CSEdWeek Spotlight Series: Adriana Reyes, Code@TACC Alumni

    None

    In 2023, the Education & Outreach (E&O) team at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) completed its eighth year of hosting Code@TACC, the center’s signature summer residential program for high school students. Since its inception in 2015, Code@TACC has served more than 600 students from diverse backgrounds with the majority identifying as African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx. Hundreds of these campers have gone on to pursue postsecondary education in STEM fields.

    Adriana Reyes is an undergraduate student with a double major in Business and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin.

    We caught up with the camp alumna to hear about her experience at Code@TACC, the program’s impact, and to learn about her career aspirations.

    Adriana Reyes is an undergraduate student with a double major in Business and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin. Credit: Photo by Jorge Salazar, TACC

    E&O/TACC: What inspired you to attend a Code@TACC camp?

    Adrianna Reyes: TACC’s very own Dawn Hunter visited my high school to present on STEM summer camps. I sat in awe as she passionately shared insights about the invaluable learning experiences offered through these programs, emphasizing the exposure to diverse STEM subjects. I doubted my eligibility as a freshman, but to my delight, TACC extended its summer camps to include first-year high schoolers. Intrigued by the captivating array of activities showcased in the presentation, I eagerly applied to the 2017 DesignSafe camp and was accepted.

    E&O/TACC: What are some of your favorite camp memories/experiences?

    Adrianna Reyes: Through the shaker truck demonstration, we experienced simulated earthquake waves coursing through the ground. The excitement of seeing how our creations held up, combined with the chance to observe the innovative designs of other teams, made for a truly enjoyable and educational experience. Exploring TACC and gaining insights into the world of supercomputers marked another highlight. Stepping into the data center housing these massive machines was the first time I had even seen or learned about supercomputers. We learned about the functions of each computer and how they contribute to critical tasks like hurricane predictions.

    E&O/TACC: What are your future career plans?

    Adrianna Reyes: Graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2024 will mark a pivotal point in my professional future. After graduation, I plan to relocate to Seattle to start my full-time job with Salesforce, embarking on a dynamic career path in a new city. I anticipate navigating challenges and seizing opportunities that will contribute to both my professional development and personal enrichment. I'm ready to embrace it!

    Adriana Reyes works on a structure that would be put on a shaker table. The shaker was set up to withstand a simulated earthquake. Credit: TACC photo

    E&O/TACC: Why should students attend Code@TACC camps?

    Adrianna Reyes: These camps provide a hands-on, immersive experience in various STEM activities, offering insights and skills not typically encountered in a school setting. That one-week summer camp in 2017 became a catalyst for my journey into the tech world. Code@TACC led me to Code2College, where I attended after-school coding sessions, professional development workshops at local tech companies, and summer software engineering internships at Cirrus Logic. I am grateful to TACC for enriching my life and fostering a vibrant, dynamic learning environment for students who might not otherwise have been exposed to STEM. At our last alumni event in March, my mom and I visited TACC and reconnected with E&O staff, reflecting on the incredible journey that began with a single summer camp.

    E&O/TACC: Thank you for your time and contributions to STEM, Ms. Reyes.