At the heart of this year’s LASER (Letters & Science Summer of Excellence in Research) program, the Department of Computer Sciences is playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. With 32 rising sophomores embarking on an eight-week immersive research journey, students like Bethany Jarvis are not only exploring the intricacies of glacial dynamics but also harnessing the power of computer sciences and data science to make sense of complex, real-world data. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and an emphasis on accessibility, LASER opens the lab doors early—ensuring that students from all backgrounds can apply their coding, analysis, and problem-solving skills in impactful ways. As Jarvis puts it, this unique opportunity has reinforced both her passion for computer science and her decision to pursue it at UW–Madison.
Read the full story here.