Shaping the Next Generation of Computing Researchers through a Year-long Immersive Undergraduate research Experience in Socially Relevant Computing

Preparing future computing researchers requires more than traditional classroom education; it calls for immersive, hands-on experiences that build research identity and critical skills. This work presents a year-long undergraduate research engagement program in socially relevant computing designed to address this need. This work underscores the importance of immersive, socially relevant research experiences in cultivating the next generation of computing researchers and supporting their professional advancement.