MTSU Honors student awarded computer science REU for summer research in Seattle

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — In his junior year at Middle Tennessee State University, Carlos Aldana Lira has been awarded a Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, to attend the University of Washington in Seattle to conduct computer science education research this summer.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct computing education research at the University of Washington-Seattle this summer,” said Aldana Lira, an Honors student and computer science major from La Vergne. “Computing technologies are integral to our society, and there is clear demand for computer science graduates, but there is so much to learn regarding how people learn about computing, how they learn to program, and how they think about and use programs to create and communicate.”

Middle Tennessee State University junior Carlos Aldana Lira of La Vergne, Tenn., is shown in a computer lab in the Kirksey Old Main building on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was awarded a Research Experience for Undergraduates internship, or REU, known as DUB, which stands for “Design. Build. Use.” that will take place at the University of Washington in Seattle during the summer of 2024. (MTSU photo by Robin E. Lee)

“Working with Carlos has been an unexpected joy for me this semester,” explained Tasha Frick, chemistry lecturer. “Rarely have I met an undergraduate dedicated to understanding the details of learning computer science.”

Dr. Tasha Frick, lecturer, chemistry — Dr. Tasha Frick

Design. Use. Build., known as DUB, is a grassroots alliance of faculty, students, researchers and industry partners interested in Human Computer Interaction and Design at the University of Washington, with a mission to bring together an interdisciplinary group of people to share ideas, collaborate on research, and advance teaching related to the interaction between design, people and technology.

“I aim to apply what I learn this summer to my undergraduate Honors thesis, wherein I hope to learn what knowledge novice programmers enter introductory programming classrooms with and how they apply their knowledge to programming,” Aldana Lira said. “I thank the MTSU Honors College, Undergraduate Experiential Training program, Dr. Grant Gardner, and Dr. Tasha Frick for supporting me and my interest in education research; without them, I would not be where I am now.”

Added Frick, who submitted a recommendation letter for Aldana Lira: “He is excited about the interface of computer and human learning and is developing a research agenda to contribute knowledge to this growing field.”

Aldana Lira also said he appreciated the assistance from international fellowships coordinator and Honors College advisor Laura Clippard with development of his personal statement.

“It contributed to the strength of my application, and I am thankful for the feedback and support she provided,” he said.

Aldana Lira’s passion for computers began at age 10 when he started designing video games. He chose computer science to help further his programming knowledge and networking skills.

The DUB REU is a nine-week internship. Past undergraduate students in DUB have been offered the chance to author a publication, and undergraduate interns who perform well frequently request reference letters from their mentors.

This research program encourages applications from students who would like to conduct research on topics ranging from accessibility, fabrication, health, to robotics. The DUB REU seeks broad participation, including members of underrepresented groups as defined by the National Science Foundation (i.e., African American, Hispanic, Native American, people with disabilities) who may be considering further graduate study in human-computer interaction or computer science.

Students do not need to be Honors College students to apply for REU opportunities. Learn more at mtsu.edu/honors/ufo, or contact Laura Clippard with the MTSU Undergraduate Fellowships Office at laura.clippard@mtsu.edu.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)