Enrollments in computer science programs are on the rise globally, driven in part by a global demand for more computing professionals. However, very few undergraduate computer science students consider pursuing PhD and eventually a research career in computing. There are numerous initiatives to improve diversity within the computer science field and higher education pipeline. One approach to broadening participation of women in computer science through undergraduate research programs is facilitating undergraduate research opportunity for computer science students within their home institution or through national REU programs at a different institution. The goal of such programs is to expose undergraduate students to research, so they are interested in higher education and research career in general. Participation in undergraduate research provides well-documented benefits to students, including high academic achievement and educational persistence.

However, the extent to which computer science students (especially male students) are aware of the gender gap in computer science higher education and research career is an open question. In this paper, we present our findings based on a study to investigate that question. This study contributes to the discussion about the gender gap in computer science research career by revealing the awareness and perspectives of students. The study was conducted during a workshop hosted by a research university to expose undergraduate students to computer science research. Through activities and mentoring relationships established during RESORC, we hope to equip participants with required knowledge and skills so they can apply to doctoral programs and can succeed in a research career. We plan to offer RESORC as a 4-day virtual workshop, introducing students to research through collaborative problem-solving in socially relevant computing, within teams led by faculties and graduate mentors.

The primary objectives of this workshop were to:
1) introduce underrepresented students to graduate education and research career opportunities;
2) share best practices and resources to conduct research;
3) support students to become stronger candidates for doctoral programs; and
4) create a network of future diverse scientists in computing area.

Some measured outcomes of this effort were:
1) enhanced understanding of research career and PhD admission process;
2) increased interest in pursuing PhD or research career;
3) higher self-efficacy and confidence in research;
4) higher understanding of problem-solving; and
5) increased sense of community with peers and faculty.

Based on the study we conducted on 132 students, in this paper, we try to answer the following questions:
- To what extent are students aware of the gender gap in computing research and higher education?
- What are students' perspectives on interventions (REU, Research Experience Exposure, and summer research) to support gender diversity in computing research and higher education?
- How are women's and men's awareness and perspectives on the gender gap in computer science research career different? Do these perspectives vary by gender, ethnicity and/or academic level, and any other factor?

Keywords: Computing, gender gap, research career, undergraduate research.