CORE FACULTY

Samir Chatterjee - Professor

  

As an engineer by training, I like to design and build things. While completing my graduate education in computer science, I became interested in designing software artifacts that could solve real human problems. Since joining CGU SISAT in 2001, my main research focus has been in the design, implementation and testing of networking protocols and telecommunication software. CGU has provided me the benefit of drawing upon the expertise of several colleagues and their disciplines and hence today, the research projects my students and I are involved in are highly inter-disciplinary.

In 2002, I founded the Network Convergence Laboratory (NCL). Our work integrates various aspects of social science, evaluation methods and technology building. For example, one of the projects we are launching is focused on designing interactive mobile software applications to persuade positive human behavior change. We are particularly targeting chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes as these ailments are largely made worse due to poor eating and exercise habits. This requires expertise in behavior change theories, context-aware server design and wireless networking.

The students in our program bring valuable industry experience, maturity and diligence to the research projects they are involved in. Though many of our students are full-time professionals attending part-time, the experience and insights they bring to the classroom and research are quite valuable. CGU's small scale, family-like environment and collegial surrounding makes it an excellent place to work and do research. In addition, I think the fact that we are all striving hard to make this world a better place through research truly sets our school apart from other technology based programs.

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Thomas A. Horan - Dean, Professor

  

I have been associated with the Claremont Graduate University for over two decades - now that's commitment! I came here in the early 1980's as a graduate student, went back to the East Coast for a while, and then happily came back as a faculty member some 12 years ago.

What first attracted me to come to CGU is what still motivates me today. Namely, I have found no other place where graduate-level research and teaching can occur in such an intimate and transdisciplinary manner. The supportive environment of SISAT has allowed me to excel in research, and now direct two research institutes. It has also allowed me to work closely with students in discovering key aspects of e-health and e-governmental systems.

My classes are always quite dynamic, featuring field research, student-led case studies and well as presentations and critiques of leading theories and practices in information systems. I find both the research and learning here to be fast-paced, innovative, and stimulating. Most of all, I appreciate the collaborative culture of the school as such an environment fosters bold thinking about contributions that information systems can make to organizations and society. 

Dr. Horan's CV

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Gondy Leroy - Associate Professor

  

I began my education with experimental, cognitive psychology (a Bachelor's and Master's degree) but then switched to information technology (Master's and PhD degree) because of the many exciting academic and professional opportunities this field offers. I especially enjoy the opportunity to study as well as affect people's interaction with information technology.

When I joined CGU in 2003, I founded the Intelligent Systems Lab (http://isl.cgu.edu) where we design, develop and evaluate algorithms and systems. All our projects have a positive, societal focus and our goal is to improve people's lives either directly or indirectly. For example, we work on algorithms for web sites that can help people better understand online health information, which is often too difficult for people without medical knowledge to understand. We also develop software to help autistic children communicate better and we are working on a website that will help detectives interview witnesses of crimes.

The School of Information Systems and Technology is a research intensive school and I encourage students I work with to get involved in research as soon as possible. My students work on projects in teams. I have them publish as first author in journals and at conferences, e.g., AMIA, HICSS, DGO, and several IEEE conferences among others. Being a research assistant in the Intelligent Systems Lab means that you are involved in research from the start, not grading exams or homework. This early research involvement translates into more publications and prepares you for an outstanding career after you graduate.

CGU SISAT will provide you with excellent opportunities to do serious research with a positive impact on society.

Dr. Leroy's CV

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Lorne Olfman - Professor

  

I have been on faculty at CGU/SISAT for 21 years, and for me the best single aspect of this university and program is the students because they have carefully chosen this program, and they are motivated to learn.

It is likely that you will choose us because you like our small class sizes and our caring attitude. I utilize these strengths in designing classes that are student-centered. This is reflected in a statement I write in each syllabus: "The approach we will use for this course takes the view that the instructor and students work in a collaborative effort that recognizes the uniqueness of each person. As such, we are all co-producers in learning." I am certain you will find my discovery learning approach to be challenging and rewarding.

I use innovative approaches to teaching and apply technology to facilitate and manage my classes. This fits closely with my research agenda, which features the use of design and action research to enhance social technologies such as e-portfolios, collaboration tools, and knowledge management systems.

Along with Professor Ryan, I welcome you to join the Social Learning Software Lab (SL2), if it is your interest. The lab features many faculty- as well as student-driven research projects. You will be part of regular meetings in which we discuss our research projects and ideas, share literature reviews, and make practice presentations for conference papers and dissertation orals. We also have ongoing meetings among research sub-groups such as the one that is currently designing more effective e-portfolio systems.

Dr. Olfman's Biography

Dr. Olfman's CV

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Terry Ryan - Professor

  

When I left the corporate world long ago to become an IS&T researcher, I hoped to become part of a community of scholars and do worthwhile research. Since I've been at SISAT, I've been able to realize both those hopes. I have found exceptional colleagues and students here, a small community of researchers who are well-connected to various world-wide communities of information systems and technology scholars. Whether I've been studying software development or social learning support, I've found others here at SISAT to work with.

My research and teaching has long been concerned with how people communicate about and with information technology. Lorne Olfman and I have been running the Social Learning Software Lab (SL2) for several years now, working with students and visiting researchers on the design and implementation of tools to promote social learning in all its forms. In addition, I've been privileged to work with current and former students, colleagues, and visitors on other projects that have kept me excited about arriving every day for work.

SISAT is a great place to be an IS&T researcher and student. It's part of an excellent small university, in a beautiful and comfortable town, next to one of the coolest cities in the world. Students here study some of the hottest topics in IS&T, including Health Informatics and GIS. Researchers here pursue some of the most important IS&T research questions being tackled anywhere. In all, I have a hard time imagining any place I'd rather be. If you are interested in a really high-quality education that's informed by great research, you're looking at the right place.

Dr. Ryan's CV

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