The National Science Foundation (NSF) hosted The “Creating Climate for Interdisciplinary Computing” meeting from November 3-5, 2011 at the headquarters of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, D.C. Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson and Dr. LaVar J. Charleston, as well as other academic researchers, educators, administrators, industrial representatives, and NSF program directors, identified and addressed the most critical issues and needs with regard to supporting interdisciplinary computing. Presenters focused on the most effective methods for achieving proactive success in the field as it relates to academic contexts, industrial settings, and a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary computing institutions.

Wei LAB research associates Ryan P. Adserias and Sheltreese D. McCoy presented their research entitled “Campus Climate for Queer Students of Color” at the 11th Annual Diversity challenge at Boston College’s Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture. This event took place October 28-29, 2011.

The 2011 ASQ STEM conference was held July 19-20, 2011 at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The conference objective was to network and advance ideas in support of STEM initiatives in schools, colleges and universities, and the workplace. Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson and Dr. LaVar Charleston, along with Wei LAB staff members Jasmine S. Bounds, Tyler Mueller, and Jo’niece Monk presented a research study entitled “Using Regional Data Collection to Inform University Led Initiatives: The Case of a STEM Education SWOT Analysis. Their research study provided a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of STEM programs, as well as an evaluation of potential threats to and opportunities for improvement concerning the recruitment and retention of STEM graduates and professionals in a diverse, seven-county region of a Midwestern State.

Drs. Jerlando F.L. Jackson, LaVar J. Charleston, and Juan Gilbert presented “Changing Attitudes about Computing Science at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Benefits of an intervention Program Designed for Undergraduates” at the Understanding Interventions Conference that Broaden Participation in Research Careers. This event took place May 27, 2011 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) held its annual meeting April 8-12, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wei LAB Assistant Director, Dr. LaVar Charleston and Director, Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson attended to present two research studies: “Uniquely Situated in Computing Sciences Programs in Higher Education: Experiences of African American Women Who Still Find Success” and “Differential Gender Outcomes of Career Exploration Sessions for African American Undergraduates: An Examination of Computing Science Outreach Efforts at Predominantly White Institutions.”

Upper Iowa University celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on its Fayette campus. The program was held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 4 p.m. in the East Café. Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson was selected as the keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King Jr. Event.