SMI
Science, Mathematics, and Informatics Department

Science, Mathematics, and Informatics Department

Earl Shaner
Class of 2012
BS Informatics
Read more about Earl »
Student Spotlight: Earl Shaner
Life took an unexpected turn for Earl Shaner when the factory where he worked closed, leaving him unemployed. He applied the work ethic from that job to pursuing a career in informatics at Indiana University Kokomo.

“I really like programming,” Shaner said. “I like messing with computers and making things happen.”

He had previously earned an associate’s degree in computer information systems and database management. As a student at IU Kokomo he has excelled, and he enjoys his field of study.

His favorite class has been a programming class where he learned the ins and outs of Android programming.

During an independent study, he created an Android application that tracks golf scores, courses played and other golfing variables. Shaner also created a website users could link to from the application. He has a few minor problems left to iron out in order to create a successful application.

“There is a lot to know about Android programming. It’s very challenging,” Shaner said. “I really enjoy the challenges it brings though. It makes me want to learn more.”

He has also assisted Gongjun Yan, assistant professor of informatics, with a research article about the ways cars communicate and detect each other on the road. Shaner contributed a Visual Basic program to position cars on a test grid.

“Dr. Yan has been a great mentor for me since I’ve been at IU Kokomo,” Shaner said. “He’s a great instructor who simply wants to teach. He makes sure his students succeed.”

As he continues with his studies, Shaner hopes to write and submit an article to an academic journal containing “how to” steps on the best and easiest ways to go about teaching Android programming. Shaner said Android programming is tricky to understand, and he wants to pass on his knowledge to others.

After he receives his bachelor’s degree in May 2012, he hopes to pursue a career in Android or Java programming or work with a website and database.
"I really like programming. I like messing with computers and making things happen."
~ Earl Shaner Class of 2012

It is now official: On July 1, 2012, the Science, Mathematics, and Informatics Department will become the School of Sciences at IU Kokomo!

Dr. Chauret and summer science camp students 2011 The SMI Department is happy to announce its

4^th consecutive Summer Science Camp for

Underrepresented Middle School Students!

This event will be held June 4-15 in Hunt Hall

at IU Kokomo. Click here for more information and the registration form.

In the Science, Mathematics, and Informatics Department, we offer students small class sizes, especially at 300- to 400-level, and research opportunities with faculty. Our programs prepare students for the path they want to take, whether it's a career right after college or entrance into a graduate or a professional school. Our graduates work for a variety of businesses in scientific fields and in information systems.

Pre-Professional Programs!

Are you looking for a great pre-med program that offers small class sizes and the opportunity to interact directly with faculty and other students? At IU Kokomo, several programs in our Science, Mathematics, and Informatics Department will prepare you for the medical training path you want to take, whether it’s a career right after college or entrance into a professional school. Graduates of our biology/biochemistry/chemistry degrees can enter professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or they can continue to graduate programs in biology, chemistry, informatics, and mathematics.

The Bachelor of Arts or Science in biological and physical sciences (BIPH) degree gives you the vehicle for pursuing admission in the master of occupational therapy or doctor of physical therapy programs, which both require a bachelor’s degree.

Marketable Degrees!

We offer degrees in informatics (applied computing) and mathematics, which will prepare well you for the challenges of the 21st century. These graduates are all in high demand. Several minors are also available to provide you with additional experience.

Educational and Extracurricular Opportunities!

Your education at IU Kokomo will be more than just completing coursework, giving you any number of opportunities to conduct independent undergraduate research with faculty either through the Undergraduate Research Summer Institute or by funding from grants held by faculty. You will also be able to have hands-on experience with sophisticated research equipment, such as gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, to name a few. Our SMI Pre-Professional Student Club is very active and will provide leadership and service activities.