SRP Lunch & Learn
Each year the Summer Research Program (SRP) hosts a weekly seminar series during lunchtime. The topics include research and career tips for summer students, and are hosted by expert Siebel School faculty. The seminars are hybrid and can be attended in person at the Siebel Center for Computer Science or via Zoom.
May 26
Topic: Welcome & Introductions - Nancy Amato, Carolyn Hughes and Brad Solomon
Speakers: Nancy Amato, Abel Bliss Professor and Siebel School director, Carolyn Hughes, Senior Program Coordinator Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC), and Brad Solomon, CS Teaching Assistant Professor.
Abstract: Introductions of the participants, faculty and grad mentors, and key department staff. This session will also provide an overview of the summer, including the goals and expectations of this program, and how to get the most out of this program.
June 2
Topic: How to do Research Part 1: Coming Up to Speed
Speakers: Camille Cobb, CS Assistant Professor, Katherine Mimnaugh, CS Future Faculty Fellow and Postdoctoral Researcher, and Yongjoo Park, CS Assistant Professor.
Abstract: How to get started on a new research topic. How to do a literature search. How to read a paper. How to identify the researchers you’d like to follow and how to do it. How can you determine what is good research and what isn’t? Importance of reproducibility in open science.
June 9
Topic: Networking 101
Speakers: Yael Gertner, CS Teaching Associate Professor, and Colleen Lewis, CS Associate Professor.
Abstract: Networking is an important skill. This session addresses the skills that are needed for networking, a very important component of your professional life. The topics include strategies for finding a community, meeting people in the field, and promoting your research and yourself: the elevator pitch. This session will also address what you should prepare for, learn, and what to do when you attend conferences, workshops, or any technical meeting, including meeting researchers visiting your department.
June 16
Topic: Mentors, Advisors, and Sponsors - You need them all!
Speakers: Pablo D Robles Granda, CS Teaching Assistant Professor, Ruta Mehta,
CS Associate Professor, and Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, CS Teaching Professor.
Abstract: Mentors, advisors, and sponsors are all important in your development as a scholar and researcher as you move through your CS career. In this session, you will learn about how people in each of these roles will support your development and growth, how to connect with each, and the various opportunities we have within the Illinois CS community to connect with mentors, advisors, and sponsors!
June 23
Topic: How to do Research Part 2: Writing & Publishing
Speakers: Yiling Lou, CS Assistant Professor, Irving Solis, CS Postdoctoral Researcher, and Tandy Warnow, Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering.
Abstract: This session will cover writing and publishing papers and code. How to write a paper. How to publish -- conferences, journals, open access; what is and isn’t plagiarism (including self-plagiarism), how/when to cite other references, dual submissions, and author ordering; How to publish code and how you can use the code of others. It will also cover common ethical issues, e.g., what to do if you find a mistake in a paper you published, and you should - and shouldn’t - use AI tools in your research.
June 30
Topic: Grad School 101 & Career Paths with an MS or PhD
Speakers: Minje Kim, CS Associate Professor, Sarah Gimbert Sterman, CS Research Assistant Professor, and Luyi Xing, CS Associate Professor.
Abstract: This session will include information about graduate school from both the student and faculty perspectives. It will address questions such as: What is grad school like? How is it different from undergrad? How do you pay for it? Is it for everyone? Masters vs. PhD--what do these degrees do for you? Do you need to put your life on hold when you are in grad school? What are some of the best things about grad school?
July 7
Topic: Developing your Professional Persona
Speakers: Mashfiqui Rabbi, CS Research Assistant Professor, Fernando Granha Jeronimo, CS Assistant Professor, and Jule Schatz, CS Teaching Assistant Professor.
Abstract: This session will address the dos and don'ts of building a professional image. Topics will include web presence (personal pages and social media), professional communication skills (email, etc.) and behavior. How to be a good collaborator and citizen, polite and respectful treatment of cultural differences, and how to be an advocate or ally when you observe disrespectful behavior.
July 14
Topic: Presentation and Other Verbal Communication Skills
Speakers: Nancy Amato, Abel Bliss Professor and Siebel School director, Ruby Tahboub, CS teaching assistant professor, and Gang Wang, CS associate professor.
Abstract: This session will focus on building your oral communication skills. Topics include strategies for making high-quality oral and poster presentations.
July 21
Topic: Preparing a Competitive Application for Graduate School and External Fellowships
Speakers: Max Fowler, CS Teaching assistant professor; Aishwarya Ganesan, CS assistant professor and Lana Lazebnik, Professor and Willett Faculty Scholar.
Abstract: This session will provide information, examples, and strategies for how to prepare a competitive application for graduate school and external fellowships. The session will address questions such as: What should you write in the personal / research statement? What should you highlight in your resume? Should you take the GRE? Who and how should you ask for letters of recommendation? How are applications reviewed? Should you contact professors at the schools you are applying to? How important is prior participation in research? Do awards (e.g., CRA Undergraduate Research Award) matter?
July 28
Topic: Siebel School Summer Research Program Symposium
SRP participants will present posters describing their work over the summer. The symposium will be open to the public and awards will be presented.
Additional SRP events
Summer Research Program Community Building: Rock Climbing at Horizon. SRP participants can enjoy socializing and networking with other participants as they rock climb at the Horizon Rock Climbing Facility. (6/11/26 at 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Summer Research Program Community Building: Insper Chicago Tour. SRP participants can participate in an all-day trip to Chicago for Insper students on Thursday, June 18. This will include an architectural boat tour, Lou Malnati’s Pizza, an afternoon on your own, and dinner provided at DPI catered by Tortazo. The bus will depart early at 6:45 am and will return around 10 pm. (6/18/26 All Day.)
Summer Research Program Community Building: Board Games. SRP participants can enjoy socializing and networking with other participants as they play board games. Bring a board game to share and teach others how to play. (7/7/26 at 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Summer Research Program Community Building: Kayaking at Sugar Valley. SRP participants can enjoy socializing and networking with other participants as they kayak through Turtle Run National Park at Sugar Valley. (7/10/26 All Day)
Summer Research Program Community Building: Brazilian Dinner at Gies Stadium. Join other SRP participants for socializing and networking at Gies Stadium with an authentic Brazillian dinner! (7/16/26 at 6:00 p.m.)
Summer Research Program Community Building: Bowling. SRP participants can enjoying socializing and networking with other participants as you play a friendly bowling match at the Illini Union. (7/21/26 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.)