Computer Science and
Information Systems @ SUU

Professor Rob Robertson is currently working on his dissertation towards a  Ph.D. in Information Systems. He completed all the coursework in December 2005. This past year he has also been working on the ABET Accreditation process for the Computer Science and Information Systems programs. Rob has also had two papers accepted at different conferences. One paper on Security Auditing was accepted at the IEEE Southeast Conference. The second paper on A Vulnerability assessment model, was accepted at the Global Information Technology Management Association Conference, and will be presented there in June. Students in the Web development class have worked hard this spring semester to help the Development office here at SUU to provide them with some new ideas on their web site. A new network security class was also developed and offered this spring to students.

Professor Tabby Harraf is in the process of completing the Computer Examiner Certification through the Cyber-Crime Institute at Kennesaw State University.

Certification in the field of computer forensics can provide an individual with the credibility of having mastered the techniques of retrieving evidence. Through this training, one can learn to retrieve evidence and prepare reports based on that evidence that will stand up in a court of law.
To apprehend digital criminals, computer forensics has become an integral part of crime investigation and security. Currently, there aren’t enough certified computer examiners to meet the corporate and law enforcement demand for advanced skill sets.
Professor Harraf attended the 4th annual Cybercrime Summit sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of High Technology Crime Investigation Association and the CyberCrime Institute at Kennesaw State University on February 27 – March 3, 2006. The Summit brought together more that 350 attendees from the United States as well as Europe. Conference attendees were able to listen to more than 70 of the nation's top information security and computer forensic experts present critical topics for organizations in the public and private sectors. Topics for the 2006 Summit included computer forensics, email investigation, encryption, wireless security, and much more. Summit attendees also had the opportunity to receive hands-on experience using forensic software such as Guidance’s EnCase and AccessData’s Forensic Toolkit.

The mission of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) is to provide a learning-centered environment that enables students, faculty, and staff to achieve their goals and to empower our students to compete on a global level for careers in government, industry, secondary education, and acceptance to graduate school.

As the new department chair with the assistance of the prominent and dedicated faculty in the department, we are committed in providing students with a high-quality education and guidance and help them to develop the attributes of critical thinking, effective communication, lifelong learning, and individual integrity.
Students are the main focus of all efforts in the CSIS department and therefore one of our primary objectives is to ensure and encourage student participation in all activities related to their education in the department. I believe that the students’ participation and involvement assist in the formation of a unique learning environment that will support in building their confidence.
In order to accomplish our mission and to ensure that our programs are up-to-date, meet industry demand, and have the latest development in the field, we will build a close relationship with the regional related industry that will insure a current curriculum and will bring practical experience to classes through real-world projects. The students will learn the theoretical aspect of their education through practicality with industrial projects.
To secure the highest quality in our programs, the department is actively seeking ABET accreditation that ensures continues improvement in our programs and better recognition of our graduates as a nationally- recognized stamp of quality. I believe that, with the undergoing efforts in the department, we will deliver the best computing programs in the region.
Our goal is to expose our students to a broad skill set with a focus on developing an ability to adapt to future changes in the field, accomplishing the capability required for a life time learning, effective communication, and superior interpersonal skills.

Dr. Nasser Tadayon is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Southern Utah University. He received his PhD degree in Computer Science from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and his primary research interest in the area of Neural Network and Software Engineering.

SUU will be offering a new Masters Degree in Forensic Science beginning Fall 2006.  This is a unique degree and is not offered anywhere else in the state.  With facilities such as the Utah State Crime Lab, Moot Court Room, and Crime Scene Lab, SUU is uniquely poised to offer such a degree. The Computer Science emphasis will offer students the opportunity to learn about digital forensics,  computer systems security, cyber-crime, and network and Internet security.
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The Computer Science and Information Systems Department launched the “Computer Club” this year. The computer club members have been active in volunteering their expertise in troubleshooting the computing needs of the community members, preparing and presenting internet security topics to students at on-campus housing, organizing networking social for high school students, and helping the department during the Technology Day. For further information on the club and/or how to get involved, please contact Professor Tabby Harraf, the club advisor at harraft@suu.edu or drop by her office at ELC 414.

Dr. Dezhi Wu is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems in the CSIS Department at Southern Utah University. She received her Ph. D. degree in Information Systems from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Dr. Wu’s teaching interests include Principles of Information Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Systems Analysis and Design, E-business Systems and Information Systems Evaluation and Research Methodology.  Her primary research interests are in capturing and designing temporal structures into electronic time management/calendar systems.

 This has involved work on modeling the relationship between personal use of temporal structures involving electronic calendar systems and the quality of individual time management. She has also worked in the areas of human-computer interaction (HCI), computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), mobile collaboration, global virtual teams, personalization systems and technology-mediated learning. Prior to joining in SUU, she was an active member of a few NSF sponsored research projects including heterogeneous mobile collaboration, emergency information systems, and asynchronous learning networks. She was also a visiting scholar in Rutgers University. Her publications have appeared in Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks and the proceedings of a number of leading Information Systems conferences, which include Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), America Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), the IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man & Cybernetics, International Conference on Information Resources Management (IRMA), and International Conference of ISOneWorld etc.

The Utah State Board of Regents has started the process of selecting a new president for SUU and have appointed Dr. Greg Stauffer to serve as interim president during this transition. Dr. Stauffer has been at SUU for the past 11 years and currently serves as the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Services.  Dr. Stauffer will assume his new duties sometime in mid-May after President Bennion leaves office.

To read more about the President's retirement and the replacement process, visit the SUU News Website.

The CSIS Department and College of Computing, Integrated Engineering and Technology (CIET) recognized their outstanding students with a both a departmental open house and college awards banquet on April 20, 2006.

CSIS Students were recognized for their contributions to the Department, College, and University and for outstanding academic performance throughout the year.

Graduating seniors were also recognized during the departmental open house and received a graduation gift from the faculty. 

The CSIS Faculty wishes each and every award winner and graduate much success in their future endeavors.

 2005-2006 Student Awards
Given at the CCIET Banquet
Thursday, April 20, 2006

Dustin Hofeling
Computer Science Outstanding Scholar

Kristine Kartchner
Information Systems Outstanding Scholar

Brett Zufelt
CS Outstanding Student

Christopher Franklin
CS Outstanding Student

Craig Blodgett
IS Outstanding Student

Austin Sherman
IS Outstanding Student

• Have an interesting story to tell?

• Want to let your fellow alumni know what you've been up to?

• Been promoted or earned a new degree?

E-mail the Department at csisinfo@suu.edu and let us hear from you.  In future issues, we'd like to feature you, our graduates, in this newsletter.