by Cheryl Smithem

Everyday new discoveries in science, technology and math result from inquiry and research. Research that is performed by College of Charleston undergraduates who are inspired through the advice and mentorship of their professors. This is true for Joye Nettles, a sophomore computer science major who has earned a coveted place in the ten-week 2013 Georgia Institute of Technology’s Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Science Program (SURE.)

Professor Chris Starr, head of the Department of Computer Science at the College explains why Nettles is the perfect choice for the SURE honor. He says, “Joye is a highly accomplished computer science major who has her act together. She is organized, motivated and mature. But she did not start out that way. In part, her success and building momentum can be attributed to her mentor, Jim Bowring, assistant professor of computer science. Through encouragement and continuous support by Dr. Bowring, Joye now envisions herself studying computer science in a Ph.D. program. The SURE Program at Georgia Tech is designed to support her aspirational goals and I believe it will launch Joye into the world of academic computer science as part of the next generation of faculty.”

“I have gained so many amazing mentors to help guide me through my undergraduate journey,” Nettles says. “Dr. Bowring has made a very large impact on my life. He was the first person to explain what a research experience for undergraduates was and constantly encouraged me to find one for the upcoming summer. When I found the SURE program, he really spent a lot of time helping me make my application ‘a ten’.”

Upon her return from SURE, Nettles is positive she will translate her experience into increased confidence in her abilities in computer science.

“When Joye returns from a successful research experience, she will no doubt have more confidence and from that confidence she will exude an infectious desire among other students to achieve goals never before considered,” Starr adds. “Students who want the best education should seek out advisors who have the time, energy and enthusiasm to engage undergraduates. That is what we do well in computer science at the College.”

According to the Georgia Tech SURE website, “The overall goal of the SURE program is to expose minority students to engineering and science research, and as a direct consequence, interest them in opportunities available through graduate study. SURE is a ten-week summer research program designed to attract qualified minority students into graduate school in the fields of engineering and science. Approximately thirty students of at least junior-level undergraduate standing are recruited on a nationwide basis and paired with both a faculty and a graduate student mentor to undertake research projects. At the conclusion of the program, the students prepare both oral and written summaries of their research projects. It is hoped that this unique experience will encourage these students to become applicants for graduate school in ensuing years.”

The SURE 2013 program dates are May 28 to August 2, 2013.

Nettles was also part of the College of Charleston’s SPECTRA program.

For more information on the College’s Department of Computer Science, contact Starr via starrc@cofc.edu.