Lizann Epley (ladyhawk@usit.net)
HCI (or other behavioral, experimental design, etc.) courses taken:
Last semester I took one of the junior level intro to HCI courses taught by Dr. Rosson. I have to admit that before taking the class, I had very little concept as to what it would entail. However, I found it quite fascinating once I had a clue. For design work, I have taken the standard CS fare. As I find creativity quite helpful in any kind of design work, I will mention the I am both a writer (creative and essay style) and an artist. In the Intro HCI course, my group elected me the writer for all the reports and projects, and I rather enjoyed the opportunity.

Software development skills:
Given the cirriculum here, I think it is safe to say that I am well versed in MS Visual C. I also know a good deal about html. Unfortunately, this about covers my knowledge of programming languages. However, I have a great deal of interest in learning Java, so am certainly not opposed to working in the language.

Research interests:
I have a lot of interest in several topics in CS, all of which I want to study and research. Artificial Intelligence is high up on the list, as well as HCI and software engineering. I want to combine these areas to study ways in which computers can be used to enhance the lives of those in need - to begin to focus on how we can use this phenominal technology to better the lives of those less fortunate. This marraige of technology and humanity is long overdue, I believe. (OK, so some work has been done, but I think there is a long way we can still go down that path.) Oh, and did I mention my interest in robotics??

Personal information:
I am not married, though I am not single either ;> My daughter is a five year old Austrian Shepard, and as much as I have tried to make her stop, she just won;t stop shedding. I was a gymnast, and a gymnastics coach (and love to teach kids!). I love to write (poetry and short stories based on true stories) and with luck by the end of the semester hope to have found a publisher. For fun I like to play pool and darts. I strive everyday to work towards opening the minds of those around me, just by being me - educating by example, or something like that. Occasionally I do class talks about prejudice, or rather ending it.

Known schedule constraints:
Probably the biggest 'constaint' aside from classes is the fact that I live in Radford. Last semester we had a little bit of a problem organizing meetings because no one was willing to come out here. Although I do not mind going to Blacksburg for meetings, I prefer to have the meetings close to my class times, if possible, so that I can avoid special trips. My classes (aside from this one) run from 10-1 MWF, and from 11-12:15 TH. Also, I prefer (as possible) to get my classwork done during the week, as my significant other is at JMU, and well, it is nice to visit ;>