Undergraduate Research

I am very interested in collaborating with inquisitive, reliable and self-motivated students on research in computer science. As it happens, employers are very interested in hiring exactly those kinds of students after they graduate. So aside from giving you a taste of what computer scientists actually do, a research project can significantly enhance your resumé.

♦ what is research?

Research is any original and creative effort aimed at developing new insights or pushing existing knowledge beyond its current boundaries. Its fruits are disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. If you were to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science then you would devote four or five years of your life (maybe more) to a research problem in your area of specialty. However, a focused and motivated undergraduate, working in collaboration with a faculty member, can make meaningful progress on a research problem, possibly leading to publication.

♦ how can i become involved in research?

First of all, start going to the department seminar talks (at least those related to computer science). The speaker will often mention potential research ideas. You can also start reading research papers in your area of interest. Find a faculty member who will help guide you through the literature. Some of it may not be accessible, requiring lots of background that you do not yet have, but survey and expository papers may get the ball rolling for you.

Student-faculty research often grows out of course work. You may meet an idea in class that you would like to explore more deeply outside the class. One way to do this is through an Independent Study. This allows you to receive course credit for collaborative research. If other CS majors are interested, it may be possible to organize a special topics course (for which you would receive upper-level course credit).

The first step is to approach a faculty member with a concrete topic or project in mind. Research begins with a question or problem or idea that captures your imagination. If you come to me with a proposal, I will be glad to discuss it with you.

♦ What is your measure of success when it comes to undergraduate research?

Success will lead at least as far as an interesting talk given by you at our department seminar. Sharing your results with students and faculty in this venue is, I think, a professional obligation. But if we obtain interesting results, we can aim higher. There are numerous regional and national conferences for presenting undergraduate research. In the case of truly original and interesting work, we could submit an article to a professional conference or journal in the relevant area. This would be a bright gold star on your job or graduate school application!