STEM Scholar Kadiatou Diallo Publishes Research in International Conference Journal
Lawson State students are no strangers to exams, but who knew that testing software isn't just about passing tests?
Lawson State STEM scholar Kadiatou Diallo knows that and so much more, including how important it is for software tests to be meaningful and effective.
During her National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) last year, Kadiatou conducted independent research at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her project took software quality to the next level by introducing deliberate faults (also known as mutants) to see how well various test suites could catch them. Kadiatou's findings were recently published by the IEEE's International Conference on Dependable Systems and Their Applications.
The IEEE, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is one of the world's leading professional organizations. It promotes the development and use of technology in electrical engineering, electronics, and computing.
For Kadiatou, who is studying computer science, the experience and exposure that led to the conference publication were priceless. The months-long research project evaluated five Python-based software tools---MutPy, Mutmut, Mutatest, Poodle, and Cosmic Ray. Ultimately, the findings will help developers build stronger, more reliable software.
"It is rare for students at community colleges to publish since community colleges are mainly teaching institutions and not research institutions," said Dr. Shawanda Thomas, director of the Lawson State STEM program. "However, research is one of the core values of the STEM Program at Lawson State, so we put a great deal of emphasis on STEM scholars completing research experiences for undergraduates (REUs). Doing so significantly enhances their resume and academic credentials for potential scholarships."
Learn more about STEM/STEAM initiatives at Lawson State Community College.
