By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates and Hunter Gambee-Iddings
Portland State University (PSU), Oregon’s only urban, public research university, provides students a testing ground for putting new ideas into action. As part of the PSU summer intern research program, undergraduate students conducted computational modeling research in three innovative programs. The student-led projects tackle real-world challenges in AI, urban safety, healthcare, environmental science, and more — all while emphasizing accessibility, collaboration, and public impact.
How the Research was Funded
The student research projects were funded by the NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site on "Computational Modeling Serving Portland," the alternative Research Experiences for Undergraduates (altREU) program, and Teuscher Lab internships.
PSU Summer Interns Publish a Book about Research Projects
The PSU research interns published a book titled “Summer Proceedings 2025: How Students Use Computational Modeling to Benefit Society” covering 24 student projects. The projects span foundational AI methods, healthcare and medical AI, transportation and urban safety, environmental and earth sciences, language and social AI, and specialized neural architectures. From developing assistive driving companions and emotion-aware AI for elderly care to predicting volcanic ground deformation and analyzing power grid resilience, these contributions address pressing real-world challenges. The proceedings represent undergraduate research that is accessible, collaborative, and deeply committed to using computational tools for the public good, demonstrating how computational modeling transcends traditional boundaries to create solutions for a more safe, sustainable, and equitable world.
The students describe the benefits of the summer research projects in the Preface of the book by stating, “Perhaps most significantly, these research experiences develop what we might call ‘computational citizenship’—the ability to understand, evaluate, and contribute to an increasingly data-driven and technology-mediated world. In an era where computational thinking is becoming as fundamental as traditional literacy, these programs prepare students to be thoughtful creators and critics of technology rather than merely consumers.”
The book is available on Amazon for purchase at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSL57NQ3. Click this link to view and download a free PDF version of the book from PDXscholar. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/altreu_projects/18/
PSU Students Donate All Proceeds from Book Sales to Oregon TechStart
The contributing student book authors have voted that all proceeds of this volume will support Oregon TechStart (https://www.techstart.org).
TechStart is an Oregon-based non-profit organization created by Oregon technology leaders with the goal of expanding access to computer science education for K-12 students in Oregon. TechStart provides annual awards to K-12 computer science teachers and a computer science student of the year award to a high school boy and girl. TechStart helps fund the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OregonCSTA) teacher training programs. TechStart members are also active in volunteering for K-12 computer science training and student events in computer programming, games, LEGO, and advanced robotics competitions. “We at TechStart Oregon are thrilled that the PSU student editorial team chose to donate all proceeds from the book to support K-12 computer science education in Oregon! This is a wonderful example of student innovation directly supporting the next generation of tech leaders,” states Peter Steinfeld, TechStart Executive Director.
PSU Student Acts as TechStart Web Master
A Portland State University student named Hunter Gambee-Iddings majoring in computer science, volunteers his time as the TechStart web master and manages the TechStart LinkedIn site. "It’s inspiring to see students choose to support TechStart with their work. Their decision to dedicate proceeds from the Summer Proceedings 2025 publication to TechStart not only affirms our mission but also reflects the impact that technology and education can have in strengthening our communities. Through managing TechStart’s LinkedIn presence and website, I get to share the stories of Oregon’s students, teachers, and partners who are shaping the future of computer science education. It’s rewarding to see that visibility come full circle, with students recognizing and supporting TechStart in return," Hunter states.
TechStart executives appreciate the great work that Hunter provides TechStart. “Hunter has been a welcome addition to our team and has exceeded our expectations. His contributions have gone above and beyond. Thank you, Hunter, from all of us in tech education.” states John Tortorici, TechStart Chair of the Board. Steinfeld notes, “TechStart is lucky to have Hunter Gambee-Iddings working with TechStart to support computer science education and connect us to Oregon's educational community.”