What does TRAILS stand for?
Our name is inspired by the efforts of the National Park Service to make breathtakingly beautiful and previously inaccessible wilderness reachable by the general public.
What does TRAILS actually stand for? Well, we’re still figuring that out… What do you think about “Technologies for Relevant And supportIve Learning in computer Science”?
Is the lab hiring new students?
As Katie will be on maternity leave during the 2026 PhD student recruitment cycle, and also due to the higher yield of PhD students at Illinois CS than expected due to other institutions decreasing their admission, Katie will not be accepting new PhD students for the 2026 cycle.
To apply for a graduate position, please complete the Illinois CS grad application, being sure to indicate your interest in the Computers and Education area, as well as in working with Katie Cunningham. Undergrads should email Katie, being sure to be very clear about their interests.
Katie usually waits until graduate student applications are submitted to evaluate all applicants. You are welcome to email Katie about grad admissions, but your application will be the most important way to show your interest.
