Monthly Archives: October 2015

Happy Ada Lovelace Day!

ada-lovelaceAda Lovelace Day, observed on October 13th, celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  The holiday is about sharing stories of women – computer technologists, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians – who have been inspirational in their fields.  The aim of the holiday is to create and encourage new role models for girls in these male-dominated fields by acknowledging the many and varied contributions of women in STEM.

Why is it named after Ada Lovelace?  Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) is widely known for writing an algorithm to calculate Bernoulli numbers for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, an early computer that used punch cards for input and output.  This algorithm is widely considered to be the first ever computer program, making Ada Lovelace the world’s first computer programmer.

Here are some other interesting facts about Ada Lovelace:

  • She was the daughter of poet Lord Byron
  • Her actual married name was Lady Ada King, Countess of Lovelace
  • Charles Babbage called her “The Enchantress of Numbers”
  • She was a visionary and predicted that machines like the Analytical Engine could be used to compose music, produce graphics, and be useful for scientific calculations
  • There is a programming language called Ada, named in her honor
  • Lovelace’s notes on the Analytical Engine inspired Alan Turing’s work on the first modern computers in the 1940s

Feel free to share stories of women in STEM fields who have inspired you in the comments!

Professor Robert Skovira Named IACIS Computer Educator of the Year

Screen Shot 2015-10-08 at 12.11.39 AMRobert Skovira, Ph.D., University Professor of Computer and Information Systems at Robert Morris University, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the IACIS Computer Educator of the Year award.

Professor Skovira has taught at Robert Morris University at both the undergraduate and graduate level for more than 30 years. His recent teaching focus has been Java programming, Ethical issues in computing, Web development and programming, and Knowledge management. Doctoral courses taught include Ethnography of Information Systems and Knowledge Management. Service to his university includes participating in the CIS Lecture Series and serving on the Graduate Curriculum Committee, the RMU Institutional Review Board, and the ABET task force. He also serves on several academic journal Editorial Review Boards, and supports students as faculty sponsor of Alpha Chi Honor Society and advisor for the student chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals. Over the years Professor Skovira has served as Visiting Professor at Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia on three different occasions, and as Visiting Professor at the Academy of Advertising, Bratislava, Slovakia. He currently serves as Co-host of The Doctor is In: A Medical Variety Show shown on local TV.

During his teaching career Professor Skovira has been awarded numerous Faculty Research Fellowships and grants, and his scholarly publications include more than 90 published Journal articles, numerous presentations at academic meetings, and more than 35 published Proceedings. Over the years he served many times as Track Chair for DSI and IRMA, as Chair of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Society for Information Science and Chair of the SIG Foundations of Information Science. In 2010 he was honored by being awarded University Professor status.

For over three decades Professor Skovira has brought his knowledge and insight into the Robert Morris classroom, challenging students, advancing knowledge through research and publication, and sharing his knowledge while serving as Visiting Professor at two European Universities. During his long and distinguished career, Professor Skovira has made a significant impact on Information Systems scholarship and education, and we congratulate Professor Robert Skovira on being selected 2015 IACIS Computer Educator of the Year.

Going to Graduate School Seminar

The Honors Program and the Career Center are co-sponsoring a Going to Graduate School Seminar. This event is open to all students, freshmen through seniors, who might be considering attending grad school. Topics that will be covered by the panelists include the application process, how to prepare for graduate school as an undergraduate, and how to succeed in graduate school. Grad admissions staff, career center staff, past and present grad school students, and faculty members from various schools on campus will be panelists at this event.

What: Going to Graduate School Seminar

When: Tuesday, October 13

Where: Sewall Dining Room A/B

Time: 1:45-3:00 p.m.

Internship at Highmark Health

Highmark Health are currently seeking undergraduate students who are on a Computer Science/Information Technology Career Path and who are searching for an internship opportunity to jump start their careers.

Interns will be exposed to a world class software tool that utilizes artificial intelligence technology in order to define people and companies and their relationship to Highmark, in addition to relational database concepts for both Oracle and Teradata databases and work extensively with Structured Query Language (SQL) within Pennsylvania’s largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurer. Interns will also be exposed to Microsoft Visio, Teradata SQL Assistant, and other software tools used by the EDW business team.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong academic background in Computer Science / Information Technology
• College Junior or Senior preferred
• Minimum 3.50 GPA
• Must possess proven analytical and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of Agile Methodology
To apply go to:
Careers
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Click Highmark Health
type 80122 in Search Requisitions field
Online Application Address:

Top Secret Colonials October Update

I hope all is well with everyone as we continue to move deeper into the semester.  Here are just a few updates with the club.

Everyone please remember to drop off jars of peanut butter and jelly in order to help the us give back.  Drop-off boxes are located near the admissions office, in Romo’s, and right outside of Dr. Paullet’s office.

In addition, the Top Secret Colonials are going to be hosting a 12-Hour Gaming Charity Marathon sometime in October.  The details on when and where are still being worked out, so be aware of updates happening soon.  If you are interested, please email jtwst256@mail.rmu.edu.

Also, please be aware of the cyber security awareness tips being posted throughout the month.  Continue to email ideas as you think of them.

Last, if you missed any of the meetings regarding the D.C. National Security Seminar Trip and you’re interested in going, please schedule a meeting with Dr. Paullet.

Thanks, and enjoy the rest of Cyber Security Awareness Month!