By Regina Stracqualursi ’15
At Siena College, computer science students are able to gain professional experience before crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas.
As part of the program requirements, all senior computer science majors are required to take two capstone courses, Software Engineering I and II. In these courses, students develop software for a real-life client. Over two semesters, students are taught the principles of software engineering while simultaneously learning about project management, professional interaction and personal responsibility when working in a team.
“Employers are very impressed by the fact that our students have worked on a real-world project, with a real client,” said Professor of Computer Science Tim Lederman, Ph.D. “When the students apply for job and a faculty member is asked for reference information, this class allows a faculty member to give valuable information regarding the students’ skills, reliability, and ability to work with others.”
This year, computer science and mathematics major Anna Grant ’15 has been working with her team, SMARK Solutions, on a project for Grassroots Givers, a local charity organization. Her team members include computer science majors Mary Ritchie ’15 and Ryan Martin ’15 and mathematics major Salvatore Baisley ’15.
The students are creating an application for the Grassroots Givers’ community store, a place where customers are able to “shop with dignity.” Their project will help the organization maintain customer profiles and history, track the inflow and outflow of supplies, and log donations and donor information.
“The experience is extremely rewarding because we are creating an actual application that our clients will be able to use towards an important cause,” said Grant. “It is exciting to be able to see the gratitude of someone who really appreciates the work we are doing.”
While Grant’s team members are excited to help such a deserving organization, they also acknowledge that they have benefitted greatly from this experience.
“Software Engineering I and II have been a great transition from college courses to real world application of computer science,” said Grant. “We have learned, through both lecture and assignment, the life cycle of creating a product for a client who has expectations and obstacles.”
Computer science students have also been able to use their skills to make a direct impact in the Siena community. During the 2012-2013 academic year, two groups of students worked with Director of Public Safety Michael Papadopoulos '82 to create a more updated and efficient guest registration system.
Siena College has since expanded on that student project, allowing faculty members to register guests for parking before they arrive on campus.
