Presenting my work to my Honors Thesis Commitee

Author: Joseph Wilkin | Major: Computer Science | Semester: Spring 2025

My name is Joe Wilkin. I recently graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2025, where I majored in Computer Science and minored in Finance. I have just wrapped up my research for the Spring 2025 semester under Dr. Kevin Jin, who works in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. Now that I have graduated, I intend to join the workforce and get a job in the tech industry.

My research mainly dealt with a novel programming language called Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors, or more known simply as P4, which is used to program the data plane of a special networking switch called a P4 switch. The data plane is the part of the switch which defines how packets are forwarded through the switch from one place to another. In the past, data planes were specified with fixed-function ASICS and could only be modified by IT vendors. P4 allows users to create their own custom data planes. My work focused on Mininet, a popular network virtualization tool often used in research, and its corresponding, open-source GUI, MiniEdit. The goal of my project was to improve the MiniEdit program to include functionality for virtual P4 switches to create a convenient and useful testbed for my lab group.

I first became involved in research through my mentor, Dr. Kevin Jin. I took Dr. Jin’s Computer Networks class during the fall semester of my junior year, and I found the subject to be incredibly interesting. Looking for a way to get more hands-on experience, I spoke with Dr. Jin after class one day and was eventually granted the privilege of being able to join his lab group.

I initially joined my lab group and found my mentor in Fall 2023, when I was a junior. I worked on and submitted my research proposal during the Spring 2024 semester, and I spent my senior year (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) working on and finalizing my project. I completed my work in April 2025 prior to my graduation in May. During this time, I worked closely with my faculty mentor as well as two PhD students who also worked in the lab. These three helped me settle on my research topic and draft my initial proposal. Additionally, I would hold weekly meetings with my faculty mentor, where we would discuss my progress as well as any problems I was running into.

I ran into several challenges during my time in the lab. The work we do is somewhat specialized, so it took me some time to get acclimated to the tools we used and learn the background knowledge necessary to contribute to the group. Fortunately for me, everyone in the lab group was very knowledgeable and helpful, and they were able to help me get up to speed as quickly as possible.

It has been a great privilege to work with Dr. Jin and the rest of the lab group over the last couple of years. I have gained a lot of practical experience from developing and working on my project, and I am truly thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way, since I would not have been able to do it without them!