Two electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) graduate students, Nathalie Uwamahoro (electrical engineering) and Polina Kozyreva (computer science) attended the prestigious 2024 CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference in San Diego, California. Known for its emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in computing, the conference provided invaluable educational, professional, and networking opportunities for students and professionals alike.

The three-day event featured technical workshops, expert panels, and a robust career fair with major companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. For Uwamahoro and Kozyreva, the Tapia conference opened doors to new professional connections and deepened their understanding of key topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, next-generation computing, and robotics.

“Being at the booth and engaging with people interested in graduate school or research was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the diverse projects my peers are working on. This conference reaffirmed my passion for academia, and I’m eager to contribute to this vibrant community in the future,” says Kozyreva.

“Attending the Tapia conference for the first time was an unforgettable experience. It strengthened my commitment to inspiring students of African descent to pursue careers in technology,” Uwamahoro adds.

The conference also saw participation from the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Academic Initiatives, Jae C. Oh and Recruitment Specialist, Michaela Karcher. They were involved in initiatives such as the LEAP Alliance, aimed at increasing diversity in EECS doctoral programs and strengthening the future faculty pipeline. ECS is a Cohort 3 member of the LEAP Alliance and Jae Oh and EECS professor Jason Pollack are LEAP Advocate Faculty. At the conference, LEAP Alliance Fellows and Faculty Advocates got together to share ideas about Broadening Participation in Computer Science Ph.D. programs.

EECS Professor Farzana Rahman is a long-time TPC member of the Tapia conference. Rahman spearheaded the EECS representation at the conference alongside Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment, Kathleen M. Joyce and her team, highlighting the department’s commitment to inclusive education, research, and faculty hiring.

Karcher also developed a list of potential graduate applicants interested in learning more about EECS programs. “This was my first computer science-focused conference, and it was eye-opening to see the many opportunities available,” she says.

The Tapia conference has strengthened Syracuse University’s presence in the computing world, with students returning to campus energized and committed to shaping the future of technology through inclusivity and innovation.