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Math, computer science departments aim to attract students |
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Thursday, 01 February 2007 |
by AUBREY RESECH
News Reporter
The nation is experiencing a significant lack of professionals in the fields of mathematics and computer science.
The math and computer science departments at Appalachian State University are well aware of this fact and, as a result, are attempting to attract more students to the majors.
With funding the National Science Foundation (NSF) supplies, the
departments are able to offer students a scholarship through the NSF’s
computer science, engineering and mathematics scholarship program
(CSEMS).
 Active Image | Bryan Tarnowski | The Appalachian
Recipient of a scholarship from the CSEMS, Lauren B. Christopher, a senior mathematical science major, studies in the Summit Trail Solarium.
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“The National Science Foundation established the CSEMS grants to
encourage and enable academically-talented students who have financial
need to enter the high technology workforce,” Dr. Rahman Tashakkori,
associate professor of computer science and coordinator of the CSEMS
program, said.
The CSEMS program was started at Appalachian in fall 2002. The NSF gave
the computer science department $459,298, according to the university
news Web site.
The funding provides $4,000 per year, which allows undergraduates to
study approximately eight semesters and graduate students to study
approximately four semesters.
It is the goal of the department to be able to offer 30 scholarships per semester by fall of 2007.
The scholarships are granted to students who show adequate academic abilities and a need for financial assistance.
Already, 58 students from Appalachian State have been awarded the scholarship, according the university news Web site.
Lauren B. Christopher, a senior mathematical science major, was a CSEMS recipient this year.
She received $3,125 in scholarship funds and expects the amount to rise to $4,000 for next year.
“Through the CSEMS scholarship program, I have been introduced to the
research of many professors within the sciences here at ASU as well as
that of other scholarship recipients,” Christopher said.
The scholarship program offers students more than just monetary assistance.
An additional component is the application of community building. This
effort is built on a weekly seminar that all scholars are required to
attend. It is an important component in the success of a scholar and
it is realized through various types of activities from academic
endeavors to purely social events and community service, Tashakkori
said.
Students also benefit from a mentoring system.
Undergraduate peer mentoring is provided to students who need assistance in the form of mentoring groups.
Graduate mentors are also available to students.
Undergraduate research is another option. Research is conducted in
small groups, led by graduate students and is assigned according to the
group’s interest.
The department hopes to draw more students and correct many of the
false assumptions students have about the computer science major.
“Though it is not usually perceived as such, computer science has a lot
of room for creativity,” Dr. James T. Wilkes, the chairperson and
associate professor in the computer science department, said.
“Creating a computer application to address a particular need is part mechanical and part art.”
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