November 2021 - Gradstudents - mailman.cs.vt.edu

Participants needed for a short survey about the difficulty of finding “why the code-change is this way?"
by Khadijah Alsafwan 19 Nov '21

19 Nov '21

Hello everyone, Have you ever asked yourself: “why the code-change is this way?” If so, we would like to invite you to fill our study’s (IRB # 21-741) short survey! Survey link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pRxRRrYDXyoWH4 <https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pRxRRrYDXyoWH4> Filling the survey will help Virginia Tech researchers better understand the current software developers’ practice. While performing various software development tasks (e.g., during code review), developers often need to answer "why the code-change is this way?" This is known as the rationale of a code change/commit. Finding the rationale of code changes is often hard. In this study, we would like to know about your experience with finding the rationale of code changes/commits. Upon completion of the survey, you may choose to provide your name and email to enter a drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card. The drawing odds of being selected are 1 in 50 participants. If you have participated in this study before, please do not fill out the survey. Survey link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pRxRRrYDXyoWH4 <https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pRxRRrYDXyoWH4> For more information, contact Khadijah Al Safwan at khsaf(a)vt.edu or Francisco Servant at fservant(a)vt.edu Thanks, Khadijah Al Safwan http://khsafwan.com khsaf(a)vt.edu 540-449-9839 P.S. Please consider inviting software developers who may qualify to participate.

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GRA positions for MS/PhD students at NSI
by Cliff Shaffer 19 Nov '21

19 Nov '21

The attached flyer advertises for some GRA positions at VT's National Security Institute. Be aware that this is restricted to US Citizens. -- Dr. Cliff Shaffer Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer

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Fwd: [enge_grad_students-g] Diversity Scholars application open
by Young (Yang) Cao 19 Nov '21

19 Nov '21

Dear graduate students in the CS department, The graduate school started a Diversity Scholars Program and nominations will be accepted until Dec 3rd. It doesn’t carry a great amount of money but the projects that CS Diversity Scholars propose and implement will have long term influence on the culture in our department. If you are interested in it, our department diversity committee will offer help on the preparation of your application and the implementation of your project. Best, Young ---- Young (Yang) Cao Associate Professor Department of Computer Science Division of Systems Biology in College of Science Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Mathematics Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 Email: ycao(a)cs.vt.edu Office: 2160L Torgorsen Hall, Office #: 540-231-1417 Fax: (540)231-6075 http://people.cs.vt.edu/~ycao/ > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Homero Murzi <hmurzi(a)vt.edu <mailto:hmurzi@vt.edu>> > Sent: Friday, November 19, 2021 8:36 AM > To: enge_grad_students-g(a)vt.edu <mailto:enge_grad_students-g@vt.edu> > Subject: [enge_grad_students-g] Diversity Scholars application open > > Happy Friday! > > The Diversity Scholars Program in the Graduate School (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/diversity-scholars.html <https://graduateschool.vt.edu/diversity/diversity-scholars.html>) is receiving nominations (Due Dec. 3) and applications (Due Dec. 17). This is a really nice program that supports different initiatives to increase awareness, promote equity, and support inclusion and diversity initiatives. > > Let me know if you have any questions. > > Cheers, > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Homero Murzi, PhD > Pronouns: <https://ccc.vt.edu/resources/Gender_Pronouns.html> he | él | him | his > Assistant Professor > Leader of ECLIPS Lab (@eclipslab) > Chair of Equity and Inclusion Committee > Incoming Chair (2021/22) American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI) <https://diversity.asee.org/deicommittee/> > Department of Engineering Education MC (0218) > 359 Goodwin Hall > 635 Prices Fork Rd. Blacksburg VA 24061 > t. +1 (540) 232-8572 | f. +1 (540) 231-6903 > e. hmurzi(a)vt.edu <mailto:hmurzi@vt.edu> | skype. homero.murzi <http://firelabuq.wordpress.com/> > z. https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/5881115280 <https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/5881115280> > I acknowledge the Tutelo/Monacan people, who are the traditional custodians of the land on which I work and live, and recognize their continuing connection to the land, water, and air that I and Virginia Tech consumes. I pay respect to the Tutelo/Monacan Nations, and to their elders past, present, and emerging. >

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From the CSA Force Add Department - Spring 22 Add/Drop Window
by Trey Mayo 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

As we get ready for the Thanksgiving Break, and the opening of the Spring 22 add/drop window upon our return, we want to share with you a few reminders. Add/Drop Window for Spring 22 Per the Academic Calendar <https://www.registrar.vt.edu/dates-deadlines/academic-calendar/2021-2022.ht…> the add/drop window for Spring 22 is slated to open at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 26th. Keep checking the Academic Calendar <https://www.registrar.vt.edu/dates-deadlines/academic-calendar/2021-2022.ht…> in case they make any changes. VT Thanksgiving Break Closing VT offices will be closed starting at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 24th and will remain closed until 8 a.m. on Monday, November 29th. But doesn’t add/drop open…? Yes, this means that our offices will not be open to handle any registration issues (including force adds) when the add/drop window opens. Please note that we will do our best to address any issues (and emails) that arise over that weekend as quickly as possible when we return to the office on Monday, November 29th. We ask for your patience during this process. Force Adds for Spring 22 We have revised and revamped our force add process for Spring 22 which now includes a landing page for you to review prior to submitting your force add request. Please take a moment to review the new Force Add website <https://cs.vt.edu/Graduate/grforceadd.html>. Please pay particular attention to the rules section and reasons why your request may not be processed. When does the Force Add Form open? The Force Add Form will open at 12 noon ET on Monday, November 29th (*after* the add/drop window opens) on the new Force Add website <https://cs.vt.edu/Graduate/grforceadd.html>. Please note that this is a Google Form so you will need to use your VT Google Credentials to access the form. How soon will I find out about my request? With this revamped process, our goal is for a one business day turnaround time for a decision or update. We still ask for your patience with this process. Best wishes for a well deserved semester break and with the remainder of the fall semester. ============================================================== *Trey Mayo, M.S.Ed.* *Director of Graduate Programs* Virginia Tech | Department of Computer Science Torgersen Hall Suite 3210 620 Drillfield Drive (MC 0106) Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-0780 treymayo(a)vt.edu http://cs.vt.edu “Too bad all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair.” - George Burns “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” - John Dewey “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Faculty Position at American University
by clu＠vt.edu 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

Position Announcement: Open Rank Department of Computer Science American University The Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for one full-time, open-rank, tenure-line position beginning August 1, 2022. Members of typically marginalized groups including, but not restricted to Women, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion by August 2022 in Computer Science or related fields. Depending on experience and qualification, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring. Candidates can apply at the assistant, associate or full professor level and we welcome applications from both academic and non-academic organizations. The Department of Computer Science is a small but exciting department with a growing student population and strong research achievements. At last count, the student population in the department was comprised of 37.2% female, 6.6% black or African American, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino and 4.7% multiracial students. American University has identified Computer Science as one of its targets for growth. Computer Science also falls within several areas of strategic focus identified by the university president in her strategic plan, including Data Science. Along with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Department of Physics, the Game Lab, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Incubator, the Department of Computer Science is located in the new Don Myers Technology & Innovation Building. Computer Science currently offers an undergraduate and a Master’s program with four different tracks (Applied, Data Science, Game, and Cybersecurity). A combined Ph.D. program with the Mathematics and Statistics Department is being developed. Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences at <https://www.american.edu/cas/> https://www.american.edu/cas/ and about the Department of Computer Science at <https://www.american.edu/cas/cs/> https://www.american.edu/cas/cs/. We are looking for candidates who are excited at the prospect of joining a growing department where they will be able to make their mark and join a friendly, collegial and highly accomplished team. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of high-quality scholarship. For candidates applying at the associate or full professor level, a record of external funding is also expected. The committee will consider candidates engaged in research in any area of Data Analysis with an emphasis on Natural Language Processing, Graph Analysis, and general research in Deep Learning. This includes researchers working on Fairness and Bias in Machine Learning and Machine Learning for Social Good. Excellent candidates in other research areas, especially with domains of applications compatible with those outlined in the strategic plan (e.g., Environmental Science and Health Sciences) will also be considered as we welcome researchers who cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in department, school, and university service activities. Attention to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in all activities within the academic environment are expected. Salary and benefits are competitive. An overview of the benefits offered by American University can be found at <https://www.american.edu/hr/benefits/> https://www.american.edu/hr/benefits/. Review of applications will begin on November 15. Please submit applications via Interfolio : <http://apply.interfolio.com/97293> http://apply.interfolio.com/97293. Please include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, list of three references, recent teaching evaluations (when possible), a diversity statement, and copies of recent published papers or working papers. Please contact Department Chair Nathalie Japkowicz at <mailto:japkowic@american.edu> japkowic(a)american.edu if you have any questions. American University is a private institution located in the nation’s capital and within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts. For more information about American University, visit <http://www.american.edu/> www.american.edu. American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities. American University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.

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Giving Tuesday Sock Campaign
by Surendrabikram Thapa 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

Dear CS grad students, Check out this year’s great Hokie socks! Both designs were created by Virginia Tech students. You can get a pair of whichever style you choose with a gift of $10 or more to any Virginia Tech college, department, or program. Be sure to get yours soon before they’re all gone! Visit give.vt.edu/grad <http://give.vt.edu/grad> Feel free to share it with your friends. Best Regards, Surendrabikram Thapa (Suren) Graduate Student Ambassador Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Grad School child care initiatives
by Cliff Shaffer 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

Just want to make sure that those who might be interested in this are aware of various child care initiatives from the Grad School: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/student-life/student-services/spouses-partner… In particular, Little Hokie Hangout is taking applications for this Spring. -- Dr. Cliff Shaffer Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer

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Fwd: Research opportunities related to wireless communications and UAVs (Software development skills highly useful)
by Trey Mayo 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

Please see the opportunity below. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Dietrich, Carl <cdietric(a)exchange.vt.edu> Date: Wed, Nov 17, 2021 at 12:03 PM Subject: Research opportunities related to wireless communications and UAVs (Software development skills highly useful) To: Cc: Reed, Jeff <reedjh(a)exchange.vt.edu> Dear All, Please forward the following to any students you know who may be interested. I apologize for sending this to anyone who does not work with students who may have the interests and skills described below. Thank you, Carl … *Wireless@Virginia Tech** is seeking students for research assistantships, for-credit independent studies, and volunteer research on the topics below. **We will consider graduate and undergraduate students in ECE, CS, and others who have relevant experience and who have demonstrated high motivation and effectiveness.* *Individuals from groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are encouraged to apply.* Please apply if you have software development skills, a strong interest in wireless communication technologies and applications, and interest in research. It will also be extremely helpful to have background in one or more of the following areas: radio frequency hardware, information technology/system administration, virtualization, machine learning, unmanned aerial vehicles, and development of educational materials such as lecture slides, videos, simulations, and animation. *Wireless Communications Research Infrastructure* *This project provides a unique opportunity to gain systems engineering and project management related experience, and to network with potential employers at other research institutions. * Co-lead design, development, and testing of a virtualized mobile/portable wireless testbed that includes UAV-based radios. The testbed will enable research on 5G+ wireless communications technologies and applications. *You can also be one of the testbed’s first users, as you run experiments for your own research!* *5G-enabled Smart Warehouse* Perform fundamental research related to 5G-enabled wireless position location systems to be used for inventory tracking in large warehouses. *Test and demonstrate system performance in testbed experiments that use 4G/5G backhaul to enable a wireless position location system for items in a warehouse!* *Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)* - *Help enable future bandwidth-hungry wireless applications such as intelligent transportation systems, self-driving vehicles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), virtual/augmented reality, and others! * Investigate radio-frequency spectrum sharing using coordinated or decentralized approaches that set the priority of wireless users to access radio frequencies, based on operational context, e.g., weather (important for radio-wave propagation at millimeter-wave frequencies), special events that affect vehicular and wireless traffic, and emergency or non-emergency status. - *Devise an efficient system to scan a wide range of radio frequencies quickly and collect information that can be used to determine which frequencies are occupied, and by what types of signals!* Timely information of this type is a key to effective and efficient dynamic spectrum access. Test your approach using wireless testbed hardware such as software-defined radios to generate signals that use multiple frequencies within the radio spectrum. *Interactive Online Education on DSA Concepts* *Prepare yourself to perform original research while helping others to learn important concepts related to dynamic spectrum access (DSA)!* DSA is a key to enabling fast wireless communication to serve new, beneficial, and profitable applications, and can be made more efficient by understanding characteristics of spectrum-sharing radios, including nonlinear effects in the radios’ receivers. Translate prior research findings into interactive online learning modules, while familiarizing yourself with the topic and identifying your own potential contributions to the understanding and effective implementation of DSA. *A great way to increase competitiveness for academic positions and build multi-media communication skills!* *If Interested, please contact:* Carl Dietrich, Research Assoc. Professor, Bradley Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, *cdietric(a)vt.edu* <cdietric(a)vt.edu> Carl Dietrich Research Associate Professor, Wireless @ Virginia Tech Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering 540-231-2963

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Fwd: GTA opportunities in ENGE for Spring 2022
by Sharon KinderPotter 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

FYI.. Sharon Kinder-Potter Graduate Program Coordinator skpotter(a)cs.vt.edu 3210B Torgersen Hall 620 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6932 There are a couple openings for GTAs for ENGE 1215/1216. Interested graduate students can submit their application at this link: https://forms.gle/bszBeq94E4NKCMnAA Thanks, ~Mara *Tamara W. Knott* *Academic Programs Manager* Virginia Tech | Department of Engineering Education 342 Goodwin Hall 635 Prices Fork Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540.231.9543 | knott(a)vt.edu

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This week's graduate seminar: Salman Ahmed
by Cliff Shaffer 18 Nov '21

18 Nov '21

This week's Graduate Seminar Speaker will be Salman Ahmed, the last in our series of presentations from senior graduate students. This will be Friday at 2:30 in Torgersen 2150, and Zoom https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/88134583118?pwd=ZlJCaXhYMm5XenB1bEgzOCtNdUY1… . *Title:* Quantitative Metrics and Measurement Methodologies for System Security Assurance *Abstract:* Investigation of advanced attacks is crucial for system security assurance. One way to achieve system security assurance is through evaluating defenses using qualitative security metrics and accurate measurement methodologies. Analyzing existing exploit techniques can provide crucial insights about qualitative security metrics and measurement methodologies. Besides, impact assessment of defenses on different components of attacks using quantitative metrics is necessary to refine defenses. In this talk, I will discuss our techniques to extract qualitative security metrics from advanced attacks (e.g., Just-In-Time Return Oriented Programming) and utilize the extracted security metrics for refining defenses. Our extracted security metrics include various gadgets (fraction of executable code from an application), time to obtain gadgets, quality of gadgets, library code pointers, and data pointers. To assess the impact of defenses on attacks, I consider three defense techniques: i) Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), ii) ARM Pointer Authentication, and iii) Address Sanitizer. Our evaluation shows that attackers can take as low as 1.5 seconds to conduct their attacks by quantifying the time metric against 17 real-world applications. Also, our security assessment confirms that the instruction-level ASLR is effective up to 90%, which was previously thought not that useful. We achieve an 18% performance improvement over Address Sanitizer by quantifying the data pointer metric against popular real-world applications without compromising security. *Bio:* Salman Ahmed is a Ph.D. Candidate at Virginia Tech working with Professor Danfeng (Daphne) Yao. His research interests include security metrics and methodologies for security assurance and attack surface quantification, measurable cloud security, threat intelligence analysis, insider threat detection, and program analysis. He received his M.S. degree from East Tennessee State University and B.S. degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He will join IBM Research after graduation. -- Dr. Cliff Shaffer Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer

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