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Sumer Research Internships, Washington State University
Feb 18 05
Source: CHI-Jobs
SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN THE VISUALIZATION AND END USER PROGRAMMING LAB SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
(http://eecs.wsu.edu/~veupl)
Undergraduate and graduate students with interests in user interface programming, user-centered design, and educational technology are presently sought to fill two summer internship positions (start date:
May, 2005) funded by Chris Hundhausen's National Science Foundation CAREER award entitled "Exploring Cognitive, Social, and Cultural Dimensions of Visualization in Computer Science Education"
(see http://eecs.wsu.edu/~veupl/proj/algstudio/).
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITIONS
Individuals are sought with strong C++ programming skills and an interest in user interface programming to assist with the development, refinement, and usability evaluation of the ALVIS (ALgorithm VIsualization Storyboarder) software that underlies the Algorithms Studio Project (see http://eecs.wsu.edu/~veupl/proj/algstudio/).
Programmed in Microsoft Visual C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Classes, ALVIS provides an interactive, sketch-based environment for coding pseudocode algorithms and accompanying "low fidelity" (rough, sketched) animations. For further information on ALVIS, check out the color brochure (http://eecs.wsu.edu/~veupl/soft/ALVIS-Brochure.pdf), or the cross-referenced on-line help system (http://eecs.wsu.edu/~veupl/soft/ALVISHelp/).
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Under Dr. Hundhausen's supervision, summer interns will work for 8 to 10 weeks, 40 hours per week. Their responsibilities will include at least some of the following:
* maintain, improve, and debug the large ALVIS C++ code base according to detailed instructions;
* design, add, document, refine, and test new features of ALVIS;
* port ALVIS to the .NET framework;
* design, run, and analyze results of usability studies of ALVIS;
* assist with the analysis of a large corpus of video and source code data from prior empirical studies of ALVIS; and
* assist with design and maintenance of project web site, including source code and curricular materials repositories.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Summer interns will ideally have the following skills and experience:
* strong object-oriented software engineering and programming skills (senior-level standing or B.S. in computer science preferred);
* strong verbal and written communication skills;
* 2+ years of experience with programming graphical user interfaces in
C++;
* 1+ year of experience with Microsoft Visual C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Classes;
* 1+ year of experience with C# and the .NET framework;
* a strong interest in visualization, human-computer interaction, and usability testing;
* experience with video analysis and source code grading;
* an ability to work independently, and to take the initiative to define new projects and goals as the need arises; and
Note that training can be provided as needed for the exceptionally promising candidate who does not yet have all of these skills and experience (e.g., an individual who has extensive experience with programming GUIs in Java or another language).
PAY AND BENEFITS
The period of the summer internship is somewhat flexible, but will most likely begin the at the beginning of May, and extend until mid July or early August, for a total of 8 to 10 weeks. Interns will be paid as timeslip employees at an hourly pay rate of $12.50. Thus, the total stipend will range from $4,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of weeks worked. Other benefits include the following:
* You will gain valuable experience with GUI programming and usability evaluation that will distinguish you from other job applicants in the software industry.
* You will have fun working with a group of motivated, creative individuals in the Visualization and End-User Programming Lab, which conducts world-class research in the area of visualization and end-user programming technologies.
* Your summer internship work could evolve into a senior project or M.S.
thesis.
HOW TO APPLY
Send e-mail to Dr. Hundhausen (hundhaus@eecs.wsu.edu) with the following items as PDF attachments:
* a cover letter that (a) indicates the position for which you're applying, and (b) specifically addresses why you are interested in and qualified for the position;
* a resume; and
* the names and contact information of at least two references who can comment on your technical skills, initiative, communication skills, and reliability.
Applications that are received by 5 p.m (PST) on Thurs., February 24, 2005 will receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Finalists will be asked to complete a set of representative coding problems within a one week period. Final decisions will be based, in part, on the quality and correctness of finalists' solutions to these problems.