Testimonials

 

“Being part of the ACM Student Research Competition was an unforgettable and empowering experience. Preparing for the competition pushed me to think critically about how to present my work in a way that resonates with a diverse audience, from seasoned researchers to fellow students. It helped me distill the core ideas of my research and communicate them clearly and engagingly. I received thoughtful questions and constructive feedback that challenged me to refine my ideas and consider new directions. One of the most valuable aspects was the sense of community—I had the chance to connect with peers who are just as passionate about research, and those conversations sparked ideas and collaborations I hadn’t anticipated. The experience has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my communication skills, and reaffirmed my excitement about pursuing research. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity and highly encourage others to take part in this incredible program.”

 

Nurlan Nazaraliyev, University of California, Riverside
PACT 2024

 

“Presenting at the ACM Student Research Competition (SRC) was an incredibly rewarding experience which provided an excellent platform to share research, connect with peers, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore career opportunities in research. Questions from researchers at the poster session gave me insight into how others approached similar problems and encouraged me to explain complex quantum computing concepts in a clear and accessible way. The feedback during the final presentation highlighted specific ways to refine my research methods and broaden the scope of my work. It was exciting to see how my background in computer science and finance could intersect to help tackle questions in quantum computing, helping me frame problems in a more interdisciplinary way and advance my research. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend student researchers participate in the SRC—it strengthened my ability to communicate technical research effectively and supported my growth as both a researcher and a communicator.”

 

Sophia Rebello, Rice University
CGO 2025

 

“The ACM Student Research Competition is an educational and transformative experience that I highly recommend to every graduate and undergraduate. I first participated in an SRC for the first time in 2018 as an undergraduate and ever since then I have held the SRC in high regard. Participating has definitely made me a better researcher as it has given me the opportunity to present my work through different mediums (poster, paper, and presentation) in front of the members of my community. Moreover, the SRC has also helped me improve my research project through the invaluable feedback provided by the various community members who interacted with me during the entire process.”

 

Vaastav Anand, Max Planck Institute for Software Systems
SOSP 2024

 

“The ACM Student Research Competition (SRC) was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the chance to share my research with an interested audience by presenting a poster and giving a talk. In particular, I had the opportunity to interact with experienced researchers in my field. I was able to receive thoughtful feedback which helped me refine my work and improve my technical communication skills. In addition, I was also able to connect with other students who were passionate about computer science research. I would definitely endorse students partaking in the SRC. ”

 

Craig Liu, Purdue University
SPLASH 2024

 

“Participating in the ACM Student Research Competition has been an extraordinary experience that significantly enhanced both my technical and communication skills. The SRC's structured environment helped me learn to distill complex research into compelling narratives and present my work effectively to diverse audiences, from one-on-one discussions to group presentations. What was particularly motivating was seeing professional researchers and academics express genuine interest in my work, offering valuable feedback, and suggesting exciting directions for future exploration. Equally valuable was learning about the innovative work of fellow competitors, which expanded my perspective and exposed me to groundbreaking advancements beyond my immediate field. Overall, the SRC experience provided invaluable professional connections, meaningful feedback, and inspiration that will continue to enrich my research journey.”

 

Jordan Pettyjohn, Colorado School of Mines
SC 2024

 

“Participating in the ACM Student Research Competition (SRC) was both meaningful and rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to present my research to people who were curious not just about results, but about the process and ideas behind the work. The discussions with judges and fellow students offered fresh perspectives and helped me think more clearly about where to take my project next. More importantly, it reminded me that doing research as a student doesn’t mean working in isolation. There is a wider, supportive community out there, and being part of the SRC helped me feel connected to it. I highly recommend the SRC to any student interested in research, as it offers a valuable chance to gain insight, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging within the community.”

 

Haowen Lei, University of Pennsylvania
MOBICOM 2024

 

“Participating in the ACM Student Research Competition was a transformative milestone in my research journey. As a student passionate about using technology for social good, presenting my work on equitable AI and health disparities at an ACM conference allowed me to engage with world-class researchers, receive invaluable feedback, and situate my research within a broader community of innovation and impact. What stood out most was the inclusive and intellectually rigorous environment. From the poster session to the final presentation round, I was both challenged and supported. I was encouraged to think critically about my methodology, communication, and broader societal implications of my work. The experience helped sharpen my ability to convey complex ideas to interdisciplinary audiences and inspired new research directions I hadn’t previously considered. I’m deeply grateful to the ACM SRC for creating a space where student researchers are not only recognized but elevated. I wholeheartedly encourage others to take part; it’s an unforgettable experience.”

 

Hannah Guan, Harvard University
Tapia 2024

The ACM Student Research Competition is an internationally recognized venue enabling undergraduate and graduate students to experience the research world, share research results and exchange ideas, rub shoulders with academic and industry luminaries, understand the practical applications of their research and gain recognition.