Computer Science Club
The Computer Science Club is run by students majoring or minoring in computer science and is open to all students interested in computers and their applications.
Solve real-world problems
Computer and Information Sciences
About the Department of Computer and Information Sciences
In recognition of the importance of being able to analyze data in the modern world, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of St. Thomas strives to develop the technical and statistical knowledge and skills our students need to succeed in an array of fast-paced careers.
Our computer science and statistics programs will challenge you by focusing on a variety of topics, such as software design and implementation, computer architecture, database designs, algorithms, data mining, artificial intelligence and predictive modeling. Our focus on comprehensive problem-based learning strategies through the liberal arts gives you the skills you need to lead in organizations.
Prepared for the Future
A major or minor in computer science or statistics will give you access to faculty, small classes and multiple opportunities to apply what you are learning to real-world issues.
Related Programs
Our programs pair well with multiple other programs at St. Thomas.
Student Stories
Belinda Huang ‘20
Belinda was a triple major in computer science, music performance and French. She conducted research on knot theory and knot transitions with Dr. Rawdon, and was one of twenty students selected as a Google North American Women Techmaker Scholar in 2018.
Mitchell Nelson ‘20
Mitchell is president of Computer Science Club, published and presented research at the international computer science conference BDCAT 2019 and has studied abroad. He credits the department faculty for helping him succeed and making him feel welcome.
Leah Emerson ‘20
Leah conducted research with Dr. Thomas Marrinan, and studied abroad in New Zealand in 2018. She attributes her success in the computer science major to the strong relationships she has formed with faculty and fellow students.
Brandon Tran ‘20
Brandon has been involved with several different research projects with the Computer and Information Sciences Department, as well as the Mathematics Department. He has also had the opportunity to present his research at a conference in San Diego.
Abigail Westphal ‘20
Abigail has performed in multiple music ensembles, studied abroad in Morocco, Spain and Portugal, and is conducting research with Dr. Sergey Berg. She credits the amazing community in the department for her success.
Outside the Classroom
There are a number of opportunities for you to engage with faculty, your peers and industry partners outside of the classroom.
Computer Science Club
Applied Probability and Statistics Seminars
The Applied Probability and Statistics Seminar attracts students and faculty, as well as a number of industry representatives.
Recent Faculty Research
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease of deer, elk and moose transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact and indirectly through contact with prions deposited by infected animals. Prions can remain infectious in the environment for at least two years after being deposited, so herd reduction via wide-scale culling has thus far proven to be insufficient to halt the spread.
Localized management in the form of intensive, non-selective culling of deer over a small geographical area may provide a suitable alternative for management of CWD in white-tailed deer. Dr. Sergey Berg uses simulation models to compare the effectiveness of different scales of localized management to wide-scale herd reduction in controlling the spread of CWD through deer populations of varying densities.
Preliminary results suggest that intensive removal of deer over a small area may provide a more effective control strategy than the broad-scale approaches currently used to manage CWD without severely reducing overall abundance.
Head Mounted Displays
Head mounted displays (HMDs) can provide users with an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, but often are limited to viewing a single environment or data set at a time.
Dr. Tommy Marrinan and Leah Emerson ’20 partnered with Dr. Heather Shirey in art history and graduate English student Theresa Malloy on a project that co-located users in the real world can help provide additional context and steer virtual experiences. With the use of a separate canvas, such as a large-scale display wall, non-immersed users can view a multitude of contextual information. This information can be used to drive the VR user’s interactions and lead to deeper understanding.
They highlight two digital humanities use cases that capture real locations using a 360° camera: urban art and urban community gardens. In both cases, HMDs allow users to view a space and its surroundings, while non-immersed users can help with tasks such as placing overlays with auxiliary information, navigating between related spaces, and directing the VR user's actions.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion disease of deer, elk and moose transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact and indirectly through contact with prions deposited by infected animals. Prions can remain infectious in the environment for at least two years after being deposited, so herd reduction via wide-scale culling has thus far proven to be insufficient to halt the spread.
Localized management in the form of intensive, non-selective culling of deer over a small geographical area may provide a suitable alternative for management of CWD in white-tailed deer. Dr. Sergey Berg uses simulation models to compare the effectiveness of different scales of localized management to wide-scale herd reduction in controlling the spread of CWD through deer populations of varying densities.
Preliminary results suggest that intensive removal of deer over a small area may provide a more effective control strategy than the broad-scale approaches currently used to manage CWD without severely reducing overall abundance.
Head Mounted Displays
Head mounted displays (HMDs) can provide users with an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, but often are limited to viewing a single environment or data set at a time.
Dr. Tommy Marrinan and Leah Emerson ’20 partnered with Dr. Heather Shirey in art history and graduate English student Theresa Malloy on a project that co-located users in the real world can help provide additional context and steer virtual experiences. With the use of a separate canvas, such as a large-scale display wall, non-immersed users can view a multitude of contextual information. This information can be used to drive the VR user’s interactions and lead to deeper understanding.
They highlight two digital humanities use cases that capture real locations using a 360° camera: urban art and urban community gardens. In both cases, HMDs allow users to view a space and its surroundings, while non-immersed users can help with tasks such as placing overlays with auxiliary information, navigating between related spaces, and directing the VR user's actions.
Expand your horizons
Study Abroad
University of Edinburgh – Scotland
You have the opportunity to complete graduation requirements while exploring the rich history of Scotland.
University of Canterbury – New Zealand
Christchurch is home to the University of Canterbury, the second-oldest university in New Zealand.
Student Stories
Nick Hillemeier ‘21
Nick has conducted research with Dr. Joseph Myre and Dr. Jason Sawin focusing on computer architecture. He feels the courses and faculty in the Computer and Information Sciences Department have prepared him well for life after St. Thomas.
Zach Sorenson ‘19
Throughout his time at St. Thomas, Zach was able to work on and publish research with our faculty, participated in a music ensemble and was President of the Computer Science Club as a senior. Every class he took gave him the tools he needed to succeed.
Major: Computer Science; Minor: Applied Statistics
Jesse Smrekar ‘20
Jesse is conducting research with two computer science faculty that are looking into energy efficiency of GPU’s. He also works at the Tech Desk on campus. He credits the faculty, coursework and community for giving him a one-of-a-kind experience.
Brennan Schaffner ‘20
Brennan has studied abroad in New Zealand, presented research at two international conferences, is a member of the Climbing Club at St. Thomas and played trumpet in the Symphonic Band for two years.
Faculty
Our faculty are active scholars that are eager to collaborate with students on academic research.
Dr. Sarah Miracle
Dr. Miracle and Dr. Scott Yilek publish work in the area of format-preserving encryption. They recently presented their finds at the 25th Conference on Selected Areas in Cryptography.
Dr. Sergey Berg
Dr. Berg uses statistical simulations to compare strategies for combating the spread of chronic wasting disease in Minnesota.
Dr. Amelia McNamara
Dr. McNamara teaches courses in statistics, data visualization and statistical research methods.
Contact Us
Questions? Feel free to reach out to learn more about our programs.
Tel: (651) 962-5470
Email: kmgoodwin@stthomas.edu
Fax: (651) 962-5209
Mailing Address
Mail OSS 402
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
We are located on the fourth floor of the O’Shaughnessy Science Hall