The NC4 Center includes a robust education and outreach plan to integrate undergraduate students from underrepresented groups into the research efforts at the center, and provide a pathway to graduate studies. We have developed an undergraduate research program aligned with the research objectives of the center, to provide undergrads with research experience and hands-on training beyond the classroom. We have also developed a bootcamp for professional development and mentorship of undergraduates. NC4 PIs identify and mentor senior design projects in the ECE and CSE departments that are aligned with the research objectives of the center. Undergraduates have summer internship opportunities within the center, with opportunities to continue research during the academic year. Finally, we are developing a colloquium series related to topics of interest at the center, with seminars from ARL leaders to undergrad students in ECE and CSE departments.

Year 1 Accomplishments

Developed an undergraduate research program aligned with the research objectives of the center.

• 27 undergrad students through Sept 2021
• All undergrads had research experience and hands-on training beyond the classroom

Graduate research training.

• 17 PhD students, 3 MS students (1 PhD student graduated)

Developed a bootcamp for professional development of undergraduates.

• Professional mentorship for undergraduate students; professional development workshop and roundtable discussion with academic and industrial mentors in Summer 2021

Identified senior design projects in ECE and CSE departments aligned with the research objectives at the center.

• Multiple senior design projects mentored by NC4 PIs
• Students learned about advanced concepts related to FNC3, beyond what is typical in undergrad curricula

Provided internship opportunities to undergraduate students.

• 13 of the undergrad students did rigorous summer internships at the center, getting hands-on experience, and many continued as researchers in the Fall

Developed a colloquium series related to topics of interest at the center.

• Seminars from ARL leaders to undergrad students in ECE and CSE departments: lectures in classes, professional development lectures

Year 2 Accomplishments

Developed an undergraduate research program aligned with the research objectives of the center.

• 23 undergrad and 19 graduate students supported in the past year.
• All undergrads had research experience and hands-on training beyond the classroom
  • 1 UCR undergrad student joined UCSD in PhD program
  • 1 UCSD undergrad continued to MS
  • 2 UCR undergrads joined UCR MS program
  • 1 UCR undergrad student joined Northrup Grumman

Graduate research training.

• 19 graduate students (1 PhD student graduated; 1 MS student has graduated); many students have published/submitted/are on track to publish in major conferences and journals in Y2.

Developed a bootcamp for professional development of undergraduates.

• Bootcamp from summer 2021 was continued in Summer 2022.
   

Identified senior design projects in ECE and CSE departments aligned with the research objectives at the center.

• Multiple senior design projects mentored by NC4 PIs
• Students learned about advanced concepts related to FNC3, beyond what is typical in undergrad curricula

Provided internship opportunities to undergraduate students.

• Rigorous summer internships at the center, getting hands-on experience, professional development and mentorship

Developed a colloquium series related to topics of interest at the center.

• Seminars from ARL leaders to undergrad students in ECE and CSE departments: lectures in classes, professional development lectures

Year 3 Accomplishments

Developed an undergraduate research program aligned with the research objectives of the center.

• 16 undergrad and 23 graduate students have been supported last year.
• 2 PhD students graduated from UCR (currently at Microsoft Research, Asst Prof. Cal State Fresno)
• 1 UCSD PhD student graduated (currently at MIT Lincoln Labs)
• 1 UCR undergrad joined UCSD PhD program
• 1 UCSD undergrad student applying for graduate school
• 1 UCSD PhD student received Google PhD Fellowship

Graduate research training.

• 34 published papers, 16 under review, 3 PhD theses.

K-12 Outreach

• Co-PI Guler organized high school AI summer camp.

Developed a bootcamp for professional development of undergraduates.

• Continued from summers of 2021 and 2022.
   

Identified senior design projects in ECE and CSE departments aligned with the research objectives at the center.

• Multiple senior design projects mentored by NC4 PIs

Provided internship opportunities to undergraduate students.

• Rigorous summer internships at the center, getting hands-on experience, professional development and mentorship; 11 students participated in summer 2023.