Three years of CRANE: Expanding the future of plasma physics through community-centered education

ORAL

Abstract

The Computational Research Access Network (CRANE) is a free online program designed to foster excitement and community for undergraduate students of marginalized identities who are considering careers in plasma sciences. By teaching Python-based research skills in an inclusive, judgment-free online learning environment, we recruit students who typically lack access to conventional research experiences and connect them with the support they need to continue their education in plasma physics. Over the 13-15 weeks of the course, students are exposed to skills ranging from basic Python coding to applied algorithms such as Monte Carlo methods and magnetohydrodynamics simulations. This year concluded the program's third cycle, and with it saw the largest class of 107 CRANE attendees and 23 stipend-earning students, as well as the successful implementation of new formal mentorship and certificate programs. We present demographics and outcomes from the 2024 cycle of CRANE, updates from 2022-2023 CRANE alumni, and plans to expand for the 2025 cycle and beyond.

*This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award 1846943. Sandia National Laboratories is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525.

Presenters

  • Sara D Negussie

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • University of Maryland, College Park

Authors

  • Sara D Negussie

    • Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Ernesto Barraza-Valdez

    • University of California, Irvine
  • Evan Gonzalez

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Hannah R Hasson

    • University of Rochester
    • Sandia National Laboratories
  • Alyssa L Hayes

    • University of Tennessee
  • Landry Horimbere

    • University of Maryland
  • Shailaja Humane

    • University of Michigan
  • Matt Ketkaroonkul

    • University of Washington
    • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Kassie Moczulski

    • University of Rochester
  • David A Schaffner

    • Bryn Mawr College
  • Joshua Tanner

    • University of California Irvine
  • Imani Z West-Abdallah

    • University of Rochester