CSters: Trips and Conferences

Trips and Conferences

Many members of the CSters attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, now held annually. From the Grace Hopper Website: the conference is "designed to bring the research and career interests of women in computing to the forefront. It is the largest technical conference for women in computing and results in collaborative proposals, networking and mentoring for junior women and increased visibility for the contributions of women in computing. Conference presenters are leaders in their respective fields, representing industry, academia and government. Top researchers present their work while special sessions focus on the role of women in today's technology fields." Below are some pictures from a previous conference.

Grace Hopper Conference: October 2004 Making History

In October 2004, CSters brought four undergraduates and two graduate students to the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Chicago. This conference is a chance for women in the field to network and rejoice in each other's accomplishments.

This year's conference was particularly exciting to CSters because Dr. Lydia Kavraki, the faculty advisor to CSters, gave the keynote address. It was wonderful to see someone who has been such an inspiration to our members being recognized for her achievements.

CSters with Dr. Kavraki after her keynote address

The conference also provided a chance for us to work with a group from Truman State University to talk about the successes and failures of peer mentoring groups like CSters and how to make them better. We teamed up to host a Birds of a Feather Session open to everyone at conference. So many people attended that we broke into small groups for more one on one discussion.

CSters lead discussion groups during the Birds of a Feather session

Everyone had their own favorite part of the conference, but one universal comment was that it was inspiring to see so many brilliant female computer scientists in one room. For undergraduates and graduate students like ourselves, the conference was overflowing with role models. We found women from all walks of life who had overcome challenges we are facing and will face and who were more than happy to share their experiences. Plus, we met lots of students just like us, and left with many new friends.

Just look at the huge number of women!

Of course, we also enjoyed the chance to hang out with Rice alumns... Rice Alumi

to eat authentic Chicago deep dish pizza... Pizza

and to socialize at an awesome party thrown by Google... Air Hockey Google

All in all, the conference was an amazing experience and one that we will never forget! We are very thankful to the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education (CEEE), the Computer and Information Technology Institute (CITI), and the George R. Brown School of Engineering's Dean's office for supporting our trip. We especially owe a big thanks to Michael Sirois and Dr. Kavraki for making the trip possible!

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Thanks to Michael Sirois, Elspeth Simpson, and Rose Yao for providing the pictures of the trip!