1.4 Student Outreach and Training Program Task

Task Coordinator: Muddapu Balaram

OVERVIEW

Objectives and Significance:

We encourage socially and economically disadvantaged students whose interests lie in computer science, mathematics or engineering to pursue careers and graduate programs in these areas. Several educational enrichment opportunities are provided at the pre college, college and post college levels. Our efforts are focused to increase the national visibility in the areas of computer science, mathematics and the sciences. As a result of this effort, our goal is to improve recruitment of talented students and their retention in these areas.

Army Relevance:

We are providing foundations in mathematics and computer science for pre-college and college students. The primary goal is to increase the quantity and the quality of the socially and economically disadvantaged students into graduate programs and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering professions. We will enhance and maintain this pipeline of pre-college, college and graduate school programs.

Accomplishments:

We have created infrastructures at UHD/GSU that support quality education for our constituencies. We are establishing Mathematics and Science Centers at area high schools to educate teachers to integrate the use of technology into their curricula. We recruited quality high school graduates with GPA of 3.5 and greater to major in Mathematics and Computer and Computational Sciences. We have promoted research in Mathematics and Computer Science at the undergraduate student level and several students both presented and published in regional and national forums. To improve our college students preparation we have undertaken a Workshop in Graphics and Visualization. To encourage activities with our linkages we have undertaken research activities involving our students. For example, with STRICOM we have undertaken: Training Requirement Analysis Process (T-RAP) Project; Task Process Description- Data Base Management Project; and Simulation Information Filtering Tool (SIFT/Janus). With a new linkage, MIT’s Draper Laboratories, we have undertaken a project entitled: An algorithm for intervisibility determination. We have also created a strong internship and co-op program with government and industry partners. This activity has improved starting salaries for our graduates and has increased the number of students selecting graduate studies. We have submitted several federal and industrial proposals to provide leverage funding to integrate technology in such programs as Teacher Education, Natural Sciences, and Technical Communication.

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM

Objectives and Significance:

Our efforts at the pre-college level are focused to increase the national visibility in the areas of computer science, mathematics and the sciences. As a result of this effort, our goal is to improve recruitment of talented students and their retention in these areas.

Houston Pre-Freshman Enrichment Program (Houston PREP)

An eight-week, academic intensive, summer enrichment, pre-college program that provides innovative instruction in Logic, Problem Solving, Calculus, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Technical Writing offered to 7-11 grade students. In Summer 1997, 179 students completed this program of the 194 starting.

Grambling High Ability Program for Pre-Freshman

A six week, academic intensive, summer enrichment, pre-college program that provides innovative instruction in Introduction to Computer Science, Pre Calculus and English Composition offered to 11th and 12th grade students. In Summer 1997, 100 students completed the program.

UHD/GSU Saturday PREP

An academic year continuation of the PREP Programs described above that mentor and nurture PREP students giving necessary reinforcement and encouragement to pursue mathematics, science, and engineering technology careers and teaches conceptualization and problem solving.

Computer Science Academy

An activity of the ADSRC designed to allow upper level high school students to bypass remediation upon entering college in areas of computer and computational sciences, science and mathematics.

Scholarships

High school seniors are invited to apply for competitive scholarships to major in Computer Science or Mathematics. Entering freshmen or transfer students (eight from UHD and fifteen from GSU) have received scholarships. Invitations to these scholarships have been extended to undeclared, freshmen students who have been nominated by their current computer science and mathematics professors.

On Campus High School Tours

Tours of the UHD/GSU Centers and university facilities and demonstrations within the ADSRC Graphics/Simulation Lab are provided for visiting groups of students and teachers from high schools.

Pre-College Teacher Training

Through the UHD/GSU ADSRC Centers, we are providing training to pre college teachers on the use of technology in the mathematics and science curricula. Concurrent with their training teachers are required to act as interns in the Pre-College Programs described above.

Army Relevance:

We are providing foundations in mathematics, computer science, and sciences for pre-college students. The primary goal is to is to establish a pipeline to continually supply highly qualified scientists in the area of Advanced Distributed Simulation Technology. The program stresses the preparation of promising high school students who will eventually participate in the DIS research activities by joining the academic programs at the consortium institutions.

COLLEGE PROGRAM

Objectives and Significance:

Our efforts at the college level are focused to increase the national visibility in the areas of computer science, mathematics and the sciences. As a result of this effort, our goal is to improve recruitment, reduce attrition, develop high level interests at the cutting edge of the field and to encourage a transition to graduate programs.

Accomplishments:

Research Assistantship

Students are given the opportunity to obtain experience in Advanced Distributed Simulation (ADS) research. ADS research involves 3-D modeling, behavior representation, advanced visualization, communications, and high performance computing. Students receive stipends while performing research in a high-technology environment composed of state-of-the-art computers.

Open House

Each year, the UHD/ GSU Centers host an Open House composed of tours of the Center and university’s facilities and demonstrations within the ADSRC Graphics/Simulation Lab and Learning Center for industrial representatives, students, administrators, area school districts officials, local and national government officials, local media, and faculty of junior colleges and universities.

Problem Solving in Mathematics

One of the important focus in this proposal is to enhance the fundamental skills in various areas of mathematics. We realize that our students have several weak areas of mathematics, therefore, all ADSRC students were involved in problem solving where they can enhance their skills in algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, and ordinary differential equations. Problem sets of two different types were given, one for seniors and juniors, and the other for sophomores and freshmen. The students were required to form groups, each group containing three members and solve these problems as a team work. They were required to meet regularly at designated time and place.

Tutoring

While UHD/GSU offer tutoring for freshmen courses, the Centers offer free tutoring in mathematics and computer science courses in the respective ADSRC Learning Centers. Tutors consist of university faculty and/or advanced college students.

Advising/Mentoring

Scholarship recipients and research assistants are provided with advising and mentoring. At the UHD ADSRC Center, Dr. Linda Becerra, Director of Advising and Mentoring, coordinate these efforts. At GSU ADSRC Center, Dr. Orville Bignall, ADSRC Executive Director, Mr. Earnest G. Miles Jr., Coordinator of Student Activities, and Ms. Daphne McGhee, ADSRC Administrative Assistant, coordinate the activities for area high schools which participate in the enhancement programs.

ADSRC Learning Centers

Learning Centers have been established for use by UHD/GSU students. These centers offer open lab hours and tutoring sessions by ADSRC students.

ADSRC Graphics and Simulation Laboratories

These are recently constructed, state-of-the-art networked graphics environment, consisting of IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Silicon Graphics and Pentium Pro machines and large overhead monitors and TV screens, allowing 3-D representations of simulations. Other than research purposes, these laboratories are used for student training and instructional use.

Guaranteed 4.0 Program

The Guaranteed 4.0 Program educational seminar program was initiated at GSU at the end of August 1997. This educational seminar is based on the principle that repetition ensures long-term retention and ultimately, learning. It is a three-step process combining several proven and innovative study methods to provide a framework for academic success through a comprehensive learning process. In step one, students learn how to maximize class time and are given insight into the unwritten rules of the academic classroom. The second step firmly establishes the concept of utilizing the professor’s knowledge, experience, and expertise to further the students’ understanding of the course material. Step three is the flagship of the entire program. Students learn what to do and when to do it in order to obtain a straight "A" average. This part of the plan gives instruction on effective retention of reading, note taking concepts, analysis, class scheduling, homework completion, test taking, and location for studying. The Guaranteed 4.0 Program incorporates practical stress management, time management, and personal time analysis to ensure the success of all its participants.

Internships

Our students have taken advantage of internships with Lockheed Martin, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, MIT’s Draper Laboratories, and AT&T Labs, Lucent Technologies, and Texas Instruments

Linkages

In addition to our original linkages with STRICOM, Loral (Lockheed Martin) and Fort Rucker we have extended this list to include IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments. Due to the strong activity in Visualization and Artificial Intelligence in Mexico we have established research activity with Laboratorio Nacional de Informática Avanzada (LANIA) in Xalapa, México and the Universidad Autónoma Nacional de México in México City.

Army Relevance:

We are providing undergraduate students with experience in research activities that enhance mathematical and technological knowledge essential to pursue and successfully complete masters and doctoral programs and to teach at a HBCU/MI. By their participation in a rigorous program of research and enhanced academic activities, the primary goal of a continually supplying highly qualified and motivated scientists in the area of ADS area will be realized.

Objectives and Significance:

Our efforts at the post college level are focused to increase the number of students entering into graduate school in mathematics, computer science and engineering and to choose teaching as a career.

Accomplishments:

Four graduates of UHD have entered graduate programs. Ms. Stephanie Hoogendorn, graduated in May 1997, is attending a Ph.D. program in Computational Science at University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Deborah Gee, graduated in May 1997, is attending a Ph.D. program in Computational Science at Rice University. Mr. Carlos Uribe, graduated in August 1996, is attending a Ph.D. program in Computational Science at Rice University and Mr. Pedro Sepulveda , graduating in December 1997, has been accepted into a Computer Science Masters Program at Rice University. During the academic year 1996-1997, former GSU students, Ms. Elishonda Williams to a teaching position, while three other ADSRC graduates (Ms. Reniece Morgan, Ms. Sheila Rugege, and Ms. Krisha Neighbors) joined IBM with the intention to complete masters’ degree programs.

GRE Preparation:

We have conducted training and provided for GRE preparation materials.

Army Relevance:

We are providing our students with linkages to graduate schools. The primary goal is to increase the quantity and the quality of the socially and economically disadvantaged students into graduate programs and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering professions.

TRAINING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

SEPTEMBER 29, 1996 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 1997

UHD:

1. R. Prado, Internship at International Business Machines, Research Triangle Park, NC

2. P. Sepulveda, Jr., Internship at Proctor & Gamble; Cincinnati, Ohio

3. S. Hoogendoorn, Internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos, New Mexico

4. S. McRae, Internship with STRICOM funded by U.S. Army; Project STOW-EX; Orlando, FL; Ft. Leavenworth, KS; Ft. Riley, KS

5. Z. Hu, worked on a sparse network optimization problem in Summer 1996.

6. G. Kutiev and D. Smith, carried out a simulation project using FuzzyCLIPS and OpenGL in Summer 1996.

7. J. Azcarraga, J. Edwards, J. Gonzalez, O. Ilochonwu, M. Mata, V. Patino, R. Robinson, C. Rodgers, Internships with Houston PREP Summer Program; Houston, TX

1. R. Prado, Internship at International Business Machines; Research Triangle Park, NC

2. P. Sepulveda, Jr. Internship at Proctor & Gamble; Cincinnati, Ohio.

3. S. Hoogendoorn, Internship with STRICOM funded by U.S. Army; Orlando, FL

4. A. Guerra, R. Ramirez, C. Trauschke, Internships with Draper Laboratories; Boston, MA

5. O. Ilochonwu and R. Ramirez worked on a interval calculator project in Summer 1997

6. J. Azcarraga, R. Azcarraga, O. Beiza, J. Gonzalez, O. Ilochonwu, V. Patino, R. Robinson, C. Rodgers, O. Sandoval, Internships with Houston PREP Summer Program; Houston, TX

1. J. Mohammad, Internship at IBM; Research Triangle Park, NC

GSU:

SECTION 3.

VISITS AND VISITORS

VISITS BY ADSRC RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS

SEPTEMBER 29, 1996 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 1997

Center for Imaging Science, Department of Electrical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO October 8, 1996, Ratan Guha. Exchanged information with another ARO funded project.

Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, October 9 to December 2, 1996, Ratan Guha. Spent sabbatical leave as a visiting Professor and interacted with the faculty especially with Professor Vernon Rego who also has an ARO grant.

Center for Imaging Science, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, February 3,1 977, Ratan Guha. Exchanged information with another ARO funded project.

California Path, University of California, Berkeley, CA, February, 10 - April 10, 1977, Ratan Guha. Spent sabbatical leave as a visiting Professor and interacted with the faculty especially with Professor Prabin Varaiya who also has an ARO grant.

Department of Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, April 11, 1977, Ratan Guha. Exchanged information and interacted with the faculty especially with Professors Luqi and Valdis Berzins.

71^st Annual Meeting of Louisiana Academy of Sciences, by Parashu Sharma and Yenumulu. Reddy, February 7, 1997, Louisiana State University at Alexandria, LA.

US Army Research Office; February 25-26, 1997; Raleigh, North Carolina; Richard Aló, Muddapu Balaram, Patrick Bobbie, and Ratan Guha. All attended an ADSRC Principal Investigator’s Conference.

Seventh Annual Phillip L. Young Symposium, attended by Parashu Sharma, and Yenumulu Reddy, April 24, 1997, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA.

Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Aberdeen Proving Grounds; June 2, 1997; Aberdeen, Maryland; Richard Aló, Muddapu Balaram, Patrick Bobbie, Ratan Guha, Sean McRae, Derek Smith and Henry Williams. All attend an ADSRC and ARL-Aberdeen Cooperative Research Planning Meeting.