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Geosciences Student Research Symposium (GSRS) is a long-standing tradition in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech. In 2022, we will be celebrating the 27th edition of GSRS! This event spans two days of research presentations from both graduate and undergraduate students providing a platform to communicate their science across the far-reaching disciplines of our department. GSRS promotes growth for promising geoscientists in a collegial environment by providing peer and faculty feedback on their research and presentation skills. Conversations during this event also foster a greater sense of community in the department and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development.
"Since 1996, we've had close to 1000 student presentations totaling more than 10 days of talks" -Morrison Nolan
GSRS is entirely student-led and organized. This means we are primarily funded and reliant on donations from folks like you. Your contribution, in addition to funding the necessary expenses, allows students to focus on developing their research communication abilities and provides an opportunity to sharpen the leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills it takes to organize an event like GSRS.
"As an undergraduate, it can be kind of scary and intimidating, but it's a great sense of relief when you're like oh, I know what I'm doing and the grad students are like yeah, you do kind of know what you're doing." -Michael Zigah
Now in its fifth year, the pre-GSRS Workshop Series provides monthly tutorials, led by graduate student volunteers, on how to navigate professional conferences. Topics range from abstract writing to poster formatting. All students are encouraged to attend, especially undergraduates giving a presentation for the first time. The Workshop Series facilitates skill development that our students can put into practice during GSRS and employ for years to come.
"I participated in GSRS … and I felt that it really helped me with my public speaking skills and also on how to talk about my research in a way that the non-scientist or general public can understand" -Katie Krueger
GSRS concludes with the ever-popular banquet on Friday evening. This gathering celebrates another successful GSRS, with the recognition of outstanding student presenters and a delicious spread of food and drinks. We invite and encourage all who can attend to join us for this annual rendezvous of alumni, faculty, students, and friends of Geosciences.
"The entire department comes together to celebrate the end of GSRS" -Kristin Chilton
GSRS is a public event. We'd love to see friends and alumni of Geosciences at the Squires Student Center, in the Haymarket Theater and Brush Mountain rooms A & B, on March 24th & 25th respectively, for GSRS27! Please consider giving and sharing to help us hold another successful GSRS. For more information about GSRS, please check out our website!
A gift at this level can cover the cost of drinks and snacks during coffee breaks at the symposium, where new research collaborations begin.
A gift at this level can fund one undergraduate student's poster printing cost.
A $49 gift can make it possible for one student to attend one day of the symposium.
This gift can fund a session of the Pre-GSRS lecture series and assist in bringing an invited speaker to the symposium.