Student Fellow Testimonials

Feedback from CI Compass Fellowship Program alumni

 

Raja Allmdar Tariq Ali, CICF 2023, Student at Indiana University-Purdue University - Indianapolis

"One surprising thing I learned was the vast array of applications for cyberinfrastructure across diverse disciplines. For those seeking to learn and apply a wide range of skills, research in cyberinfrastructure is an ideal choice, given its extensive possibilities! This realization underscored the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the limitless opportunities for innovation that arise from blending domain-specific knowledge with advanced computing resources.

The program's material reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in cyberinfrastructure. The all-encompassing education in Python, software engineering, cloud computing, data workflows, machine learning, and artificial intelligence furnished me with invaluable skills that I'm eager to utilize in my future endeavors. Exposure to cutting-edge research and real-world projects has fueled my passion for diving deeper into this field and making meaningful contributions to its growth."

Mark Onders, CICF 2023, Student at the University of Notre Dame

"I think the biggest impact of the CICompass program was getting familiarized with the National Science Foundation's Major Facilities. Although I had never even looked into exploring a career in them, I loved their application and integration of both science and software. I have developed an interest and will definitely take an initiative in the future to apply to certain Major Facilities!"

Mahee Shah, CICF 2023, Student at the University of Iowa

"During my time in the CI Compass Fellowship Program, I had the opportunity to work on a project focused on CHESS, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. One of the most surprising things I learned during this experience was the meticulous process of data collection. I realized that gathering and organizing data is a critical step in scientific research, and it requires careful attention to detail. This aspect of the project really emphasized the importance of cyberinfrastructure in connecting various components such as laboratories, data, computers, and people.

Overall, the CI Compass program has been an eye-opening experience that has broadened my understanding of data systems, their interdependencies, and their impact on scientific research. It has piqued my interest in further exploring cyberinfrastructure and has shaped my thoughts positively towards continuing to learn and potentially work in this dynamic and critical field."

Anonymous Student Feedback

• "Since completing the program, my understanding and interest in scientific computing, cyberinfrastructure, and Major Facilities have significantly changed. Before participating in the program, I had a limited understanding of the intricate role these components play in advancing scientific research and collaboration. The program provided me with an in-depth exposure to the technologies and methodologies employed in the field, which has broadened my perspective and sparked my curiosity.
  
  During the program, I gained a deeper appreciation for the immense computational power and infrastructure required to solve complex scientific problems. I also learned how Major Facilities, such as TACC and NCAR, contribute to groundbreaking research in various domains, including molecular dynamics, fluid dynamics, astrophysics simulations, and Earth system science."
  
  
• "I knew nearly nothing about major facilities coming into this program. I left knowing so much and wanting to continue researching. I also didn’t think I was interested in scientific computing until this program."
  
  
• "I was able to learn more about specific examples of scientific computing, cyberinfrastructure, and Major Facilities throughout the program, which I found extremely interesting. It was helpful to see examples of how different programs and methods are implemented in the real world."