Computer science students compete at annual computing event

This year’s annual Computing Mines Affiliate Partnership Program (C-MAPP) Poster Event on January 19 showcased 21 research projects from both Mines undergraduate and graduate computer science students.

Competing students were first asked to present a 45-second “elevator pitch” explaining their research overview and then interact with the judging panel with a visual format and engaging demonstration. Projects were judged based on the overall research content and analysis, the visual appearance and organization, and the presenter’s demeanor and conciseness.

This year’s best PhD project was awarded to Jonathan Diller, who pitched “Planning and Deployment of Multi-UAV Data Collection.  The runner-up PhD project was awarded to Matthew Schack, and the best non-PhD award went to master's student Eryn Kelsey Adkins. 

More than 25 C-MAPP industry partners judged the research projects, networked with students and presented valuable advice regarding job interviewing and potential career paths. The exposure and impact of being highlighted as a top-tier project provides students the opportunity to build industry relationships and learn about future opportunities.

This year’s C-MAPP scholars were also celebrated at the event by each partner. During the 2022-23 academic year, thanks to the generous donations and support from the C-MAPP sponsorship community, more than 90 scholarships have been awarded to computing students.

Iris Bahar, professor and head of the Computer Science Department at Colorado School of Mines, speaks during the 2023 C-MAPP Poster Event.

Established in 2014, C-MAPP has been an instrumental resource for students in the Mines Computer Science Department. Not only does the program foster relationships between industry and CS@Mines, many partners provide professional learning opportunities for Mines computing students through internships, scholarship funding and career mentoring.

Varying levels of sponsorship opportunities are available within the C-MAPP program. In additional to scholarships, sponsorships help fund student projects, research and recruitment events, diversity efforts, and K-12 outreach. Industry partnerships through C-MAPP also provide support to faculty at Mines to help understand industry needs and practices, impact curriculum development, and better prepare Mines student for future careers.

For more information about C-MAPP, visit mapp.mines.edu.