Tech + Research Workshop

Tech + Research Banner

Date: October 25 - October 27, 2024

Location: University of Maryland, Iribe Center

REGISTER FOR TECH+RESEARCH

REGISTER FOR TECHNICA

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, the The Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society, and the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing (I4C) are pleased to present the seventh year of Tech + Research: Welcoming Students to Computing Research. This is a three day research workshop geared towards engaging underrepresented genders in computing. Part of Technica, the world’s largest hackathon for underrepresented genders, Tech + Research participants work to solve pressing issues through hands-on computing research projects with UMD faculty. 

Technica and Tech + Research will be a hybrid experience in 2024! You can participate either fully in person or fully remote.

Parallel to Technica, the largest hackathon for underrepresented genders in the nation, students will participate in the Research track at Technica. The weekend event will bring together computing faculty from institutions across the state of Maryland to serve as mentors on projects in their research areas. Along with providing hands-on research experience in a dynamic hackathon setting, the weekend workshop will include virtual sessions introducing attendees to the basics of computer science research (CSR) and highlighting the exciting opportunities that come with pursuing a graduate degree in computer science.

Note: Please be aware: this event involves separate programming from Technica, and the majority of the programming will take place with I4C. However, you will have full access to Technica including the Career Expo and Keynote Speakers.

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST REGISTER FOR TECHNICA- RESEARCH TRACK AND COMPLETE THE ADDITONAL TECH + RESEARCH APPLICATION

 

Purpose

This workshop hopes to give undergraduate CS students who identify as an underrepresented gender in computing an opportunity to learn about future computer science research opportunities and to provide hands-on experience engaging in CS research in a hackathon setting. Additionally, we plan for this event to allow students to meet computing faculty and current graduate students and to socialize and collaborate with like-minded peers. By providing a positive intellectual, social, and emotional environment for the participants to meaningfully engage in computing research, we hope to directly address gender gaps that currently exists in CS departments in higher education.

Attendees of this event will not only be expanding their CS skills, they will also be given the opportunity to meet and network with many individuals who are a part of the CS community at the University of Maryland. If you are interested in hosting a project, please email Kate Atchison, katea@umd.edu.

Workshop participants will:

  • Meet others who share their curiosity and interest in computer science.
  • Explore the research experience in computing related domains.
  • Work hands-on with researchers.
  • Work in a team to tackle a research problem.
  • Present their research with their team.
  • Broaden understanding of the possibilities of graduate school and the application process.

Surrounding area schools and departments were invited to submit research projects. Projects from the following departments have been submitted in previous Tech + Research workshops.

2024 Projects

Schedule of Events

Thursday

7 p.m.- Orientation

Date

October 24

Location

Zoom

Friday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.- Research Bootcamp

Date

October 25

Location

Iribe Center & Remote

Saturday 

All Day- Technica Kickoff & Project Time 

Date

October 26

Location

The Armory, Iribe Center & Remote 

Sunday 

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Expo Presentations & Closing Ceremony

Date

October 27

Location

The Armory & Remote 

Register to Attend

Who Can Attend?

We welcome all undergraduates who identify as underrepresented genders in computing and who are from all colleges and universities to apply. Current Master's students considering a PhD program may apply and will be considered on a case by case basis. 

Registration Process and Fees

Participants will either experience this workshop remotely through the Zoom virtual platform or in-person.

Depending on how students choose to attend the workshop (virtual or in-person), all gear (water bottle, pens, stickers) will be either shipped to your personal address or distributed to you in-person. Students attending virtually will be responsible for their own meals but are welcome to share the lunch space via Zoom. Lunch will be provided to students who are able to attend in-person.

REMEMBER: YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH TECHNICA (RESEARCH TRACK) & COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FOR TECH + RESEARCH

Register for the Tech + Research Workshop by filling out the following form:

REGISTRATION FOR TECH + RESEARCH

Register for Technica here:

REGISTER FOR TECHNICA

Participant Information

Logistical Information for Attendees

Tech Requirements and Access

More information coming soon.

General Information

All students participating in the research workshop must join the Zoom meeting by 10am on Friday morning. We have an important bootcamp event to prepare you for the research projects. If you cannot make it by this time, you need to let us know immediately.

You will not be working on your own idea or hack during Technica. During Technica, you will be working with your research team on a specific project you selected as an interest.

You will be assigned your research group the week before Technica. Each team will have their own Slack channel to communicate. Researchers may send out a small amount of pre-reading to help you prepare for the project.

During Technica, projects will either be fully virtual or fully in-person. No project will run as a hybrid project.

Spread the Word

View the Tech + Research Flyer.

Questions about the registration process, workshop, or logistical information can be sent to i4c@umd.edu

Questions about Technica can be addressed to hello@gotechnica.org

About Technica

On October 26-27 2024, Technica will be held at the University of Maryland. This years theme is  “Wonder Awaits”! Inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, we’re diving into the rabbit hole and embarking on a nostalgic journey to celebrate our 10-year anniversary.

 Technica is the largest hackathon for underrepresented genders in the world. In the span of 24 hours, Technica gives our participants the opportunity to create new applications, websites or hardware projects.

Technica is not a typical hackathon—it serves as a place where the brightest thinkers in the country can come together to collaborate and share their innovative ideas. Our focus is on providing a welcoming, engaging and creative environment to support underrepresented genders in tech culture. We pride ourselves in helping both beginners and experienced hackers explore technology and develop their skills.

Over the duration of 24 hours, participants are immersed in tech culture and encouraged to exercise their imagination to create interesting and innovative hacks.

At Technica, we want to challenge our hackers to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, whether that's exploring a new technology, tinkering with hardware hacks, or coding for the very first time! This past year we introduced our beginners and hardware tracks, designed for hackers looking for extra support or interested in trying their hand at electronics. At Technica, we want our hackers to learn, grow, and meet new people, so join us at Technica 2024!

 

All participants attending Tech + Research must also register for Technica. Register here.

 

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