WHAT IS EMBER?

An overarching goal for this experience is to make research opportunities available and accessible to students from populations underrepresented in computing.

That course includes a mini-research module designed to expose students to research in computing. Faculty at UMass CICS will provide content and leadership during the mentored research experience with a UMass lab (e.g., a 4-5 week paired apprenticeship with a Ph.D. student on a topic planned and vetted by a faculty member).

This program will provide students with:

• increased knowledge and confidence in research environments;
• the knowledge and practice necessary to apply to Ph.D. research positions;
• increased awareness of pathways to long-term careers in computing-based research;
• exposure to research areas and different applications of computing;
• a basic understanding of research methods in computer science, including practice in how to approach and frame a research question, how to move from a research question to designing a project, and how to interpret results, including failure as a necessary part of the research process;
• strategies for combatting imposter phenomenon and stereotype threat.

EMBER is a college-wide effort with participation from