, contact Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu or visit https://tockify.com/iexcel/detail/67/1706281200000.

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 from 9 a.m. to midnight

MegaHack@VCU is a 24-hour sprint of intense innovation and problem-solving for innovative developers and makers to meet the challenges provided by event sponsors. The event is sponsored by VCU's College of Engineering and will be held at the Engineering Research Building, 401 W. Main St. Participants will address challenges through teamwork, solution ideation, programming, rapid prototyping, developing flow processes and more. Students will work in teams of up to four members. Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged. All skill levels and all disciplines are welcome. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Laura Osborne at lmnosborne@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0349 or visit https://egr.vcu.edu/megahack/.

Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will host a luncheon for those interested in cancer and clinical research at VCU Massey. Learn about the center's undergraduate and post-graduate programs. The luncheon will be held in the alumni board room of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Those who have started an application for the programs in ACS CURE, CTOSI, ACS ACCESS or WLSI are also invited to attend. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EYC8NMPR7XPMWYJ3.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon

RecWell’s Mindful Ambassador Program aims to identify students, faculty and staff interested in creating a mindful revolution and healthier campus community. Participants learn about various types of meditation, belly breathing, mindful posture and special considerations for leading meditation with others. Those who complete the workshop will receive additional resources to lead meditation in the community along with a campus leadership sticker. No registration necessary. The session will be held in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Starr Robinson at robinsonsn@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/lead/leadership-programs/mindful-ambassador-program-/.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will present a seminar via Zoom. Patrick Shi and Brian Cassel, Ph.D., both Wright Center clinical research informatics, will provide an overview of TriNetX, a HIPAA-compliant, real-world data platform that facilitates cohort discovery and helps answer research questions by leveraging analytics tools. Questions: http://www.cctr.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdumhrjMvGtP3iWsgTBjdmCFQqQh95sm4.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU's Human Research Protection Program is collaborating with the National Institutes of Health Science Policy and Extramural Research divisions to provide updated information to the research community about NIH data-sharing policies and requirements that are relevant to human subjects research. Registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jennifer Rice at irbeducation@vcu.edu or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuuqpz4uHtRwVYwiEEK7vUx4weChQK6x.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 at 7 p.m.

VCU piano professor Magdalena Adamek, DMA, will perform in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. Adamek will be joined by fellow piano professors Eri Nakamura, Master of Music, and Dimitrije Vasilievic, DMA. Tickets are $5 for VCU students and $10 for general admission.

For more information, contact Jessica Casey at music@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to noon

Join VCU's Office of Research and Innovation for the spring Research Administration Back to School meeting where timely research and compliance-related updates will be presented and discussed. All members of the VCU community are welcome to attend. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cathy Short at cfshort@vcu.edu or visit https://controller.vcu.edu/training/events/.

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 at 7 p.m.

The Ruth Harris Professorship at VCU's School of Education will present a free reading instruction focused professional development opportunity. Register for the the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sabrina Wright at ruthharrisprofessorship@gmail.com or visit https://soe.vcu.edu/about-us/ruth-harris-professorship/harris-professor/.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Join VCU President Michael Rao for the State of the University Address in the lecture hall (Room 303) at James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information please visit https://go.vcu.edu/sotu.

For more information, contact University Events at UNIVevents@vcu.edu.

VCU employees who have given their eConsent may view and print their 2023 W-2 statements online. Log on to VCU e-services. Click the "Employee" tab, followed by "Tax Forms, Electronic W-2 Earnings Statement." Consent remains in effect until revoked by the employee. Paper W-2 statements have been printed and are being mailed. For assistance understanding your W2, consult the W-2 Explanation 2023 document.

For more information, contact Veronica B, King at vbking@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1807 or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/payroll/.

RecWell's Intramural Sports Program will host Friday night Esports in Rooms 2221 and 2223, T. Edward Temple Building, 901 W. Main St., from 5-11 p.m. Join other students in playing games such as Super Smash Bros. All levels are welcome. The games are open to currently enrolled VCU students. No registration is necessary. The program runs Jan. 26-April 26.

For more information, contact Alex Bruman at bruamana@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

RecWell’s Intramural spring season kicks off with 5v5 basketball and 6v6 dodgeball leagues. Games will be played Jan. 28-March 14. Registration runs through Thursday, Jan. 25. To register, participants purchase a $10 season pass that allows access to register for all Intramural Sports activities throughout the semester. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alex Bruman at brumana@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/intramural-sports/.

Winter has arrived; Bundle up and declutter your Google Workspace account while you stay cozy.

For more information, contact Doctor Gee at drgee@vcu.edu or visit https://blogs.vcu.edu/drgee/2023/12/19/bundle-up-and-tidy-up/.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is taking applications for current juniors and seniors for the Clinical Trials Office Summer Internship. This is a paid six-week in-person learning experience in the Clinical Trials Office from June 3-July 12. Interns receive exposure to the operational units of the Clinical Trials Office, participate in clinical trial activities alongside Massey leadership and much more. Questions: Email mcccrtec@vcu.edu Apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or (804) 836-2378 or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=DRXC9KMHDCXEEHLD.

VCU's Department of African American Studies is soliciting submissions for the 2024 Black History in the Making Awards. Recipients are typically chosen based on criteria such as academic excellence, community service or excellence in their field. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, Jan. 31. All information on the submission process can be found at the following URL.

For more information, contact Grace D. Gipson, Ph.D., at bhitm@vcu.edu or visit https://afam.vcu.edu/program/scholarships-and-awards/black-history-in-the-making-awards/.

VCU Transform is the living-learning program centered on developing participants as community change agents. Through courses, community-wide programs and a specialized support team, VCU Transform provides space for participants to transform their VCU experience. Transform students enjoy guaranteed placement in West Grace Street Student Housing – North, early course registration for all semesters they are in the program and, upon graduation, receive a certificate of leadership studies. Apply at the following URL by Wednesday, Feb. 7.

For more information, contact Kaylynn Hill at hillk8@vcu.edu or visit https://lead.vcu.edu/transform-llp/.

Individuals between the ages of 21 and 55 who vape electronic cigarettes daily and also occasionally drink alcohol are needed to participate in a research study that requires multiple laboratory visits. The purpose of this research study is to find out how ethanol (alcohol)-containing e-cigarettes impact ethanol breath tests, field sobriety tests and other tests of sobriety. (Ethanol is a common part of e-cigarette liquids.) Compensation may be provided. This study will be conducted at VCU’s Center for the Study of Tobacco Products at 100 W. Franklin St.

For more information, contact Alison Breland, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, at abbrelan@vcu.edu or (804) 827-3562 or visit http://cstp.vcu.edu/studies.

This study is seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years who have PTSD or symptoms of PTSD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of PTSD symptoms on blood vessel function during acute exercise and following exercise training. This study will be conducted at 500 Academic Centre on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The principal investigator is Ryan Garten, Ph.D., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

For more information, contact Ryan Garten at rsgarten@vcu.edu.

We are inviting male and female participants with elevated blood pressure between the ages of 18-45 years to participate in a study to examine how the time of day that you eat affects your blood pressure, blood vessel function and kidney function. This study involves a screening visit to determine eligibility; two single-day interventions where you will eat a meal that we provide in the morning or late at night; and two visits to our laboratory. The study involves collection of blood, saliva and urine samples, in addition to blood pressure, blood vessel and body composition assessments. The study is conducted at VCU Kinesiology and Health Sciences Building on the Monroe Park Campus. Participants will be compensated for their time completing the study. Questions: Email Natalie Bohmke at the following address or Danielle Kirkman at dlkirkman@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Natalie Bohmke at bohmkenj@vcu.edu.

Recruiting adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years old who are active participants in organized sports and have 1) never had a diagnosed concussion or 2) sustained a recent concussion and have been cleared to go back to sports in the last 10 days. This non-invasive study is investigating sex differences in the acoustic startle reflex in relationship to subsequent injury following concussion.

For more information, contact Laura Boylan at Laura.Williams1@vcuhealth.org.

The VCU Wellbeing Lab invites you to participate in a research study on two stress reduction programs for undergraduate students. VCU investigators seek to understand how two online stress reduction programs affect students’ mood and stress-related behavior. Compensation is available. Sign up for the study at the following URL.

For more information, contact Polina Beloborodova at vcu.stress.reduction@gmail.com or visit https://beloborodp.wixsite.com/stressreduction.

Are you a college/university student who has experienced housing instability while enrolled in classes (e.g., eviction, termination of room and board package, having trouble paying rent, overcrowding, moving often or spending the bulk of household income on housing)? In this study, you will be asked to participate in a survey about your experience.

For more information, contact Chelsie Dunn, Ph.D., at dunnce@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1892 or visit https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bC86dhZzC0mT16m.