Midwest Research Computing and Data Consortium
The Student Experience Program is for graduate and undergraduate students from computing and computational science fields attending institutions of higher education within the Midwest. The purpose is to provide opportunities for diverse students to engage in consortium activities. Thus, exposing them to a career as a CI professional. Students will shadow a senior leader and participate in planning for and attending the annual network retreat (spring 2025). Students will have the opportunity to meet with their senior leaders throughout the year and meet in person at the annual network retreat. A stipend will be provided for students.
The Steering Committee will vet applications and pair students with mentors/senior leaders. They can attend the evening networking event prior to the conference and meet with their mentors during the conference. Students will submit a report or blog post outlining their accomplishments, sharing their experiences, and providing any suggestions for program improvements.
Students had several roles during the 2024 Midwest RCD Annual Meeting. Graduate students gave a presentation on “Patra Model Cards for ICICLE” and led a social networking activity based on Net.Create. Those who participated in the Student Experience Program met with mentors individually, networked with peers and cyberinfrastructure professionals during breaks, and gave the consortium feedback on what they gained from the experience and how the experience might benefit more students in the future. More information about student participation and photos are located on the network retreat page 2024 Spring Network Retreat. Additionally, network retreat highlights are published in the monthly newsletter listed on the Midwest RCD website.