Starting from 2009, the Dallas Chapter has collaborated with the Computer Science Department at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) to support a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF). It is a ten-week program with ten students selected nationwide. This year, it was held from May 17 to July 25.

The focus is on “software safety and reliability,” however, the technology and skills learned by the students have general applicability to research and practice in their future studies.

We provided a close collaboration with our industry partners. In addition to working on assigned research projects at UTD, field trips to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Argo Data were also arranged to help the students better understand how software safety and reliability is adopted in practice for real-life applications. This also gave students a chance to directly communicate with practitioners to receive a first-hand account of work environments and lifestyles in the industry.

We also hosted special workshops on technical writing and oral presentation to improve student proficiency in preparing and delivering technical reports. A highlight providing an overview of our program including research projects, lectures, and field trips is available on YouTube. Videos (along with PowerPoint slide shows) for student project presentations as well as lectures on software safety and technical writing are also posted.

The IEEE Reliability Society Dallas chapter hosted an outreach BBQ at Russell Creak Park, Plano, Texas with the UTD REU program students and faculty on June 30th. This social event allowed the REU students an opportunity to discuss society and professional topics with Reliability Society officers.

REU summer program at UTD by Professor W. Eric Wong

Lecture for REU students

BBQ at Russell Creak Park, Plano, Texas