Computing Talent Initiative offers research course

Guiding student researchers is one of my favorite parts of my work, but it's a complicated task, and "advising" as a singular term tends to hide important details. I wanted to take apart advising to show how its constituent components relate, and how they sometimes contradict each other. The result was a paper that I wrote for the benefit of both faculty and students, and I'm glad to share it's been accepted to SIGCSE 2026: Rethinking How We Discuss the Guidance of Student Researchers in Computing. Shomir Wilson. To appear in Proc. SIGCSE 2026. Preprint: https://lnkd.in/eshT5YjD I observe that, in the context of student research, concepts like "advisor" and "mentor" are often ambiguous in scope. They're sometimes narrowly defined, sometimes used interchangeably, or sometimes used to include (or exclude) many interrelated activities. This ambiguity gets in the way of understanding faculty obligations, and it can create harms by hiding conflicts of interest. I use a facet framework and a literature review to identify six roles that faculty have in guiding student researchers (advisor, mentor, manager, collaborator, coach, sponsor), and I suggest "guidance" to encompass all of them, eliminating ambiguity. I describe each role and show how no one role is adequate to fully support students and conflicts exist between the roles. Toward the end I make some suggestions for faculty and institutions. About the paper title: I put "computing" in it to emphasize relevance to SIGCSE, but my hope is it's useful beyond that scope. I also wrote the paper to be relevant to the guidance of both undergraduates and graduate student researchers. I'm glad to chat about this paper and to meet up with people at SIGCSE next year in St. Louis.

Applying to PhD programs? Want Feedback on your PhD application? See below! A few practical rules that actually matter (after reviewing so many PhD applications and emails from students over the years, and in collaboration with my current PhD students Glenn F. and Blaine Rothrock). Think F-I-T-S…because strong applications fit. F: Focus your approach  Do: Allow time for a faculty response, and contact them again after you have submitted your application; faculty can more easily follow up when they can examine a complete file.  Don’t: Send generic or overly styled emails. Keep your message simple, direct, and authentic. I: Invest in details  Do: Read one or two recent papers from labs you’re targeting and show how your work connects to theirs. Proofread everything and tailor each document to the program.  Don’t: Reuse the same statement everywhere or rely on buzzwords—committees notice when you haven’t customized. T: Talk and test the waters  Do: Reach out to current or former students; they’ll tell you how the lab really works. Apply to multiple programs since funding and fit can be unpredictable.  Don’t: Rely on one “dream” program or assume a big-name school guarantees a good lab match. S: Show you finish  Do: Convey how your experience can contribute to the current work in the lab, this can be from completed work in academia or industry, admission panels value students who have proven competence and are team players.  Don’t: Discuss all your projects without explaining how they connect. Be concise and to the point about your experience, don't try to oversell yourself. Make sure you… Highlight what’s distinctive about your background (e.g., your training, culture, or perspective), and show that you can sustain focused research for 4–5 years. Many funding paths depend on strong lab alignment and demonstrated commitment. Finally… Take your time and pick good recommenders who can speak to your research potential (provide them with a summary of your activities and remind them of application deadlines). FIT your story to the program. The best applications aren’t loud, they’re clear, consistent, and committed. Here is a great program at Northwestern University for first-generation and underrepresented students to get feedback on their PhD application to Computer Science programs in North America: https://lnkd.in/giyckA2Y Have some wonderful PhD students on the market now, lookout!! Glenn F., Soroush Shahi, Farzad Shahabi, Boyang Wei, Blaine Rothrock CTA: Share this with someone applying, or drop one application question below and I’ll answer. #PhD #PhDAdmissions #Academia #GradSchool #HigherEd #ComputerScience #FirstGenPhD #DiversityInAcademia Any other thoughts? Do share...

Kaio Henrique Andrade Ananias Receives the Global Google PhD Fellowship 2025 Google has announced the recipients of the 2025 Global Google PhD Fellowships, which recognize outstanding graduate students conducting exceptional and innovative research in computer science and related fields. The program provides direct financial support for their doctoral studies and pairs each Fellow with a dedicated Google Research Mentor. Kaio Henrique, a PhD student in the Graduate Program in Computer Science at UFMG, was selected as one of the recipients. His research at UFMG's Compilers Lab focuses on the design and implementation of more efficient tensor compilers. Kaio is currently conducting a research internship under the supervision of Prof. J. Nelson Amaral at the University of Alberta, with the support of CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. Learn more about the Google PhD Fellowship Program: https://lnkd.in/gf5xyfPt See the full list of 2025 recipients: https://lnkd.in/eCNh3wh7 #academia #compiler #research #programming #phd

"After months of anticipation, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) today released its instructions for the next round of applicants to its Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). To the dismay of many, the prestigious program, which funds more than 1000 promising STEM graduate students each year, will now exclude a key group of students, as second-year Ph.D. students are no longer eligible. The students who are still able to apply—undergraduates, bachelor’s degree holders, those in joint bachelor’s-master’s programs, and first year Ph.D. students—aren’t in the clear either, as some must decide whether to throw their hats in the ring with an unusually narrow timeframe to apply." #US #STEM #NSF #GRFP #fellowships

UCSD doesn't care why you want them. They want to know who YOU are. Forget the "Why Us?" Essay. At University of California San Diego, your entire story has to fit into 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), just 350 words each. That's less than one page to show four years of high school work. No fluff. These essays decide if you stand out at one of America's top public universities for STEM. Part of my College Deep Dive Series where I break down what really matters at Top Schools. The UC application is open and the wild part is that No letters of recommendation are required! Your essays, grades, and activities do ALL the talking. Here's how to make your PIQs hit different. Don't just list what you did. Show proof of work. That Computer Science project you built at 2am when nobody asked you to. The community problem you actually solved, not just "volunteered for." Why UCSD though? San Diego isn't just beaches. It's California's biotech capital. UCSD students get access to startups, Scripps research labs and biotech giants while still in undergrad. Top 10 public university. Insane research opportunities and Perfect weather. And you get to prove yourself without recommendation letters holding you back. If innovation and impact matter to you then UC San Diego might be your move. Which UC are you applying to? #UCSD #HighSchool #College #STEM #ComputerScience #California

Study Prepares Students for Quantum Information Revolution, Addressing Workforce Demands in Rapidly Growing Field University educators are successfully preparing students for emerging quantum careers by integrating hands-on activities, coding, and project-based learning, alongside tailored mentorship that recognises prior knowledge and fosters supportive learning environments. #quantum #quantumcomputing #technology https://lnkd.in/eXnDVUDq

On Wednesday, October 15th, Shirley Yanovich, CIS Program Director and Technical Professor, hosted a professional gathering for area high school computer teachers. The event provided valuable insights into King’s College and its Computer and Information Systems (CIS) program, highlighting the College’s commitment to preparing students not only to enter the technology workforce, but to excel as innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in an increasingly digital world. During the event, Michelle Landon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, introduced an exciting new initiative CIS Fast Forward Program. This innovative pathway allows students to begin taking CIS courses in their junior year of high school and complete the program within three years after high school graduation, saving both time and tuition costs while accelerating their career readiness. Chris Dearth, Vice President for Enrollment Management, welcomed the visiting teachers and emphasized the close-knit and supportive nature of the King’s community. He encouraged them to bring their students to campus to experience firsthand the opportunities that await future professionals. Current CIS students Joshua Prebola and Makenzie Musselman offered their perspectives on the program, sharing their personal journeys that began as Young Scholars. They spoke about how the CIS curriculum, faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences have helped them grow academically and professionally. The event also featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Vito DeLuca, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer for Luzerne County. In his role, Mr. DeLuca leads countywide efforts to integrate artificial intelligence safely and ethically into government operations. His work focuses on policy development, staff training, and community education to ensure AI adoption supports transparency and public trust. He discussed emerging AI technologies and tools, offering insights into AI. Following the presentation, Charles Richter from Tunkhannock Area High School led a collaborative AI networking session, allowing teachers to share ideas, classroom strategies, and emerging best practices related to artificial intelligence in education. The event concluded with an exciting announcement: the upcoming CIS Day++ will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This annual event invites high school students, teachers, and local industry partners to explore technology, innovation, and the future of computing at King’s College. #KingsCollege #CISProgram #ComputerInformationSystems #TechnologyEducation #STEMEducation #HigherEd #FutureOfTech #InnovationInEducation #AIinEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #TechLeaders #DigitalInnovation #StudentSuccess #FastForwardProgram #CareerReady #TechCareers #EducationPartnerships #CommunityEngagement #CISDay #Networking #FutureReady #TechEducation #KingsCIS #EmpowerThroughEducation #CollegeToCareer

Academic advising is more than helping students pick courses—it’s about being present to guide and uplift students as they navigate the rigorous journey through engineering and computer science. In the College of Engineering and Computer Science at FAU, every student walks a unique path, often balancing demanding coursework, project deadlines, and innovative research. Through hands-on guidance, mentoring, and meaningful programming delivered by dedicated advisors in our Center for Advising and Student Engagement (CASE), we provide the personalized support that empowers students to face challenges with confidence. Advising here is rooted in listening, understanding each individual’s goals, and building the strategies for success—from day one as a Pre-Professional Engineering student through degree completion. The privilege of being part of this journey means helping students realize potential they may not have seen in themselves, preparing them not only for academic achievement but for changing the world through technology and innovation. I am honored to support Owls as they become the next generation of engineering and computer science leaders. #AcademicAdvising #StudentSuccess #EngineeringExcellence #FAU #HigherEd #Mentorship #OwlsLead

Why science education is not given its full meaning in schools? Science education is not an easy task. It requires a lot of planning, understanding, and development...and that’s just one part! After a project is completed, it’s necessary to review whether it is effectively engaging students, having a positive impact, and being properly related to real-life situations. Teaching science is not for just anyone. Honestly, teachers, especially in the early stages of education, do an amazing job trying to improve their techniques, experiments, examples, activities, and projects each year. They have a heavy workload from other subjects, weekly schedules, school events, daily issues, learning processes, discipline, student health, and, of course, observing and understanding students’ attitudes, work styles, preferences, skills, and weaknesses. On top of that, they are expected to excel in STEM and science because most schools promise parents that their children will develop curiosity, be encouraged to ask questions, cultivate critical thinking, and excel in all areas. It’s just too much. Too much for any primary and elementary school teacher whose academic background may not be in sciences. This is why science education, or STEM, or STEAM often isn’t given its full importance. Because meaningful science education requires passion, time, and resources to be carried out in the best way possible. This is the main reason behind my Carls Newton science project. I understand teachers because I am one. With a full-time job and only a few hours to dedicate to all the planning I mentioned, I wanted to create something to support them. This project aims to: *help teachers who give their best every day, *offer school principals a valuable option to enrich their science programs and most importantly, *to ignite curiosity and foster authentic interest and understanding of scientific topics in students from early education stages. This project is what I always believed every school needs: a way to support staff, uphold quality standards, and positively impact the entire school community. Carls N. #STEM #STEAM #scienceeducation #science #scienceteacher

🤯 Engineering Wasn’t My Plan… I never planned to be in Computer Science… but here I am, feeling completely out of place. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in CSE, you’re not alone and this might just change the way you see you We’ve all had thoughts like: a. I chose engineering because I attempted CET or JEE. b. I’m doing this mostly to meet my parents’ expectations. c. I’ll figure it out later. d. I only study when exams are near. Here’s what I’ve realized even the toughest concepts become manageable when approached with 1.The right mindset, that mindset starts with curiosity. 🌱 When I say ‘Right Mindset,’ I mean shifting from studying just for exams to asking what, why, and how. That’s when Computer Science stops feeling intimidating. And once you start solving real-world problems, it becomes genuinely interesting That’s why I’m excited to launch my new series: “Decoding Computer Science” 💻 It’s designed for anyone who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or out of place in this field a space to learn, question, and rediscover curiosity, one concept at a time. If you’ve ever thought, “CSE is not for me,” this series might help you see it differently. Let’s learn, grow, and embrace the journey together. #DecodingComputerScience#EngineeringStudents #TechMadeSimple#CSEJourney #CuriousMindset #ComputerScienceStudents#LearnWithMe #StudyMotivation #CollegeLife #StudentCommunity#CuriosityDrivenLearning #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth#KeepLearning #GrowthMindset #STEMEducation #ProgressNotPerfection