Developments in Adelphi’s Computer Science Department Gives Students New Opportunities in the Field

Technology touches almost every part of our lives, and increasingly, every part of our jobs. Adelphi University students sit squarely on the cutting edge of the top computer science fields, thanks to current developments underway in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Game development represented a $91 billion industry worldwide in 2016. As we dive into 2017, emerging fields like virtual reality, augmented reality and mobile gaming are set to continue to grow. That’s why the Game Development Lab at Adelphi, overseen by Lee Stemkoski, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and computer science, will be equipped with cutting-edge equipment, like high-end desktops and multiple virtual reality (VR) headsets, including the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, and the HTC Vive. Soon, the lab will even have a Development Edition of the not-yet-released Microsoft HoloLens. Students and faculty will be able to explore and develop programs for these devices and more.

“Already, we carry high-powered computers in our pockets,” says Dr. Stemkoski, referring to smartphones. “Never has gaming been such a part of mainstream culture and day to day life. It only makes sense that we teach our students to work in this area.”

Students who study game development at Adelphi will be prepared to work for a major game developer—such as those behind well-known games like Call of Duty and Counterstrike—or to go the route of indie game developing. Students can customize their course of study at Adelphi and gain skills in related areas such as digital art and animation or music technology, and those whose ultimate goal is to create their own game can develop the diverse set of skills they need to do just that.

Students who want to work in cybersecurity will find top-notch course offerings at Adelphi, too, with Kees Leune, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, whose classes in information security are preparing students to meet the increasing challenges of the field. The modern era has brought with it plenty of new security challenges, says Dr. Leune, as more devices are connected to the internet—a concept known as the Internet of Things.

“It can range from refrigerators to DVRs, from surveillance cameras to doorbells with cameras, and even health monitoring systems in hospitals. And a lot of it isn’t written by people with security in mind,” says Dr. Leune. “Oftentimes, a company’s primary goal is to bring as many products to market as possible, and to do so as quickly as possible. However, once the software is out there, it’s difficult to update. This market will grow—not just by a little bit.”

To address growing needs, a Cybersecurity Lab, recently opened at Adelphi, will provide resources to students and faculty who wish to collaborate and develop techniques to improve cybersecurity.

Just as technology finds its way into our home appliances, it has found its way into nearly every industry in some capacity. That’s why the computer science department does its best to reach out to students of all majors. Dr. Stemkoski says a new minor in Digital Studies, currently under development, may explore how technology relates to our lives and will give students a perspective that will strengthen any course of study.

Other individual courses serve as entry-points into technology for non-majors, says Dr. Stemkoski, who adds, “There are many ways you can incorporate technology into a course of study.” For example, he is currently developing a course with the English department called Interactive Literature, where students will learn to create narratives that change and adapt to choices made by their readers; the course is designed to attract students interested in the humanities. Similarly, courses in digital imaging are appealing to art majors who want to try their hand at learning modern technology.

The world’s technological challenges—and opportunities—are increasing exponentially, and Adelphi’s computer science department is preparing students to meet every one of them.