The strength of the College of IST is demonstrated through the successes and accomplishments of its students, faculty, alumni, and programs. Read more about how the college and its people are driving innovative change and taking on the challenges of the Information Age.
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Penn State Brandywine’s Andy Landmesser named IST Faculty Member of the Year
November 10, 2022
Andy Landmesser, assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Brandywine, was recently named the College of Information Sciences and Technology Statewide Faculty Member of the Year. He was presented with the award at the fall IST faculty meeting on Nov. 7.
Berks IST professor honored as INFORMS Volunteer Service Award recipient
November 9, 2022
Abdullah Konak, distinguished professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks, received the 2022 INFORMS Volunteer Service Award in October during the annual ceremony in Indianapolis.
World Campus student makes an impact for veterans through IT internship
November 9, 2022
Michelle Wiemer has had the opportunity to explore different lines of work and meet people from all walks of life through her journey as a military spouse. She recently discovered an industry that inspired her to make a career change, and decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in security and risk analysis through Penn State World Campus.
Penn State employees and staff share ‘Profiles of Service’
November 9, 2022
This week at Penn State features a variety of events including the 11th annual military appreciation football game against the University of Maryland on Nov. 12. Both Centre County and State College Borough also have presented proclamations in support of Military Appreciation Week to recognize veterans and active-duty service members.
IST Identity Talks series presents ‘Careers in Consulting’ on Nov. 16
November 8, 2022
Members of the Penn State community are invited to join the College of Information Sciences and Technology for “IST Identity Talks – Careers in Consulting,” to be held virtually from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
High-tech tool to perform low-cost health screening for newborns and mothers
November 8, 2022
A new, $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering will allow Penn State researchers to develop artificial intelligence-based software that can evaluate the health of a newborn and their mother with only a photograph of the baby’s placenta.
Grant to explore using computers to help groups make better decisions
November 8, 2022
National Science Foundation grants to Penn State and Iowa State could lead to an interactive, computer-aided, decision-support tool that can help groups of people make better choices.
NSF grant to help reimagine first-year experiences through diverse lens
November 2, 2022
A Penn State research team aims to meet the unique needs of increasingly diverse student bodies by reimagining first-year learning experiences in technology-related degree programs at U.S. universities, thanks to a new $296,804 grant from the National Science Foundation.
New coding tool could aid computer programmers who are blind or have low vision
November 1, 2022
A new tool could help make code reading, navigating and editing more accessible and efficient for blind and low-vision computer programmers, according to Penn State researchers. The tool, called Grid Editor, serves as a modification to traditional code editors that programmers use to add lines of code when updating features and functions in software.
IST professor to present McMurtry Lecture on Nov. 10
October 31, 2022
William Parquette, professor of practice in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, will present the college’s annual McMurtry Lecture at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in E202 Westgate Building on the University Park campus.
IST Q&A: Alumna Mary Ward defines data-driven features for iRobot Home app
October 28, 2022
As a senior digital product manager for the iRobot organization, Mary Ward defines and drives the strategy and personalized data-driven features for the iRobot Home mobile app. In her role, Ward, who earned a bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology from Penn State in 2016 and a master’s degree in enterprise architecture and business transformation through Penn State World Campus in 2019, serves to ensure her company’s product meets the desires and needs of customers.
International consortium to better assess Africa drought risks, boost resilience
October 27, 2022
An international, Penn State-led consortium aims to improve drought risk analysis and management and increase societal resilience in Africa, funded by a three-year, $1.1 million grant from the Belmont Forum.
IST student diversifies wearable tech health data apps through Google internship
October 26, 2022
This summer, Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology doctoral student Sahiti Kunchay put her knowledge and skills to the test as a research intern at Google.
Researchers to use $1.2 million grant to study early Alzheimer’s detection
October 26, 2022
A team of Penn State-led researchers received a $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to help fund a project to develop a machine learning system for early Alzheimer’s disease detection.
Witzig named director of Penn State's Center for Security Research and Education
October 25, 2022
Lisa Witzig has been appointed director of Penn State’s Center for Security Research and Education. CSRE was created in 2017 to provide an interdisciplinary approach to security-related topics across Penn State and consists of 11 contributing academic and research units from across the University.
Witzig new director of Center for Security Research and Education
October 25, 2022
Lisa Witzig has been appointed director of Penn State’s Center for Security Research and Education. CSRE was created in 2017 to provide an interdisciplinary approach to security-related topics across Penn State and consists of 11 contributing academic and research units from across the University.
IST students celebrate women in tech at annual Grace Hopper conference
October 24, 2022
Six Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology students attended the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Orlando, Florida, in late September to learn, network and celebrate the contributions women have made in the technology industry.
IST skills set technology director, captains up for success at Homecoming
October 19, 2022
With almost 11 months of planning and preparation, Penn State Homecoming returns this week with a full slate of activities. With tens and hundreds of thousands of users expected to visit the website during Homecoming week, Homecoming Director of Technology Josh Bauer and his team — which includes a number of his fellow students in the College of Information Sciences and Technology — has been working to manage site traffic and ensure users can navigate the site smoothly.
IST’s Anna Squicciarini named cyberspace program director at NSF
October 18, 2022
Anna Squicciarini, Frymoyer Chair in Information Sciences and Technology, has been named a program director in the Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace cluster of the National Science Foundation, effective Sept. 26.
AI language models show bias against people with disabilities, study finds
October 13, 2022
The algorithms that drive natural language processing technology — a type of artificial intelligence that allows machines to use text and spoken words in many different applications — often have tendencies that could be offensive or prejudiced toward individuals with disabilities, according to researchers at the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology.
IST Identity Talks series presents ‘Paving the Way for Change’ on Oct. 19
October 11, 2022
Members of the Penn State community are invited to join the College of Information Sciences and Technology for “IST Identity Talks — Paving the Way for Change,” to be held virtually from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Project aims to use artificial intelligence to turn health data into predictions
October 11, 2022
A $599,883 grant from the National Science Foundation could help scientists use machine learning algorithms to use large amounts of data to guide decisions on a range of issues, from disease spread to economic meltdowns to social unrest.
Workshop explores artificial intelligence for biomedical, health research
September 30, 2022
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) will co-host a workshop, "Harnessing the Power of EHR Data and AI to Advance Biomedical Research," that will focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for biomedical and health record research. The workshop will feature three presentations from Penn State College of Medicine research groups that are applying AI techniques to advance their research.
Penn State Alumni Fellow offers service and support to alma mater
September 28, 2022
Across more than three decades of service, Penn State graduate Larry Raiman has seized opportunities to mentor students, host internships, volunteer on development campaigns and devise original co-curricular programming — and he backed that service with support for all three imperatives of the University’s recently concluded fundraising campaign, “A Greater Penn State for 21st -Century Excellence.”
IST students form meaningful connections, celebrate diversity at Tapia
September 27, 2022
Fourteen College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) students attended the three-day ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference in Washington, D.C., in early September to celebrate diversity in computing.
Nittany AI Alliance preps students for development and leadership roles in AI
September 22, 2022
Students advancing solutions in health, education, environment, and humanitarianism are making a difference in the world around them through the work they are advancing as part of the Nittany AI Alliance.
Center for Socially Responsible AI accepting seed funding proposals
September 21, 2022
Penn State’s Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence is inviting short proposals for its annual seed funding program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 1, with projects expected to start in spring 2023 and last for up to two years.
People who distrust fellow humans show greater trust in artificial intelligence
September 19, 2022
A person’s distrust in humans predicts they will have more trust in artificial intelligence’s ability to moderate content online, according to a recently published study. The findings, the researchers say, have practical implications for both designers and users of AI tools in social media.
Students encouraged to apply for AI center affiliate status
September 15, 2022
Penn State’s Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence is accepting applications for its Student Affiliates Program. Graduate and undergraduate students from all Penn State campuses are eligible to apply. Applications will remain open indefinitely and can be submitted online.
Bill Parquette earns IST’s McMurtry Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award
September 15, 2022
William Parquette, professor of practice in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, was recently named the recipient of the college’s 2022-23 George McMurtry Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.
Users trust AI as much as humans for flagging problematic content
September 15, 2022
Social media users may trust artificial intelligence — AI — as much as human editors to flag hate speech and harmful content, according to researchers.
IST doctoral student named Scholar of Sexology Fellow by Kinsey Institute
September 12, 2022
Mia Hua, a Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology doctoral student, is the recent recipient of a competitive Scholars of Sexology Fellowship from the Kinsey Institute — a renowned source at Indiana University for critical issues in sexuality, gender and reproduction.
College of IST welcomes 9 new faculty members
September 9, 2022
Nine new full-time faculty members have joined the College of Information Sciences and Technology this year, enhancing the college’s academic programs and strengthening its research portfolio.
New baseball statistic gauges pitcher's strikeout efficiency
September 9, 2022
Baseball teams could soon have a better concept of pitcher strikeout efficiency — particularly when an opposing team’s player is on third base at risk of scoring a run — thanks to a new statistic developed by a Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) student.
Aspiring professor pursues dual IST graduate degrees
September 2, 2022
By the time Antonio Girona receives his doctorate degree, which he expects to earn in 2025, he will have been a student in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) for more than a decade. After earning a bachelor's degree in information sciences and technology in 2018, Girona is now simultaneously pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in the college with the ultimate goal of one day becoming a professor.
Duffetts create IST scholarship to open doors for future cybersecurity leaders
August 31, 2022
Over two decades ago, when Andy Duffett visited Penn State as a high school student, he was inspired by Jim Thomas, the dean of the then-School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) that opened its doors in 1999.
A beautiful internship: IST student drives tech design at Estée Lauder Companies
August 30, 2022
Since she was a little girl, Lauren Pearl has had a dream to one day live and work in New York City. She came one step closer to making that dream a reality this summer, through a 10-week internship with the Estée Lauder Companies.
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences opens 2022 Symposium registration
August 30, 2022
Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences opened registration for its fall symposium, Oct. 12-14, aimed at exploring the role data science and artificial intelligence plays in creating a sustainable, resilient and equitable future. It will include a judged, industry-sponsored poster session for undergraduate and graduate students working in data science or AI.
Art history, IST receive grant to continue collaborative research project
August 29, 2022
The collaborative research project conducted by the Department of Art History and the College of Information Sciences and Technology, titled “After Constable’s Clouds,” is Phase 2 of “Seeing Constable’s Clouds,” which was supported by a level 1 National Endowment for the Humanities grant.
In the 'spirit': IST intern grows tech, interpersonal skills at Bacardi
August 23, 2022
Ella Maquito spent the summer helping a major spirits brand increase its global reach. As an information technology intern at Bacardi, Maquito worked with the company’s brand homes software on the digital commerce team to conduct user interface and user experience testing.
IST intern analyzes data, informs game plans for Giants' Arizona Complex League
August 19, 2022
College of Information Sciences and Technology senior Mojisoluwa Awe spent her summer as a data analyst for two of the Arizona Complex League affiliate teams of the San Francisco Giants. A student studying data sciences, Awe created post-game reports, communicated player development trends with coaches, and generated scouting reports on opposing players.
IST student gains data privacy training through IAPP internship
August 16, 2022
This summer, College of Information Sciences and Technology senior Parker Kirby had the opportunity to gain hands-on industry training and gain more experience as a data scientist or analyst through his internship with the International Association of Privacy Professionals — the world’s largest information privacy organization.
Deepfakes expose vulnerabilities in certain facial recognition technology
August 11, 2022
Mobile devices use facial recognition technology to help users quickly and securely unlock their phones, make a financial transaction or access medical records. But facial recognition technologies that employ a specific user-detection method are highly vulnerable to deepfake-based attacks that could lead to significant security concerns for users and applications, according to new research involving the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology.
IST intern fosters data science skills in middle- and high-school AI campers
August 8, 2022
Rising College of Information Sciences and Technology senior Nathan Reilly has taken his data sciences skills and knowledge to summer camp. As an intern and instructor for AI Camp, Reilly has fostered his passion for coding and artificial intelligence in middle and high school students from around the world.
IST intern builds career skills, improves community in Lowe’s summer program
August 5, 2022
As a software engineering intern at Lowe’s this summer, College of Information Sciences and Technology student Hannah Kern has been exposed to a number of new experiences and technologies while developing code — including learning new computer programming languages. Through the internship program, she also participated in community service projects, such as creating kits for elementary school students to use in their STEAM curriculum.
Strong community support drives success for IST student marshal
August 2, 2022
When James Reese represents the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) as student marshal at the summer commencement ceremony this month, it will be, in part, thanks to members of the IST community who believed in him.
IST student aims to improve airport experience for travelers with disabilities
August 1, 2022
Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology student Veronica Jenkins recently worked with real-world data to conceptualize improvements in airport operations for individuals with disabilities.
Researchers get $2M NSF grant to develop Africa water-food-energy network
July 29, 2022
A team of Penn State researchers has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a three-institution team developing the “SustainFood Network,” which will link scientists, communities and policymakers in addressing challenges at the nexus of water, energy and food security in Africa.
IST intern aids in SiriusXM/Pandora user experience research
July 27, 2022
Through a summer internship with SiriusXM/Pandora, Renkai Ma is studying how music listeners and creators interact with the company’s product features. While his work will help the legacy music streaming service actively grow brand awareness among younger listeners and improve the process for content creators, it will also help Ma advance his knowledge and research in the field of human-computer interaction.
IST surpasses fundraising goal in 'Greater Penn State' campaign
July 25, 2022
The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology has raised $20,123,741 and helped the University achieve record-breaking success in its recently concluded campaign, “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence.”