Insights from the US-RSE 2024 Conference: Perspectives from Michelle Yung and Shravan Aras, PhD
Michelle Yung and Shravan Aras, PhD attended the recent US-RSE 2024 conference in Albuquerque, NM. Both left with renewed inspiration and a deeper sense of community. Yung reflected on how the event empowered her to embrace her role as a Research Software Engineer (RSE), while Aras highlighted key discussions on RSE career development and recognition. The conference offered a rich blend of technical workshops, thought-provoking keynotes, and invaluable networking opportunities. As the RSE movement continues to grow, next year’s event in Philadelphia promises to build on this momentum, fostering further collaboration and growth within the global RSE community. Read more about their transformative experiences. Read their stories and be inspired!
Michelle Yung found the US-RSE 2024 conference to be a transformative experience that surpassed her expectations. As a woman in software engineering, she has often wrestled with imposter syndrome, sometimes feeling constrained in her ability to fully contribute as a team member. However, the conference created a safe and supportive environment where she could reflect on her identity as a Research Software Engineer (RSE) and confront these self-imposed limitations.
Surrounded by a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, she left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. The experience inspired her to focus on making meaningful, incremental improvements in both her technical approach to software development and her role within her team. Yung's experience highlights how community-driven conferences like US-RSE can empower individuals to reclaim confidence in their profession.
Beyond personal growth, Michelle was captivated by the conference's thoughtful design and wide-ranging content. Sessions ranged from discussions on building inclusive learning environments for RSE interns to practical approaches for incorporating prototyping into UI development. One particularly memorable lightning talk featured an undergraduate student who candidly described the disconnect between his computer science coursework and the real-world skills required for his RSE internship.
That underscored the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry needs. Technical sessions on AI, software sustainability, and best practices added further depth to the event. Outside of the formal sessions, the conference provided a space for RSEs from different institutions to network, share experiences, and explore ideas for growth and collaboration. Michelle highly recommends the event to anyone curious about the RSE community, noting that it was a uniquely energizing experience that reaffirmed her career path.
For Shravan Aras, PhD, the US-RSE 2024 conference offered an opportunity to engage with the global RSE community and reflect on the growing prominence of Research Software Engineers in academic and research spaces. The term "Research Software Engineer" (RSE) was first introduced by Simon Hettrick and his team in 2012, and since then, the community has grown to over 10,000 members worldwide.
At the conference, Hettrick delivered a compelling keynote on the critical need to reimagine how RSEs are recognized for their contributions, which often fall outside traditional academic metrics like journal publications and grant funding. His call to redefine success measures for RSEs challenged the community to adopt a more inclusive approach to recognition and reward systems.
Another highlight for Dr. Aras was Sandra Gesing’s keynote, which centered on the need for structured career paths for RSEs. She proposed three potential tracks for career development — technical leadership, research-focused roles, and mentorship/people management roles — all of which intend to provide RSEs with clear, growth-oriented pathways.
Gesing also emphasized the vital role of support systems for RSEs, noting that 50% of RSEs have neither formal nor informal training in software engineering. Her emphasis on the possibility of RSEs transitioning to leadership roles resonated strongly with Dr. Aras. The conference was further enriched by a variety of hands-on workshops, technical talks (including his own presentation on "EmaWatch"), and even a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.
For Dr. Aras, the US-RSE conference was a dynamic and inspiring experience, providing a platform to connect with like-minded professionals and advance the broader RSE movement. With next year’s event set to be hosted in Philadelphia, he looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and momentum of the RSE community.
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