Research Experience for Undergraduates Programs

Plaid Research Group: Programming Languages and Software Engineering
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~aldrich/reu/

Brief description: The Plaid research group does research applying programming language techniques to software engineering problems. We work on all kinds of languages, but many projects focus in particular on object-oriented systems. Projects range from foundational development of new object models and core calculi, to pragmatic language extensions or analyses that can verify properties of programs written in industrial languages like Java. The group name comes from Plaid, a new object-oriented language currently in planning based on technologies developed within the group and elsewhere. Potential projects include:

• Algorithms and tools for inferring ownership types, which provide strong information hiding guarantees
• Analysis and model checking techniques for verifying architectural protocols
• A toolkit for defining and implementing domain-specific languages using formal techniques similar to those studied in 312

Other research topics in programming languages (especially object-oriented languages) and software engineering are also possible.

REU logistics: At least 2 REUs are available for Summer 2006. Students are provided with a stipend, but are responsible for their own room, board, and travel expenses. Positions are open until filled. Please contact jonathan.aldrich@cs.cmu.edu to apply.

The NSF REU program emphasizes broadening participation in computing, and accordingly members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Schedule: Summer 2006; potentially Fall 2006 as well

Number of undergraduate positions: 2

Supported by: NSF supplementary award.

More information: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~aldrich/reu/