AISES Immersive Research Experience (AIRE)

The AISES Immersive Research Experience (AIRE) in Computing, supported by Google, aims to increase awareness and interest in Computer Science research among Indigenous students.This program features workshops and research experiences for Indigenous students to engage in Computer Science (CS) and start them on a pathway to advanced CS degrees.

Students can sign up for the following workshops:

Using Computer Science as a Language to Create, Explore, and Share Stories that Matter to You

Hosted by Dr. Michael Charles (Diné)

October 10, 2023 | 1:30-3 PM ET
November 9, 2023 | 12:30-2 PM ET

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In this workshop we will discuss the concepts of computer science, modeling and simulation, and computational design. We will question what we can learn from computational approaches and how to use computer science as a useful tool for storytelling and advocacy. Examples of "data-driven storytelling" will be presented through Dr. Charles' research with studies encompassing landscape design as climate action, dispossession impacts on Indigenous food systems, and community-based model development to address housing issues for Indigenous youth.

 

Securing the Immersive Future: Exploring Cybersecurity, Virtual Reality, and Beyond

Hosted by Chad Davis (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) | September 23, 2023 and October 3, 2023

November 2, 2023 | Time TBD
November 8, 2023
| Time TBD
 

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Join us for an engaging workshop titled "Securing the Immersive Future: Exploring Cybersecurity, Virtual Reality, and Beyond." Delve into the cutting-edge realms of Virtual Reality and its exciting advancements while gaining valuable insights into the crucial aspect of cybersecurity. Discover how these two dynamic fields intertwine and shape our digital landscape, safeguarding our immersive experiences for the future. Do not miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of tomorrow's technology and security challenges.

 

From Transistors to Architectures, How Processors are Designed and Built

Hosted by Dr. Bevan Baas (Navajo) | October 4, 2023 and October 9, 2023

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This presentation gives a very easy to understand overview of the process of designing and fabricating a modern digital processor.  The intended audience includes all interested persons, and no electrical engineering knowledge is required.  The talk will very broadly touch on all aspects of design including: transistor fabrication, digital circuits, digital logic, and processor architecture.  Several design examples will be presented including a commercial Wi-Fi wireless LAN chip, and the 36-processor, 167-processor, and 1000-processor KiloCore chips developed at UC Davis.

 

Revealing Hidden Microscopic ‘Trees’ Using Scanning Electron Microscope and Image Processing

Hosted by Dr. Levi Smith (Tsilhot’in) | Must attend all 3 sessions November 9, 16, and 23, 2023

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This workshop will be divided into three separate days. On the first day, we will use a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to obtain several high magnification images (3000x) of the diatoms on seagrass from the local sea habit. Diatoms are alike trees in their ability to produce oxygen and are responsible for producing a significant portion of the oxygen on the planet. On the second day, we will use the SEM images to familiarize the students with basic image processing techniques using the Python programming language. On the last day, we will use Python to perform more advanced image processing tasks such as counting the total number of diatoms on a piece of seagrass.

 

Culturally Revitalizing Computing

Hosted by Dr. Josiah Hester (Kanaka ‘Ōiwi) | TBD

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In this experience, we will explore how computing technology can be used to reinforce, celebrate, perpetuate, and revitalize our Indigenous values and cultural heritage by ensuring sovereignty and protecting the land.