Computer Science

Follow your passion for Computer Science

One of the fastest-growing job markets is that of computing. Majoring in either Computer Science or Management Information Systems at Loras College will prepare you for a successful career in one of the hottest industries today. Both majors include common-core coursework in Computing and Information Technology (CIT) fundamentals, programming, networking and databases. Many of our students win annual awards and scholarships, and present papers at national conferences. And in the last decade, nearly 100% of Computer Science program students reported obtaining employment or entry into graduate school within one year of graduation. If you like to be challenged, think logically, and are curious and creative, these may be the majors for you.

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GETTING INVOLVED – STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY

What is ACM?

The Loras College ACM organization is a student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. Its purpose is to enhance the appreciation for computer science in both students and faculty, to encourage further study in computer science and to provide opportunities to explore new developments and careers in the field of computer science.

What does the ACM do?

The Loras ACM Club has many events throughout the year, ranging from the informative to the fun. The club takes trips to places of interest, including IBM in Rochester, MN. In addition, the club sponsors talks by faculty from Loras and other colleges. Each year, several social gatherings are held to allow students to mingle with faculty along with their peers. Traditionally, the club enjoys Christmas caroling and the Year-End Picnic with the Loras College Mathematics Club. The club is also involved in a service project each year.

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MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Mathematics and Computer Information Technology annually offer several awards and scholarships to students taking related courses. Some are available only to those majoring in Mathematics or Computer Information Technology while others are available to first-year students, regardless of their intended major. Winners are selected by Mathematics and Computer Information Technology faculty, and awards are presented at a ceremony each spring.

Computer Information Technology Awards and Scholarships

  • McKesson HBOC Scholarship — awarded since 1999.
    Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Candidates must be in their final year of study in Computer Science or Management Information Systems (MIS). Eligible candidates usually apply in April of each year and are required to submit a current transcript and an essay regarding their qualifications. A successful candidate will have excelled academically, been involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrated financial need. The recipients are chosen by representatives of McKesson HBOC along with Loras Accounting and Business, Mathematics and Computer Science faculty.

Past winners include: Sara Wieland, 2003; Deanna Ernzen, 2002; Angela Starkey (CS), 2001; Theodore Swanson (CS) and Curtis Kuhn (MIS), 2000; and Kevin Klemke and Erik Sterud, 1999.

  • Computer Information Technology Alumni Award — awarded since 1986.
    Candidates must be graduating seniors and nominated by a faculty member teaching a computer science-related course. Each candidate is asked to submit an essay detailing how they plan to use their experience in the future. The winner is selected by faculty vote. Recently, winners have garnered $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall.

Mathematics Awards and Scholarships

  • First-Year Mathematics Award — awarded since 1980.
    Recent winners have received $100 and a certificate in addition to the coveted handshake from the department chairperson. Candidates must be first-year students and nominated by a department faculty member. Each nominee is asked to submit a mathematical autobiography, and the winner(s) are chosen by department vote. Winners’ names are proudly displayed on nameplates near the main entrance of Hennessy Hall.
  • Droessler Scholarship — awarded since 1994.
    A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded annually from the endowment graciously provided by Dr. Earl Droessler, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University. Dr. Droessler is a 1942 graduate of Loras College. A candidate for this scholarship must have either junior or senior standing, have declared a mathematics major and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses. Strong candidates will have shown creativity and devotion to their study of mathematics and the liberal arts in general, and be involved in extracurricular activities. Candidates are nominated by department faculty members, and winners are selected by a vote of the department faculty.
  • Sullivan Applied Mathematics and Science Award — awarded since 2001.
    Recipients receive $500. The Sullivan award is intended to reward and provide further motivation for female majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or Engineering. Candidates for this annual award must maintain a 3.5 GPA and have demonstrated quality course selection in the pursuit of a liberal arts education.
  • Father Louis Ernsdorff Senior Math Award — awarded since 1980.Winners of the award receive $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall. Candidates for this award must be graduating seniors nominated by a faculty member in the department. The winner is then selected by a vote of the department faculty.

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DUHAWK DISTINCTION: ONCE A DUHAWK – ALWAYS A DUHAWK

Over 150 alums have graduated with a related information technology major over the past 20 years. Loras College alums are important contributors to their communities, states and country. Many continue a life of service starting during their college days and lasting throughout their professional lives.

Computing alums have gone on to successful careers in large, mid-sized and small businesses including organizations such as:

  • Allstate Insurance: Northbrook, IL
  • Cottingham and Butler: Dubuque, IA
  • CUNA Mutual Group: Madison, WI
  • IBM Corporation: Rochester, MN
  • John Deere & Company: Moline, IL
  • McGladrey & Pullen: Dubuque, Davenport, IA
  • Principal Financial Group: Des Moines, IA
  • Rockwell Collins: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Walgreens: Chicago, IL
  • Wells Fargo: Des Moines, IA

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LORAS COLLEGE MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE FAST FACTS

  • Within the last decade, nearly 100% of those who graduated from the Loras College Computer Science program reported obtaining employment or entry into graduate school within one year after graduation.
  • Computer Science students have attended and presented papers and won awards before graduation at conferences of national professional organizations.
  • The Loras College Mathematics and Computer Science programs offer several awards and scholarships yearly to students. We also offer support to students who wish to grade student papers, work in the Loras College Mathematics Lab or work as peer assistants.
  • Loras College faculty is extremely active in the academic and civic communities. Faculty members are volunteers for several local organizations including different churches and scouting organizations. All Computer Science faculty members regularly attend and present at local, regional and national professional conferences.

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Major Requirements
Division of Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science
Robert Keller, Ph.D., Chair
Requirements for the major in Computer Science (B.S.):
A minimum GPA of 2.00 in all CIT and MAT courses and successful completion of a comprehensive examination are also required.
Req Course Cr’s
Select one from Req 1
1   L.MAT-150: Calculus of One Variable I-FM 4
1   L.MAT-170: Accelerated Calculus of One Variable-FM 4
2   L.MAT-220: Introduction to Probability & Statistics 3
3   L.MAT-230: Discrete Mathematics 3
Select one from Req 4
4   L.CIT-110: Computing & Information Technology Basics 3
4   L.CIT-111: Accelerated Computing & Info Tech Basics 3
5   L.CIT-115: Programming and Design Basics 4
6   L.CIT-217: Network Management 3
7   L.CIT-218: Database Management 3
8   L.CIT-219: Computer Organization and Architecture 4
9   L.CIT-225: Data Structures and Algorithms 4
10   L.CIT-325: Algorithm Design & Analysis 3
11   L.CIT-332: Web Programming 3
12   L.CIT-357: Foundations of Programming Languages 3
13   L.CIT-440: Operating Systems 3
14   L.CIT-485: Systems Engineering 3
Select one from Req 15
15   L.CIT-310: Artificial Intelligence 3
15   L.CIT-311: Human Computer Interaction 3
15   L.CIT-350: Computer Graphics 3
15   L.CIT-432: Computer Networks 3
16   L.CIT-490: Capstone Project 3
17   L.CIT-490E: Comprehensive Examination 0
52 total required credits

Requirements for the major in Management Information Systems (B.S):
See Business Administration majors.

Requirements for the minor in Computer Science:
A minimum GPA of 2.00 in all L.CIT courses is required.

Req Course Cr’s
1   L.CIT-115: Programming and Design Basics 4
2   L.CIT-225: Data Structures and Algorithms 4
Select four from Req 3
3   L.CIT-219: Computer Organization and Architecture 4
3   L.CIT-310: Artificial Intelligence 3
3   L.CIT-311: Human Computer Interaction 3
3   L.CIT-325: Algorithm Design & Analysis 3
3   L.CIT-332: Web Programming 3
3   L.CIT-350: Computer Graphics 3
3   L.CIT-357: Foundations of Programming Languages 3
3   L.CIT-432: Computer Networks 3
3   L.CIT-440: Operating Systems 3
3   L.CIT-485: Systems Engineering 3
20 to 21 total required credits
Course Descriptions

L.CIT-110: Computing & Information Technology Basics
This is an introductory course focused on the use of computing technology to solve problems, as well as, offering hands-on experience with common computer applications. These applications will be used as tools to help students analyze problems and structure solutions, and include word processing, database, spreadsheet, program development, and the Internet. Topics will include personal computer hardware and software, operating systems computer networks, and information assurance. Restriction: Cannot be taken for credit if L.CIT-111 has already been passed. Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics including one year of Algebra II with a grade of C- or better or L.MAT-113 or higher. 3 credits.

L.CIT-111: Accelerated Computing & Information Technology Basics
This is a community based service learning course focused on the use of computing technology to solve problems, as well as, offering hands-on experience with common computer applications. In this “L.CIT-110”-equivalent course, students will learn basic aspects of computing technology, to analyze problems, and to structure solutions using technology tools. During the course, students will also become familiar with basic principles that apply to justice, human dignity, and distinctiveness of the human being as defined in Catholic Social Teaching. Students will provide computer training to members of the under-employed Dubuque community, and reflect on their experiences using the perspective of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Topics will include personal computer hardware and software, operating systems, computer networks, and information assurance. Restriction: Cannot be taken for credit if L.CIT-110 has already been passed. Prerequisites: Three years of high school mathematics including one year of Algebra II with a grade of C- or better or L.MAT-113 or higher. 3 credits

L.CIT-115: Programming & Design Basics
This course provides an introduction to the software engineering principles and tools used in the solution of problems, introduces a programming language and introduces students to social and professional concerns which arise with the use of computers. Prerequisite: L.MAT-117 or above. 4 credits.

L.CIT-217: Network Management
This course focuses on LAN management issues associated with evaluating, installing, and administrating computer networks. This course will integrate current technology and internetworking issues within the context of network operating systems and hardware. The course will have a lab component requiring dedicated desktop and server computers, and network hardware. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111. 3 credits.

L.CIT-218: Database Management
Database Management is a study of the database models, the design, development, and implementation of a database, E-R and UML diagrams, SQL query language, normalization, database selection, distributed databases, ethical use of databases, and database security and control. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111. 3 credits.

L.CIT-219: Computer Organization & Architecture
This course introduces the fundamentals of computer hardware where the students will learn basic building blocks of a small computer and how the hardware and software interface with one another. This course includes lab component where students learn the basic building blocks of computer hardware. Prerequisite: L.CIT-115. 4 credits.

L.CIT-225: Data Structures & Algorithms
This course provides an introduction to basic data structures and abstract data types. It introduces a variety of algorithms and problem solving strategies as well as elementary algorithm analysis. Prerequisite: L.CIT-115. 4 credits.

L.CIT-311: Human Computer Interaction
This course provides an introduction to the discipline of Human Computer Interaction. It is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of effective computing systems for human use. Topics that will be covered are: History; Principles for Design, Understanding users and their tasks; Designing with the user; Basic human factors; and, Designing visual interfaces. Prerequisites: L.CIT-115 and at least one other course from the following: L.CIT-225, L.CIT-326, L.CIT-327, or L.CIT-332. 3 credits.

L.CIT-321: Data Analysis
This course focuses on evaluating and analyzing different types of business related data and developing effective solutions. It will utilize current spreadsheet and database software as tools to facilitate the interpretation of the data. The course will have a lab component requiring student laptop computers equipped with spreadsheet and database software. Prerequisites: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111, or L.ACC-227. 3 credits.

L.CIT-322: Web Publishing I-Basic Authoring
This course is designed to introduce you to the tools, techniques, and skills needed to publish and manage materials posted on a web site. The course consists of three separate sections. The first section introduces basic XHTML coding and the skills needed to publish simple web pages. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111. Must be taken along with L.CIT-323 and L.CIT-324. 1 credit.

L.CIT-323: Web Publishing II-Advanced Authoring
This course is designed to introduce you to the tools, techniques, and skills needed to publish and manage materials posted on a web site. The course consists of three separate sections. The second section focuses on programming with JavaScript. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111. Must be taken along with L.CIT-322 and L.CIT-324. 1 credit.

L.CIT-324: Web Publishing III-Site Development & Administration
This course is designed to introduce you to the tools, techniques, and skills needed to publish and manage materials posted on a web site. The course consists of three separate sections. The third section covers topics on web design, web project management, and web maintenance. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111. Must be taken along with L.CIT-322 and L.CIT-323. 1 credit.

L.CIT-325: Algorithm Design & Analysis
This course introduces various algorithm design strategies, familiarizes students with well-known algorithms from a variety of areas, does average and worst-case time analysis of algorithms, and extends the set of data structures with which the students are able to work. Prerequisites: L.CIT-225 and L.MAT-230. 3 credits.

L.CIT-326: Visual Basic Programming
This course focuses on continued development of computer applications, focusing on programming software in an object-oriented/event driven environment by taking full advantage of the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language. The course integrates hands-on real-world scenarios with in-depth discussions of programming concepts and techniques. The course will have a lab component requiring student laptop computers equipped with the Microsoft Visual Basic programming software. Prerequisite: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111, and L.CIT-115. 3 credits.

L.CIT-327: Structured COBOL Programming
This course introduces the student to the COBOL programming language, still one of the most popular business programming languages. The main focus of the course is to plan and code working computer programs. Topics covered include sequential file processing, common program structures such as decisions and loops, tables, data validation, batch and on-line processing, and direct access file processing. Prerequisite: L.CIT-115. 3 credits.

L.CIT-332: Web Programming
Students learn a programming language designed to be used on the Internet. Then by working on projects that use the language students learn about the different technologies used on the World Wide Web, such as network and inter-network protocols, process-to-process communication, interfacing to databases, human-computer interaction, and intelligent agents. Prerequisite: L.CIT-115. 3 credits.

L.CIT-340: Machine Learning
This course introduces students to topics in the Machine Learning area of Artificial Intelligence. It will include an introduction to some popular algorithms computers use to make decisions and predictions based on problems consisting of varied types of data. In addition to utilizing the algorithms themselves, students will learn about different methods of evaluating these algorithms and how to choose an algorithm for a particular problem. Prerequisite: L.CIT-225. 3 credits.

L.CIT-350: Computer Graphics
This course provides an introduction to computer graphics. This will include some of the fundamental algorithms as well as experience in graphics programming using OpenGL. Prerequisite: L.CIT-225. 3 credits.

L.CIT-357: Foundations of Programming Languages
This course provides an introduction to programming language design and implementation. It provides experience in a variety of programming paradigms as well as an introduction to programming language theory. Prerequisite: L.CIT-225. 3 credits.

L.CIT-394: Internship
This course provides structured experience in a work environment outside the classroom. Prerequisites: Two courses in CIT. GPA of 3.0 overall. Credit varies.

L.CIT-430: Project Management
This course provides concepts, methods and techniques in project management and applies them in an information technology environment. The student will apply the concepts and techniques learned to “real-world” cases. The student will evaluate cases using the methods provided and will work as part of a team to manage a project. The course will have a lab component requiring student laptop computers equipped with project management software. Prerequisites: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111, L.ACC-228. 3 credits.

L.CIT-432: Computer Networks
The emphasis in this course is the design and construction of computer networks and network protocols. Performance evaluation for network hardware and protocols is also a strong emphasis within the course. Topics include common protocols on the Internet and the decisions that were made to implement them. Examples from current network technologies will be used. Prerequisite: L.CIT-225. 3 credits.

L.CIT-440: Operating Systems
The focus of this course is the study of the fundamental algorithms used to manage the hardware resources of a computer. The topics include CPU scheduling, file structures, memory management, deadlock detection and avoidance, and concurrency control. Prerequisites: L.CIT-219 and L.CIT-225. 3 credits.

L.CIT-485: Systems Engineering
This course uses modeling techniques that aid in the analysis of computer information systems. Students will study, create, and analyze various models and utilize them in designing these systems. Students will also analyze how these systems fit into an organization’s overall structure and strategic plan. Prerequisites: L.CIT-115, L.CIT-217, L.CIT-218 and Senior standing. 3 credits.

L.CIT-489: System Implementation
System Implementation is a capstone experience for CIT majors in the MIS track. Ethics cases, a portfolio, a research paper, a class project, and an individualized computer project are required. Students will synthesize computer knowledge obtained in previous courses, as well as more in-depth research in an area of interest. Prerequisite: L.CIT-430. 3 credits.

L.CIT-490: Capstone Project
This course provides the experience of a semester long group project. It requires the students to apply their hardware and software skills in a group setting where cooperation and coordination are necessary for the successful completion of the project. Prerequisites: must have completed at least four courses in CIT numbered 200 or above and have Senior standing. 3 credits.

L.CIT-490E: Comprehensive Examination
A placeholder course which indicates attempt and completion of the required comprehensive examination. 0 credits. Pass/fail only.

L.CIT-491: Project Management
This course provides concepts, methods and techniques in project management and applies them in an information technology environment. The student will apply the concepts and techniques learned to “real-world” cases. The student will evaluate cases using the methods provided and will work as part of a team to manage a project. The course will have a lab component requiring student laptop computers equipped with project management software. Prerequisites: L.CIT-110 or L.CIT-111, L.ACC-228. 3 credits.

RELATED COURSES: Engineering, Mathematics

Career Opportunities

After receiving your degree from Loras, your career could take off into one of these fields:

  • Insurance Software Development
  • Avionics Software Development
  • Back-Office to Point-of-Sale Hardware
  • Software Development
  • Infrastructure Management
  • Information Technology
  • System Upgrades
Loras College Department Staff

Thomas Carstens, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Engineering
563.588.7186 | Thomas.Carstens@loras.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Susan Crook, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
563.588.7794 | Susan.Crook@loras.edu

Susan Crook earned her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University in 2013. At NCSU she worked in Numerical Analysis focusing on curve matching, which has real-world applications in object recognition and assembly. Since coming to Loras, Dr. Crook’s research has focused more on happy numbers (with a research group supported by the American Institute of Mathematics). She is interested in inquiry-based learning, both in the classroom and as a research topic. While she enjoys research, her real passion is teaching. At Loras, Dr. Crook has had the pleasure of teaching a variety of math courses and engaging with students across many majors. She loves getting students actively involved in playing with mathematics so that they can enjoy the “ah ha!” moments that mathematicians do. In her free time, Dr. Crook enjoys cooking and baking, traveling the world, discovering new musicians, and reading while cuddled up with her two cats, Penny and Nona.

Jacob Heidenreich, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
563.588.7793 | Jacob.Heidenreich@loras.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Prof. Heidenreich’s training is in mathematics and philosophy, centering on the field of Mathematical Logic. He has a strong interest in the historical development of mathematics, as well as the philosophical issues that have arisen during that development. In the past, he has worked on developing undergraduate research and the senior experience in the math program at Loras College. He developed the system by which math majors engaged in undergraduate research and present that research to their peers and professors. He also was responsible for beginning a tradition of student attendance and presentation at undergraduate conferences in mathematics. Recently, his interest is in the use of games in the classroom to enable deep student learning. He studies good game design, and how those design principles can be used to design various assignments and activities. He also develops games for use as teaching tools in the classroom.

Robert Keller, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Division Chair of Mathematics, Engineering, & Computer Science
563.588.7015 | Robert.Keller@loras.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Robert Keller is Associate Professor of Mathematics at Loras College and Chair of the Division of Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science. Rob has taught at Loras since earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics in 1999 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. From 2000-2004 he taught 5th- and 6th-grade Dubuque public school students part time through the Talented and Gifted program. For the past decade, Rob has delivered professional development in mathematics, and more recently in STEM education, for practicing K-12 teachers. These have included workshops for high school teachers transitioning to a standards-based beginning algebra series, and more than six years as a lead organizer and presenter for the Loras College Lesson Study Project. Funded by several large grants, this project was a successful partnership involving the Mississippi Bend and Keystone Area Education Agencies and educators from Loras College that ultimately served hundreds of teachers throughout eastern Iowa.

Currently, he is co-director of a three-year Title IIA-funded project which seeks to build capacity to deliver integrated middle school science and mathematics content. More than 50 middle school teachers from six school districts are currently involved in this unique project. Rob has also been active in the education and formation of future K-12 teachers. He co-directed the development of a two-course sequence in mathematics content for K-8 teachers at Loras College (funded by a Preparing Mathematicians to Educate Teachers grant awarded through the NSF and Mathematics Association of America), which he now regularly teaches. He has collaborated with Bridgette Stevens (formerly at the University of Northern Iowa) on testing methods to promote the integration of reflective practices in mathematics courses for elementary teachers, work that was funded by an inter-institutional grant from UNI. In addition, from 2002-2004 Rob led efforts with Joyce Becker of Luther College and Catherine Miller of the University of Northern Iowa to update Iowa state requirements for pre-service Secondary Math Education majors (with funding by grants from the Regents Academy and UNI).

Angela Kohlhaas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
563.588.7152 | Angela.Kohlhaas@loras.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Kohlhaas received her PhD in mathematics in 2010 from the University of Notre Dame, where she studied commutative algebra. She enjoys finding ways of visualizing abstract algebraic and geometric concepts, and her students spend an inordinate amount of time playing with Play-Doh as a result. She also loves engaging students in undergraduate research projects, with topics ranging from the mathematics of origami to symmetries of Sudoku. She recently developed a January term course investigating the mathematics of musical compositions and perspective art which she is excited to be teaching in January 2015. Outside of mathematics, Professor Kohlhaas can often be found playing Ultimate Frisbee, at the piano, or cooking spicy food.

Kenneth McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Professor of Engineering
563.588.7581 | Kenneth.McLaughlin@loras.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Growing up in rural settings, Dr. McLaughlin became fascinated with the night sky. When he learned that we can decipher what the stars are made of by analyzing their starlight, he was hooked on interpreting the natural world in terms of the atoms and molecules for which things are made of: the periodic chart contains 92 natural elements with only a handful that are in abundance and yet nature is incredibly diverse: it is how those few atoms are put together that creates this diversity. He finds this fascinating and continues to study the connection between the microscopic atoms with the macroscopic that we observe with our direct senses.

Dr. McLaughlin spends his summers and many spring and winter breaks investigating how atoms and molecules behave by running experiments at Berkeley National Laboratory and he spends a lot of sleepless nights under the stars in our campus observatory. This work has been funded by multiple National Science Foundation grants as well as multiple Iowa College Foundation grants along with grants from Verizon and the Alliant Energy Foundation. Multiple Loras College students have traveled with him to Berkeley, taking an intimate part in planning and accomplishing their experiments as well as co-authoring and presenting at national conferences; many have been consumed by similar curiosities and have gone on to graduate school; multiple Loras College students have undertaken astrophysics research with him and have presented at the Iowa Academy of Sciences annual meeting.

He has additional interests in art, architecture and their histories: he was fascinated by pencil drawings in his youth and contemplated architecture as a way to blend his technical leanings with creative endeavors; however, his interest in atoms eventually pulled him to pursue science and engineering over architecture. He still enjoys drawing and photography and has melded this creative pursuit with his technical interests by pursuing astrophotography. He loves to photograph the night sky: star patterns and constellations on a broad field-of-view as well as the Moon, nebulae and galaxies through a telescope.

Matthew Rissler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
563.588.7792 | Matthew.Rissler@loras.edu

Dr. Rissler is originally from Virginia, but spent nine years in Indiana at Goshen College and the University of Notre Dame earning degrees in Mathematics, Physics, and Applied Math. Since 2008 he has been at Loras College teaching all of these and Statistics. His classes tend to involve using laptops to complete activities and modeling projects. Rissler’s research interests lie in the areas of agent-based modeling, statistics and utilizing computers in teaching Mathematics. Current and recent senior projects he has advised include simulating battles between orcs and elves (if you like LotR, or humans and zombies if you don’t), statistical modeling of production by players in the WNBA, and looking at streaks in baseball at the college level.

Danial Neebel, Ph.D.
Professor of Engineering
Professor of Computer Science
563.588.7815 | Danial.Neebel@loras.edu

Dr. Danial Neebel studied in the pre-engineering program at Loras and earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Iowa State.  He went from there to the Trane Co. where he worked as an electronic controls engineer designing microcontroller based systems to control HVAC equipment.  In 1988, he went back to school and earned a Masters and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Upon completion of his PhD, he moved to Harrisonburg, VA to help start the Integrated Science and Technology program before returning to Loras College, his alma mater.  Since returning to Loras, he has helped shape the Engineering and Computer Science programs. 

During the 2013-2014 academic year he served as a Visiting Professor at the US Air Force Academy in the departments of electrical and computer engineering and computer science. His research interests include digital system design and testing, computer architecture, and computer science and engineering education.

Kristen Stauffer-Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Engineering
563.588.7122 | Kristen.Thompson@loras.edu

Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer Science
563.588.7570 | Michael.Thompson@loras.edu

After growing up in suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Dr. Michael Thompson attended Central College in Pella, Iowa where he graduated with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as a minor in Philosophy. After graduating, he worked as a programmer for Advanced Technologies Group, Inc. in West Des Moines, Iowa. He then attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received his Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, with an emphasis on Optimization. While there, Dr. Thompson researched methods of finding the minimum of a nonconvex function, with applications in protein-ligand docking. His current research interests include applications in Artificial Intelligence using Support Vector Machines and other techniques relating to business analytics, specifically in how they relate to sports.