Faculty Profile

Name:

Thomas Gibbons Ph.D.



Title:

Chair



Department:

Computer Information Systems



What is your field of expertise, and what makes you interested in this field?

I enjoy the breadth of the computing field. One week I am combining my interest in photography with game design; the next week I am working on implementing a mathematical model of the brain on the computer.

Can you briefly introduce the academic program (or department) you are in to our prospective students?

The CS/CIS major prepares students for a variety of careers with different concentrations. Students wanting to exercise their creativity complete a Web Development concentration. Students looking to develop software complete a Software Engineering concentration. Math minded students can complete a Math concentration while those interested in working in healthcare can complete the Healthcare concentration. Students hoping to start their own business or become business leaders can complete a concentration in Management.

What distinguishes St. Scholastica/your program from other colleges and universities?

Other computer science programs offer the same old courses they did 25 years ago and have not kept up with the changing world, but St. Scholastica's CS/CIS faculty are always learning new technology and offering new courses--just ask us what new courses we are offering this year. Other programs force you down one path with no flexibility, while our concentrations allow students to customize their education to fit their future plans.

What's your most interesting teaching or research experience at St. Scholastica?

For the last five years I have advised students competing in a Midwest regional robotics competition. The students won the competition one year and often place in the top three. These competitions are very challenging and it is always fun playing with robots.

What's your advice for prospective students?

College should prepare you for a meaningful career and a responsible, fulfilling life. When you look at a program, ask how does this program prepare me for both?