SoNIC

 Computer Science is a rapidly growing and evolving field with a wide range of career opportunities in both academic and industrial settings. During the weeklong workshop, participants learn about a variety of state-of-the-art computing research directions happening at Cornell University and beyond, and get an opportunity to conduct a short research project. Participants will also learn about research-oriented career paths in tech, including the process of obtaining advanced degrees. The next SoNIC Summer Research Workshop is scheduled for June 2026 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. If you are interested in being considered for this program, please review the information below:

  • The research workshop will focus on computer vision for assistive technology and citizen science with implications of social impact theory. Applicants are not required to have prior experience in computer vision or application of social impact theory.
  • Students who are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field are eligible to apply for the SoNIC program.
  • SoNIC is open to all students pursuing a STEM education in the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their questions to the Cornell Bowers CIS Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at deib-office@cis.cornell.edu.

SoNIC is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and LinkedIn.

 

SONIC BENEFITS

­Learn about cutting-edge research in computer science, information science, statistics, and data science.

Work with a faculty mentor from the Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.

Learn about the benefits and processes of obtaining a graduate degree.

­Participate in community-building socials and engage in a research team project.

­Discover research-oriented career pathways in the field of technology.

Talk with current Ph.D. students about their graduate experience.

 

SONIC TESTIMONIALS

"The word has gotten out that Cornell is the place to be if you want to get a Ph.D. in computer science, and it’s friendly to underrepresented minorities — friendly meaning not only that people are nice, but there are other people here from underrepresented backgrounds."

Hakim Weatherspoon, SoNIC Founder and Cornell Bowers CIS CS Professor

"I feel empowered now – I’m feeling valued...Having the opportunity to be here with other students from underrepresented groups motivates me. It gives me the confidence that I can actually do it if I put my mind to it."

Jean Marie Uwimana, SoNIC Participant

"Coming here was really validating...It’s been nice to meet other people with similar backgrounds to me, because usually you don’t meet them otherwise. You feel like you’re a minority in your communities. But when you come here, you shift from feeling like a minority to being surrounded by people like you, which is incredible."

Alisha Ukani, SoNIC Participant