Q&A with Robin Aspman-O’Callaghan, Principal Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I have a PhD in Management – Organizational Change and Leadership, minor in Knowledge Management from Walden University. This was my second try at obtaining my doctorate, so never give up!

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: A bad habit from my kids: binge-watch series, then we review them since my eldest is a writer. I also love to read/do research, listen to music, watch movies, garden (mostly in pots on my deck where the sun is), and just enjoy where I live by walking around and taking in my neighborhood, which is Lummi Island.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: IS 330 – Information Systems, IT 471 – Information Technology Ethics

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I have always enjoyed helping people learn, but it was when I was pursuing my own degree that I became convinced there were teaching methods that worked and ones that hinder individuals’ learning. My master’s work on the differences in user interfaces back in 1987 opened the world of IT to me.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: Our students! We have exciting, challenging classes, and this is because both faculty and students care deeply about the process.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I can tell you from experience that if you want to succeed you will, and I am here to help you achieve this success. I also know firsthand how it feels to not be successful. I had completed all my studies in my first doctorate program only to find out that my mentor was no longer available to lead my committee and that I was assigned someone who did not understand any of the work I was doing. It was a terrible blow and I ended up not finishing with that institution. But I did not give up, I re-entered a program years later after much reflection and was successful. It took time, and on my part, some growth, but it was achievable.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: I have learned that our students want specific feedback that will help them grow in their abilities. What are they doing right? What needs correction, or needs more practice? Are there any skills lacking that are hindering the progress of this student’s education? I have also learned it is a good idea to look at our assignments and think out of the box for different ways work can be presented for review.

Q&A with Greg Block, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I received a doctorate in Computer Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. When choosing the topic for my dissertation, I decided I wanted to study people (which is admittedly unusual for a software engineer). I was very interested in uncertainty and uncertainty visualization (how a computer conveys to a user a low level of confidence) and in my research I came across a study that described the trade-offs between cognitive load and uncertainty visualization. Thus, my dissertation was born.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy running trails. I live in southeast Florida, and the landscape is flat but lush with vegetation and all sorts of critters, such as snakes, tortoises, armadillos, otters and possums. I enjoy picking up the litter and debris around the trails to keep the habitat clean for the fauna that live there. If it’s not too late in the day, I head over to the beach with my wife to enjoy the ocean.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: I am teaching CS504, Principles of Software Engineering. I am very passionate about software engineering and enjoy imparting my three decade’s worth of experience to my students. It’s difficult to imagine how my experiences from 30 years ago could still be relevant to today’s software engineer, but key components of engineering include critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills, and those don’t seem to ever go out of style.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I started teaching on day two of starting my software engineering career. To be a successful software engineer, you must be able to articulate your specifications, your design decisions, and your engineering trade-offs, and there is no better way than to mentor a junior engineer. I’ve always taken time to mentor other engineers, and that inspired me to become a teacher, so I could help others full-time.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: CityU has a commitment to its students and to ensuring the faculty is well-versed in pedagogy so they are best positioned to instruct students. Because the university is committed to students, I feel comfortable in working with students to nurture their learning skills, knowing that the students are fully supported by other faculty members and the university.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: Software engineering is not a linear discipline. At times, a solution calls for creativity, while on other occasions, attention to detail and by-the-book thinking is required. Because I have an extensive background in software engineering and working with a diversity of engineers, I know that at times it’s important to nurture creativity, while for other situations, a more canonical response is needed.

Most importantly, I know that I do not have to be the smartest person in the (class) room! I value students who have more experience and understanding than I, just as I value the students who have something to learn from me.

Q&A with John Chan, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: I’ve had a rich educational experience in the U.S. I received my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. My MS/BS degrees are from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst respectively.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy activities in the great outdoors. I regularly participate in Seattle’s tech community events, keeping my technical knowledge up-to-date.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: I enjoy my teaching engagements at CityU. Over the last several years, I have taught both MS and BS courses. Subject matters include: operating systems, data structure and algorithms, data management and network communication, IT service management, programming special topics, cloud computing, data analytics and visualization.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: After 25+ years of working in the IT profession, I wanted to share my academic trainings and deep professional experiences with students. A student is to come away with balanced academic training, the can-do attitude, social responsibility, and the optimism to embrace the challenges ahead with confidence. Motivation, empowerment, and practical know-how skills are some of the key focuses in my classroom.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: I appreciate the diversity in our student backgrounds. CityU offers academic freedom by encouraging the spirit of individuality instead of being a conformist. CityU Seattle’s location provides the ease of engaging with the local tech community and employers. With this, my students and I have a sense that we are in this together in achieving the aspirations of high education.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: Keep your minds open, be willing to explore and learn new ideas and skills. Examine if the course subject matters are relevant to what you want to do, and how the class may help you to broaden your interest with the ultimate goal of finding/doing a job that you enjoy.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: With the busy schedule of our many adult students, I found that course contents with video presentations are the most effective delivery method. This is re-enforced with weekly hands-on lab exercises. For online courses, I leverage discussion forums to share and bring a sense of togetherness among our classmates.

Q&A with Dr. Simon Cleveland, Associate Professor

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love traveling, learning about new cultures, swimming, and reading non-fiction books.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A:

• ITMGMT 510 – Managing the Technology Project
• ITMGM 530: Managing Process Innovation
• IS 350: Systems Analysis and Design.
• IS 450: Software Process Management
• IS 470: IT Service Management

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I have a passion for sharing knowledge that drove me to academia. In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the topic of knowledge sharing via Information and Communication Technologies.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: Because I believe in CityU’s mission to change lives for good by offering high-quality education and am proud that CityU has been recognized as one of the top online universities in the nation.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I will never give up on you, as long as you demonstrate your passion and commitment to learn.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: Students appreciate quick turnaround on their weekly performance. As a result, I strive to provide my feedback and grades within three days after the due date of the assignments.

Q&A with Marie Deschene, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: My PhD is in Information Assurance and Security and it was granted by Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Gosh, there are just so many things for enjoyment. I enjoy trips in my convertible, crafts (such as knitting, cooking, and other crafts) and getting together with friends to experience Puget Sound.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: Currently I teach classes in IT, Information Security, and business. In the past, I’ve taught classes on many IT concepts, Oracle Financial applications, as well as various business productivity tools.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: It is very rewarding to be able to share what has been learned both in the workplace and through studies with others. To watch as people connect with the information and understanding is realized is exciting.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: First and foremost, the people at CityU have always been most professional and kind. Second, I enjoy teaching online because of the flexibility of the approach as well as the different dimensions online classes introduce to learning.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I would suggest they bring to class their experiences and prior learnings to enrich everyone in the class, as well as meeting the expectations of the class readings and assignments (as these will increase new learning in the class).

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: End of course evaluations are wonderful for providing insight into things that are working in a class and things that are less successful. From comments I have incorporated more, and earlier communication to address various things that were mentioned throughout the course. In that way students can be reminded early and often of the expectations.

Q&A with Paul Dooley, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: Ph.D. Information Systems, Nova Southeastern University

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love to read, play golf, watch movies, and run in 5K’s and half-marathons.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: IS 470: IT Service Managment, IS 330: Information Systems

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I find teaching to be a fulfilling and rewarding profession. After many years as a practitioner in the public and private sectors of large organizations, I decided to share my professional and academic experience and knowledge with students interested in business and technology. I strive to promote professional growth and assist students in identifying a path to employment opportunities.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: CityU promotes the philosophy of reflective practitioner education to nurture and support professional competency and professional identity. This approach to education encourages experiential learning which when supplemented with modern tools such as video, audio and social media, facilitates interactive community-based dialog while affording the instructor the opportunity to interject personal experiences into the topics under discussion. This approach also generates valuable two-way feedback that resonates with students for years to come.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: I would tell a student considering enrolling in one of my classes that with hard work, they will not only become educated in the subject matter of the course but will also be prepared to apply the knowledge gained in the associated profession.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: The main lesson learned from end-of-course evaluations is that students are hungry for feedback, both positive and negative. I have learned that the more feedback provided, the greater the chance that the student will excel in the course and value the learning experience.

Q&A with Dr. Clifton Howell, Associate Faculty

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD in Organization and Management with a concentration in Information Technology Management from Capella University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I enjoy playing golf, playing the piano, and performing magic.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: PM401 Fundamentals of Project Management; IS470 IT Service Management; IS471 IT Ethics; PM406 Project Risk and Change Management; ITMGMT540 Managing the Technology Enterprise; ITMGMT575 Technology Implementation and Change; ITMGMT570 Managing the Technology Infrastructure; ITMGMT560 Managing Organizational Learning; MBA520 Managing with Technology.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I began teaching because it allows me to share my passion for business and technology with students who are also interested in these topics.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU courses are very application-oriented even though they also contain some theory. I like the balance between the scholar and practitioner perspectives.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: I always emphasize writing, because good communication skills are important no matter what discipline a student has chosen.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: Students routinely tell me they are putting their lessons learned in the classroom into practice in their jobs right away. It is always good to know that the topics we are studying in class are highly pragmatic.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: In my classes you’ll work hard and learn a lot.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: These evaluations help identify areas in courses that are confusing for students. Because I spend so much time in the courses and have taught them many times, it’s easy for me to overlook something that may be confusing for a student seeing the course for the first time.

Q&A with Steve O’Brien, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: Master of Science in Information Assurance from Norwich University.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I enjoy playing with my kids, am active volunteering with my church, and as a fairly recent transplant to the East Coast from Seattle, my family can regularly be found playing tourists and making our way through as many historical landmarks as possible in the southern mid-Atlantic states.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: Many classes in the MS Information Security program, as well as IS 345 and IS 471 on occasion.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: I started as a challenge to myself, because I wanted to emulate some great instructors I had in my master’s program and to give back to the profession. I kept teaching because of that challenge I get every quarter with a new group of students keeping me on my toes bringing me new questions and exposing me to new ideas.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: I know with every class I’m sure to have students with diverse backgrounds bringing different experiences to the class, which is great. Those different backgrounds mean different ideas, and that means we all learn from each other.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: Bring what you’ve got and share – I love to hear discussion from folks that bring in ideas from backgrounds outside “traditional” IT or security roles. While it’s great to have IT and security professions sharpening their skills, it’s also great to see students with other backgrounds bringing new ideas and experiences (come ye soldiers, developers, paralegals, and engineers!). After all, security applies to all of these fields!

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?

A: While we’re all in the same class together, since that’s not in a classroom, sometimes as the instructor I need to make sure to reach out and proactively make sure everyone is 100% in. It’s not always obvious when someone is slipping out the side door.

Q&A with Patrick Offor, Associate Faculty Member

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?

A: PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Traveling, physical fitness, reading, and writing.

Q: What classes do you teach?

A: IS201

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?

A: To advance students’ knowledge and to remain a life-long learner.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?

A: City University’s academic model is student-centered and I believe that academic retention and transference are mostly possible when the objectives and the design of education are learner-centered, task-centered, and problem-solving-centered.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?

A: There is always a net gain in learning…you cannot always say that about other human activities. Therefore, give me your motivation and eagerness to learn and I will go beyond the call of duty help you learn.