Computer Science | Grinnell College

On Thursday, February 9, Kate Ingersoll 2013 and Kimberly Spasaro 2014 will present results from their summer 2011 research:

Our goal was to create a scripting console for the open-source vector-graphics program Inkscape. We'll explain the technical process of creating the console, specifically the method of using dbus to create intra-process communication between internal Inkscape commands and Scheme functions. The presentation will also cover the applications of scriptable media programs, both as a tool for graphic design and as an environment for teaching computer science. The talk will conclude with a thrilling demonstration of the working Inkscape console, as we walk though examples of how simple Scheme commands in the InkScript console can create complex and interesting images.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). The talk, "Media scripting with Inkscape," will follow at 4:30 p.m. in Noyce 3821. Everyone is welcome to attend!

On Thursday, February 2, John Stone will discuss the development of software in modern Scheme:

The Revised⁶ report on the algorithmic language Scheme introduces several new constructions into the language that enable programmers to impose a modular structure on their code, simplifying large-scale program development and promoting even greater flexibility in adapting the language to particular applications. This talk illustrates some of the possibilities, drawing on two examples: (0) a reimplementation in R⁶RS of the Smark programmable filter, and (1) an extensive algorithm library, created for the textbook Algorithms for functional programming.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). The talk, "Software development using R6RS libraries," will follow at 4:30 p.m. in Noyce 3821. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Our final Thursday Extra of the semester will be on December 8.

It's time to begin thinking about applications for summer internships and full-time jobs. Associate Dean and Director of Career Development Mark Peltz and CS alum Ian Atha '09 will join the CS faculty and CS SEPC for a workshop on crafting résumés geared toward positions in computing. We will discuss résumé strategies, tips, look at several examples, and answer your questions. We welcome and encourage students at all levels to attend.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). The workshop and discussion will follow at 4:30 p.m. in Noyce 3821. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This Friday at CS Table, Kim and Josh will be leading a discussion about Mapping Trends in Health Care. The readings are available at the following link: http://foswiki.cs.grinnell.edu/foswiki/bin/view/Courses/HealthCareAndCom... We'll meet at noon in JRC 224A. Please feel free to e-mail [raymondw] if you have any questions!

On December 1, Paul Tymann, Professor and Chair of the Computer Science Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will present a talk in the Thursday Extra series:

Steganography refers to the science and art of hiding messages in other objects. The computer and in particular digital forms of information have created new ways in which messages can be hidden. This talk will discuss steganography in general, and then will focus on two simple techniques that can be used to hide messages in digital images.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). Professor Tymann's talk, "Steganography," will follow at 4:30 p.m. in Noyce 3821. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This Friday at CS Table, Josh and I will lead a discussion of health information technology in the global context. For readings, see http://foswiki.cs.grinnell.edu/foswiki/bin/view/Courses/HealthCareAndCom...

On Thursday, 17 November 2011, Jillian Goetz '10 will join us for an informal CS extra. Jillian, who is in her second year in a graduate program in bioinformatics, will talk about the transition from Grinnell to graduate school and will answer questions students have about her experiences in applying to graduate school, starting graduate programs, and working in an interdisciplinary field.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). An informal discussion will continue at 4:30 p.m. in the same location. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This Friday, November 11, at CS Table, Josh and Benji will be leading a discussion about Diagnostic Aids for Practitioners. The readings can be found at the following link: http://foswiki.cs.grinnell.edu/foswiki/bin/view/Courses/HealthCareAndCom... We'll meet at noon in JRC 224A. Please feel free to e-mail [raymondw] if you have any questions!

On November 10, the computer science department's faculty will discuss summer opportunities for computer science students.

It's never to soon to think about what you're going to do next summer! While summer may seem far away, taking advantage of some of the better summer opportunities requires advance planning - for example, some programs have deadlines in January or February.

At this session, members of the CS department and the Career Development Office will discuss typical summer options available in computer science - research, internships, and more. They will also suggest strategies for developing your applications. At a separate session, to be held early next semester, the CS faculty will describe summer research opportunities available at Grinnell.

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 p.m. in the Computer Science Commons (Noyce 3817). the talk and discussion will follow at 4:30 p.m. in Noyce 3821. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This Friday at CS Table, Liyan and Martin D. will be leading a discussion about Dr. Google vs. your Practitioner. The readings can be found at the following link: http://foswiki.cs.grinnell.edu/foswiki/bin/view/Courses/HealthCareAndCom... We'll meet at noon in JRC 224A. Please feel free to e-mail [raymondw] if you have any questions!