Deborah Nelson
I first began using a computer when I was in first grade. I used it to type and play educational games. My favorites were the Where is Carmen Sandiego type games. I have always used a PC. On a daily basis, I now use a computer for word processing, to manage music and pictures, and on the internet: research,daily news, communication with friends in Australia, etc. During the school year,I program a lot. This summer I worked as a research assistant to Professor Susan Rodger. There is a link at the bottom to the website from our work.
I've always enjoying playing around on a computer. I remember telling people in middle school that my career would involve computers. I did not take any computer science classes in high school (they weren't offered). At Duke, I actually decided to take CS 1 in order to fill a QS requirement. At first I had a hard time understanding certain concepts. But by the end, I realized how much I enjoyed it. So that's when I became interested in continuing my CS studies. On a daily basis, computer scientists develop materials related to computers, teach, or conduct research.
My worst computer science experience was the MIPS simulator I programmed for CS 104. The reason for this was because I had such a difficult time figuring it out and ended up turning it in late - a first and only. I think it really exposed a lot of my programming deficiencies in Java.
My favorite programming project was the work I did with MIPS in CS 104. It was so appealing because it was fun to work at such a base level of computer programming. And I knew I wouldn't have to be so meticulous for an extended period of my life, just for the projects. :-).
In the future, computers will continue to inform and improve my daily life. At this point, I will probably pursue a masters degree in computer science. But only God knows.
NanoGoogle: partner Dylan Wengert. Due Oct 10, 2008
Fennec: Team members: Jay Morris, JP Cafaro,Micah Jasper. Due Nov 11, 2008
Vooga: Team members: Jay Morris, JP Cafaro, Sarah Jung, Micah Jasper. Due Dec 11, 2008