Murry Riley (Mentor: Samir. Teamates: Megan) My time at REU-CAAR was everything I hoped for and more. Before this summer I had never read an academic paper with the expectation of contributing to the field. By the end of the summer, I had read nearly 50 papers, written my own, and made plans with my mentor (Samir Khuller) for which conferences we should submit it to. The program coordinators for CAAR-REU (William Gasarch, Samir Khuller, Clyde Kruskal)) were instrumental in making this possible. In addition to serving as mentors throughout the summer, they organized activites (lunches, game nights, field trip, boat trip) that contributed to a community of learning and research beyond my wildest expectations. When I applied to undergraduate programs, I was unsure if I would pursue a PhD, and I knew that my [eventual] planned REU experience would weigh heavily in whether I would apply to graduate schools. My experiences at CAAR-REU now leave no question- I will apply to PhD programs in Computer Science, and I can only hope that my years in graduate school resemble my time at REU-CAAR. ------------------------------------------------------- Hannah Christenson (Mentor: Gasarch. Teamates: Nichole, Robert (HS), Daniel (HS), Burcu (Turkey). Project: Sat Solvers for Ramsey Numbers.) The program definitely taught me a lot about how to conduct TCS research and how to learn independently. I liked that the program was set up in such a way that the my mentor (Bill Gasarch) did not make the research environment a stressful one. The lack of pressure to need to find publishable results made the program and thus the research experience more enjoyable. ------------------------------------------ Nathan Klein (Mentor: Katz. Teamates: Cody) REU CAAR was an incredible experience. The other students in the program were motivated, lively people, and we were able to create a great environment for friendship and research around the program's welcoming structure. I learned a lot about cryptography and combinatorics, guided by a dedicated mentor (Jon Katz), and was even able to gain experience in readying a paper for publication. This REU is a rare breed in that it focuses on theoretical research in computer science, and I think more of its kind should exist; the breadth of knowledge which theory encourages is invaluable to undergraduates like myself (even, I think, if we end up in more applied fields). I came away with new friends, new interest in cryptography, and a healthy dose of new knowledge. Whether it was discussing one of Bill or Clyde's riddles, a night of ultimate frisbee and boardgames, or swimming in UMD's huge fountain while talking about Ramsey theory (and maybe even conducting a fake marriage between two REU members), we were consistently engaged and entertained. An unforgettable summer. ------------------------------------------- Ben Eggars (Mentor: Samir. Teamates: Katherine) The program was awesome! I learned a TON of Computer Science, and got a glimpse into what it's actually like to do research full-time. Samir was a fantastic mentor--not only could he explain the CS well, but he knows how to navigate academia. Overall, I'm very glad I chose the REU instead of an internship. ------------------------------------------ Lucianna Kiffer (Mentor: Gasarch/Kruskal. Teamates: Albert. Project- VDW games) I have enjoyed this summer's research experience as a chance to explore more theoretical work. My past research experience includes a summer of more software development work and the past school year working in more applied research; so its been nice to be around just theory. Not only did my project and student's projects help reinforce my desire to go into theory for graduate school, but also the general algorithms/mathematics conversations we students had outside of our work. Being around just computer science people all summer not only resulted in very interesting and theory based conversation in and out of our research, but also a lot of talk helpful talk about graduate school among ourselves (since many of us are going into our senior year). This summer's work and atmosphere gave me helpful insight into where I want to go with computer science. ------------------------------------------------- Albert Cheu (Mentor: Gasarch/Kruskal. Teamates: Lucianna. Project; VDW games) Working with Prof. Gasarch and Kruskal was the first time I had been exposed to academic research. Not only did I learn more about computer science, I explored uncharted territory in the field. I gained new skills such as communicating results with peers and conducting research with a partner. My summer research--my research summer--was a very rewarding experience, one I hope others would have. ------------------------------------------------------- Racheal Folowoshele (Mentor: Gasarch. No Teamates. Project: Loaded Dice) The Summer 2015 REU-CAAR was an experience that has, literally, changed the very trajectory of my life for the better. Getting to have a taste of research gave me insight of what I could hope to experience and get to do in graduate studies and for a career. I wish to be a career researcher and know I desire to start / continue that path even as a graduate student of The University of Maryland, College Park once I graduate from my undergraduate institution. The Computer Science department of UMD, College Park is full of renown names within various subareas of computer science and the faculty are knowledgeable, personable, and supportive as mentors and instructors. What I gained this summer in experience, network, and potential lifelong relationships Far exceed the financial amount sowed into the program and us. The return The National Science Foundation sees and shall continue to see in its Generous investment in students such as me--in particular, twice underrepresented as female and African American--certainly makes it worthwhile to continue this gift of a program. Thanks and Cheers! --------------------------------------------------------- Geoffrey Martin-Noble (Mentor: Mohammad. Teamates: Duncan Wilson. Project: Social Networks) This is the third summer research program I have participated in as an undergraduate and undoubtedly the best. I had the opportunity to live and work with a group of my peers who in addition to being brilliant in their field of study were also capable of, and interested in, applying their critical thinking skills to whatever topic was at hand. I hope and believe that many of these people will continue to be friends and colleagues throughout the rest of my life. In addition to his apparent knack for choosing genuinely engaged college students, Bill is obviously extremely invested in the program and in continuing to improve it. His frank style makes it easy to give him feedback, and his constant questions indicate that he very much wants to receive it. I am confident that this program will continue to improve.