Distributed Rap Sessions
Coalition to Diversify Computing
Distributed Rap Sessions
2002-2003
Introduction
Strong support systems are critical to the success of any rigorous graduate
program; especially graduate programs in computer engineering, computer
science and computational science. Such programs are very demanding, due
to the significant research project. It is well known that a community
of peers can provide this needed support system. It is important, however,
that this community consists of peers with common backgrounds, both ethnically
and intellectually. This can be a problem for minority graduate students
in the area of computing, for which the numbers are very small. The goal
of this project is two-fold:
- Continue the project that was started last year by Valerie Taylor and Bryant York that was focused on building a virtual community of minority undergraduate and graduate students.
- Begin the process of focusing the rap sessions on research projects, for which minority graduate students and faculty present their research to minority undergraduate students and hold short research meetings during the rap sessions.
The Access Grid (AG) is an ensemble of resources that can be used to support
human interaction across distributed sites, called Access Nodes. The resources
include multimedia displays, presentations and interaction environments
as well as the interfaces to visualization technology. Access Grid nodes
are "designed spaces" that explicitly contain the high-end audio
and video technology needed to provide high-quality compelling user experiences.
Progress
Two very successful Distributed Rap Sessions were held during this time period. One was held on 23 October 2002 with Jackson State and UIUC. During this session many undergrads expressed interest in participating in a group research project. The second DRS was held on 20 November 2002, during the SC conference. Again this session was excellent with many CDC members participating at the SC Access Grid nodes as well as students at other universities. The focus of this session was on graduate school and the climate for minorities.
At this time the project leaders are attempting to set up two projects, led by faculty and involving students, to be done over the Access Grid. The students will be paid as REU for the project work.
Project Leaders
Allison Clark, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Digital Equity Initiatives
National Center for Supercomputing Applications
Phoebe E. Lenear, M.S.
Program Manager
National Computational Science Alliance
National Center for Supercomputing Applications
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